The Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time. It’s Nintendo’s flagship device that boasts thousands of games and a full-fledged online platform that features multiplayer mechanics.
That said, reasons have just surfaced as to why you’d want to use a VPN with this legendary console.
In this guide, we’re breaking down that very concept, leaning on ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN to detail the benefits of using a Nintendo Switch VPN.
Why use a VPN for Nintendo Switch?
On Nintendo Switch, the networking-related features are a little limited, but you can still play online with other users, browse a store, and use some applications to consume content on the small but mighty device.
That’s where the benefits of using a Nintendo Switch VPN start to surface.
With a VPN, you can better guarantee your safety when playing online against strangers. Using a VPN applies a tough layer of security over your activity, keeping your data and movements safe from all comers – even from your ISP.
Further, using a VPN on Switch means that you’ll be able to access store content otherwise out of your reach; you’ll also be able to connect with players in regions that might have previously been locked away from you.
What factors should I consider when choosing a Nintendo Switch VPN?
Firstly, you’ll want to secure a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth, so that no matter how much you play online, you’ll never run out of data.
Many free-to-use VPN services have tight bandwidth restrictions, often offering as little as 1 GB of data per month, which is chewed up in a matter of hours when playing games online.
It’s also important to select a low-cost VPN provider that has plenty of benefits wrapped up in the bundle that you’re subscribing to.
This is because, in most cases, you’ll be able to use that VPN to encrypt all the traffic in your household – including anything originating from your Nintendo Switch.
There are a few more factors that you should consider, like the depth of the server network, the specific encryption protocols at play, and device compatibility.
Every VPN provider we’re breaking down in this guide works with Nintendo Switch, so you don’t need to worry about that so much.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a solid choice for Nintendo Switch users – it’s a low-cost, effective VPN ecosystem, that offers a huge amount for one monthly subscription fee.
It’s a tried-and-tested product that has been on the market for years, and it’s perfectly compatible with the Nintendo Switch range.
Advantages of using ExpressVPN with Nintendo Switch
With ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to circumvent those tricky blockers that prevent you from accessing certain store content or from playing with gamers in specific regions.
You can ensure that your location is ‘spoofed’ on Nintendo Switch, leading you to effortlessly walk around restrictions that might otherwise spoil your experience.
Further, you’ll be kept as safe as possible at all times. Your data and activities will be shielded from malicious operators – as well as everyone else you come across online.
This is a huge bonus when playing online, as while Nintendo Switch isn’t the typical platform of choice for hackers and nefarious personalities, there’s still that inherent risk.
ExpressVPN is an accessible and welcoming VPN platform, so you can rest assured that it’s easy to set up and start using.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
An ExpressVPN subscription offers every part of its service under one payment banner – it just depends on the duration you want to subscribe for.
For a month-by-month subscription plan, you’ll be paying around $10.58 per month.
If you’d rather get more value for your money, you can pick up a 12-month subscription plan, which is the equivalent of around $6.80 per month.
Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not completely satisfied with ExpressVPN, you can claim a no-strings refund.
How to install ExpressVPN on Nintendo Switch
It’s not possible to install any VPN software natively on the Nintendo Switch range of consoles, but that’s not the end of the line.
Instead, you’ll need to connect your Switch to a VPN-enabled router:
- Go to the ExpressVPN site and set up a new account
- Navigate to your router’s configuration panel by typing your IP address into a web browser’s URL bar
- Click on the VPN customisation tab in the config panel
- Set it up to work with your new ExpressVPN account
- Connect to a remote server, automatically encrypting all the traffic in your household
- Play Nintendo Switch under the protection of a VPN
Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the most affordable and capable VPN providers in the business, offering a top-tier service for a low-cost subscription.
It has plenty wrapped up in the average plan, and a tiered service means you can customise what you get access to in terms of added features.
Surfshark works perfectly well with Nintendo Switch, and it’s guaranteed to keep you safe while you’re gaming online.
