Your NAT type determines how easily your device can establish connections over the internet. Visit https://www.whatsmynat.com to run a free NAT type detection.

What does 'Symmetric NAT' mean?

Symmetric NAT is a type of NAT that restricts connections to only known external addresses and ports. It often blocks peer-to-peer applications and gaming unless special configurations are made.

How can I change my NAT type?

You can try changing your NAT type by enabling UPnP, using port forwarding, setting up DMZ on your router, or switching to a public IP. Detailed guides are available on our site.

Why does NAT type affect online gaming?

Strict or Symmetric NAT types may block direct connections to other players, causing lag or disconnections. Open or Cone NAT types provide better gaming experiences.

Is it safe to use a NAT type checker?

Yes. Our NAT checker is safe and only tests connection behavior to determine your NAT classification. No personal data or ports are exposed.

Nintendo Switch NAT Type: How to Fix NAT Type F Issues

June 11, 2025

Nintendo Switch uses a unique NAT classification system that can affect your online gaming experience. If you're getting NAT Type F or experiencing connection issues, here's how to fix them.

Nintendo Switch NAT Types Explained

Nintendo Switch uses letters instead of numbers:

NAT Type A - Best connectivity, similar to Open NAT
NAT Type B - Good connectivity, similar to Moderate NAT
NAT Type C - Limited connectivity
NAT Type D - Restricted connectivity
NAT Type F - Worst connectivity, similar to Strict NAT

How to Check Your Switch NAT Type

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings
Select Internet
Select Test Connection
Wait for the test to complete
Your NAT Type will be displayed at the bottom

Why NAT Type Matters for Switch Games

Games Most Affected by Poor NAT:

Splatoon 3 - Frequent disconnections with NAT F
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Lag and connection drops
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Difficulty joining races
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Problems visiting friends
Pokemon games - Trading and battle issues

Common Problems:

Can't join friends' games
Frequent disconnections
Long matchmaking times
Unable to host games

How to Improve Switch NAT Type

Method 1: Enable UPnP (Easiest)

Access Your Router:
- Open web browser, go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
- Login with admin credentials
Enable UPnP:
- Find Advanced Settings or Network section
- Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
- Save settings and restart router
Test Connection:
- Go back to Switch Internet settings
- Run connection test again

Method 2: Port Forwarding for Switch

Nintendo Switch Ports:

TCP: 6667, 12400, 28910
UDP: 1024-65535

Steps:

Set Static IP for Switch:
- System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings
- Select your network > Change Settings
- IP Address Settings > Manual
- Set a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
Configure Router Port Forwarding:
- Access router admin panel
- Find Port Forwarding section
- Create rules for the ports above
- Point to your Switch's static IP
- Save and restart router

Method 3: DMZ (Use Carefully)

Access router settings
Find DMZ settings
Enter your Switch's IP address
Enable DMZ
Save and restart

⚠️ Warning: DMZ exposes your Switch directly to the internet. Use temporarily for testing only.

Switch-Specific Network Tips

Use 5GHz Wi-Fi When Possible

Switch supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
5GHz typically has less congestion
Better for gaming performance

Optimize Wi-Fi Settings

Change DNS Servers:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
Network Settings:
- System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings
- Select your network > Change Settings
- DNS Settings > Manual
- Enter preferred DNS servers

Wired Connection for Best Results

Use Nintendo Switch Ethernet Adapter
Connect Switch dock to router via Ethernet
Provides most stable connection
Usually improves NAT type significantly

Troubleshooting Common Issues

NAT Type Still F After Changes

Check for Double NAT: Two routers in your setup
Contact ISP: May be using CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT)
Try Mobile Hotspot: Test if issue is router-specific

Games Still Disconnecting

Update Switch System: Ensure latest firmware
Clear DNS Cache: Restart Switch completely
Check Game Servers: Visit Nintendo's network status page

Wi-Fi Connection Unstable

Move Switch Closer: Reduce distance to router
Check Interference: Other devices on same channel
Restart Network Equipment: Modem and router power cycle

Game-Specific Solutions

Splatoon 3

NAT Type A or B required for stable matches
Consider wired connection for ranked battles
Check Splatoon server status during issues

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Ethernet adapter highly recommended for online play
NAT Type F causes frequent disconnections
Enable all Nintendo services in router firewall

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

NAT Type affects visiting other islands
Both players need good NAT types for smooth visits
Consider Nintendo Switch Online family plan for better connectivity

When to Consider Nintendo Switch Online+

Benefits for network connectivity:

Dedicated servers for some games
Better matchmaking algorithms
Cloud saves as backup

Advanced Solutions

Gaming Router Recommendations

Look for routers with:

Gaming mode specifically for Nintendo Switch
QoS controls for gaming traffic
Low-latency gaming features
Strong Wi-Fi 6 support

Network Hardware Checklist

Modern Router: Wi-Fi 6 with gaming features
Ethernet Adapter: For Switch dock connection
Good Internet Plan: Upload speed matters for hosting
Stable Connection: Consistent speeds more important than peak speeds

Testing Your Improvements

After making changes:

Power cycle Switch and router
Test connection multiple times
Try online games that previously had issues
Monitor stability over several gaming sessions

Need more help with NAT types? Check our complete guide to NAT types and gaming for additional solutions!