How To Get NAT Type A On Nintendo Switch | Port Forwarding

If you’re having trouble connecting to online multiplayer, can’t join friends in games, or frequently encounter communication errors, your Nintendo Switch may be operating on a restrictive NAT type. This guide will walk you through how to improve your NAT type to A using port forwarding, helping ensure a smoother and more reliable online gaming experience.

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What is NAT and Why It Matters

NAT, or Network Address Translation, is a process used by your router to allow multiple devices on your local network to share a single public IP address. This is necessary because most internet service providers assign only one public IP per household.

The Nintendo Switch uses NAT to determine how easily it can communicate with other consoles over the internet. Your NAT type affects your ability to connect to others for online play.

Nintendo Switch NAT Types

There are five NAT types used on the Nintendo Switch:

NAT Type	Description
A	Full compatibility with all players and services.
B	Works with most other NAT types; generally reliable.
C	May not be able to connect with certain users.
D	Highly restrictive; connects only to NAT Type A.
F	Completely blocks online communication.

If you want the most consistent and trouble-free online experience, aiming for NAT Type A is ideal.

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How to Check Your Current NAT Type

1. Open System Settings on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Navigate to Internet > Test Connection.
3. Wait for the test to complete. Your NAT type will be displayed in the results.

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How to Change Your NAT Type to A (Using Port Forwarding)

The best way to improve your NAT type is by setting up port forwarding on your router. This tells your router to send specific internet traffic directly to your Switch, reducing interference or filtering.

Step 1: Assign a Static IP to Your Nintendo Switch

To begin, assign a static IP address to your Nintendo Switch. This ensures that the port forwarding rules always direct traffic to the correct device.

1. Go to System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.
2. Select your current Wi-Fi or LAN connection.
3. Choose Change Settings, then scroll down to IP Address Settings and switch from “Automatic” to “Manual”.
4. Input the following:
   • IP Address: Choose an unused IP, such as 192.168.1.150
   • Subnet Mask: Usually 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: Typically your router’s IP, such as 192.168.1.1
5. Save and apply the settings.

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Step 2: Forward the Necessary Ports

Next, log in to your router’s admin interface. This is typically accessed by entering your router’s IP address into a web browser (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

1. Log in using your credentials. If you haven’t changed them, check your router’s label or manual.
2. Locate the Port Forwarding section. This might also be labeled as Virtual Server, Applications and Gaming, or similar.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule using the following details:

Field	Value
Port Range	1–65535
Protocol	UDP
IP Address	The static IP you assigned to your Switch (e.g., 192.168.1.150)

4. Save the settings and restart your router.

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After Port Forwarding: Verify the NAT Type

Once your router restarts:

1. On the Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings > Internet > Test Connection.
2. Confirm that your NAT type has changed. If successful, it should now show NAT Type A.

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Troubleshooting Tips

If you followed all the steps and your NAT type remains B or C:

• Double-check that the static IP and port forwarding settings are entered correctly.
• Ensure no other device is using the same static IP address.
• Contact your internet service provider. Some ISPs use Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), which can prevent port forwarding.
• Consider enabling DMZ mode for your Nintendo Switch’s IP address in your router settings. This places the Switch outside the firewall but should only be used if port forwarding fails and you understand the risks.
• Using a wired connection via LAN adapter can improve stability and reduce NAT issues.