Advantages of using Surfshark with Nintendo Switch
With Surfshark, you’re encrypting your online activities and staying secure when playing against strangers on Nintendo Switch.
In terms of immediate benefits, using a Surfshark VPN means you’ll be able to access geo-blocked store content and play with users – friends – outside of your base region.
Not only that but using a Nintendo Switch VPN could result in lower ping and higher network speeds. This is due to the virtual network trying to avoid any throttling measures put in place by your ISP.
It’ll also help you to unlock content otherwise unavailable on platforms like YouTube and Crunchyroll, which have native applications on the Nintendo Switch.
How much does Surfshark cost?
Surfshark is split into three tiers – Starter, One, and One+.
Like other providers, it’s best to pick up a long-term subscription, which is the best way to get a lower per-month cost.
The Surfshark Starter will cost you around $1.69 per month under a 24-month subscription plan, but going month-by-month will cost you around $12.29 per month.
Alternatively, if you want everything Surfshark offers, you can get the One+ subscription. This boasts every security feature along with protection-based tools, data removal mechanics, and better alerts.
Monthly, this will set you back around $14.29, while a 24-month plan means you’re netting One+ for around $3.29 a month.
Every tier comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as standard, allowing you to effectively try the service before you fully commit.
How to install Surfshark on Nintendo Switch
Similar to ExpressVPN, you’ll need to connect your Switch to a VPN-enabled router:
- Go to the Surfshark site and set up a new account
- Navigate to your router’s configuration panel by typing your IP address into a web browser’s URL bar
- Click on the VPN customisation tab in the config panel
- Set it up to work with your new Surfshark account
- Connect to a remote server, automatically encrypting all the traffic in your household
- Play Nintendo Switch under the protection of a VPN
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most visible and popular VPN providers in the world.
It’s the most well-marketed product in the space, so it’s usually the first name on people’s tongues when it comes to talking about the best VPN for Nintendo Switch consoles.
With a wide server network, advanced customer support mechanics, and a low monthly cost, NordVPN does have it all – and it’s a customisable service.
Advantages of using NordVPN for Nintendo Switch
NordVPN will effortlessly bypass those typical geo-blocking-based restrictions that prevent you from accessing certain store content, including games and expansions.
It’ll also allow you to connect with users outside of your base region by offering you the option of connecting to servers far from your actual location – that’s the base functionality of a VPN, after all.
Not only that but using NordVPN on Nintendo Switch means that you’ll be kept safe from prying eyes and anyone interested in your data.
Everything you do will be encrypted at all times, and features like NordVPN’s enhanced kill switch mean that if your network suddenly fails, you’re still kept protected.
How much does NordVPN cost?
NordVPN offers a tiered service, and securing the Basic package on a 24-month plan will cost you around $2.89 per month.
By comparison, a monthly subscription to the same package costs around $10.39 per month.
If you want to soak up the most features possible, you’ll want the NordVPN Ultimate subscription plan.
This has every core feature as well as encrypted cloud storage, recovery mechanics, and insurance options, and for a 24-month membership, you’ll be paying the equivalent of around $5.69 per month.
On a monthly plan, that rises to around $13.09 per month.
Every option comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as standard, so if you struggle with using NordVPN, you can get a refund.
How to install NordVPN on Nintendo Switch?
As mentioned above, you will need to connect your Switch to a VPN-enabled router:
- Go to the NordVPN site and set up a new account
- Navigate to your router’s configuration panel by typing your IP address into a web browser’s URL bar
- Click on the VPN customisation tab in the config panel
- Set it up to work with your new NordVPN account
- Connect to a remote server, automatically encrypting all the traffic in your household
- Play Nintendo Switch under the protection of a VPN
It’s important to stay safe when gaming online, and the added benefits that come with using a Nintendo Switch VPN are extra sweeteners to the deal.
With one of these VPN providers watching over you, you could boost your gaming experience and remain anonymous and secure while doing so.
That’s a great deal all around.
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