The Nintendo Switch is a console that can be played on your TV or a handheld controller. Either way you choose, you can still play the same titles. The Nintendo Switch has online options and chat groups. With the games being online there is bound to be some lag and slow connection times. A VPN could fix these problems. A VPN will allow you to change your IP to another IP address at the server of your choosing. If you pick a server location close to the server you play on, then you should have less lag and faster connection times. Professional gamers will also like the extra protection from DDoS attacks a VPN provides. Take a look at our list of the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch.
| Rank | VPN Service | Our Score | Server Locations | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.8 | 160 |  |
| 2 |  | 9.4 | 87 | |
| 3 |  | 9.2 | 95 | |
| 4 |  | 9.0 | 110 | |
| 5 |  | 8.8 | 73 | |
The Switch is unlike other consoles. To play on your TV you will put the portable screen in the Nintendo Switch box. If you want to travel you simply take the screen out of the system and if you want you can attach the Joy-Con (controllers) to the screen. The amount of Joy-Con’s needed varies from game to game. Some games require two for each player, while others require one for each player. Joy-Cons are more effective versions of Wii remotes and Nunchucks when they are not connected to the portable screen. When connected to the screen, the Switch will seem like the Wii U gamepad. When you are wanting to play on the TV and still want the Joy-Cons connected, you will put them in the joy grip that comes with the system. This will make it feel like an actual controller.
The Nintendo Switch was built to be a family console. The console has more in-depth parental controls. It also has games for the whole family. Some to be most notable are 1-2 Switch, Just Dance 2017, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Nintendo Switch has many other titles like:
- The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wind
- Arms
- Splatoon 2
- NBA 2K18
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Super Bomberman R
Like PlayStation and Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch will have a paid online feature. This means you will have to buy a subscription in order to to play games online. Along with this you will get exclusive deals, monthly games, and even the ability to use the voice chat app and online lobby features.
Overall the Nintendo Switch is a new console. The Switch has new controllers and can be played from anywhere. You can travel with the Switch because the portable screen is the console. The Nintendo Switch box pushes the gameplay to the TV. It is made for families and I’m sure you and your friends will love it.
Let’s jump right in and take a look at the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch.
1. Best VPN for Nintendo Switch: ExpressVPN
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A big issue that some VPN providers have involves location. ExpressVPN is under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. This makes a difference because it places the VPN outside of the jurisdiction of the “14 eyes” countries. If you are not aware, that is an alliance of countries that share information. In other words, if one country has access to it, the all 14 nations do as well. When combined with their no-logs policy, you can feel confident that ExpressVPN will help to keep you and your information safe.
ExpressVPN offers browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers in addition to its list of VPN apps. The custom apps support Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. They also offer a MediaStreamer feature. That is relatively rare in the community, but it can be beneficial, depending on your online activities. Coupled with their split tunneling feature, you can easily choose the apps or browsers you want to filter through your VPN connection. Split tunneling is a feature that many providers do not offer, but it can really be helpful.
ExpressVPN is our top-rated VPN service of 2023. Regardless of your goals for using a VPN, ExpressVPN combines a robust network with privacy features to keep you protected. We commonly use it to protect our privacy while traveling and to access our favorite streaming services back home. While you can sign up for monthly access, we recommend you take advantage of this exclusive deal that gives you 3 extra months free when you sign up for a year. You can also get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied, so you can test their network with ExpressVPN’s money-back-guarantee.
2. Best VPN for Nintendo Switch: NordVPN
For all the sports fans out there, it can sometimes be challenging to watch your favorite event, match, or game. If you travel abroad, that can be a big problem. The solution to that, however, is to connect to a VPN server from NordVPN. To do so, all you have to do is choose the proper location. An example of that is if you have an ESPN account and are outside the US, connecting to an American VPN server would allow you to view it with no issues.
One of the more uncommon features that NordVPN offers is what they refer to as a double VPN. Many experts in the community refer to this type of connection as “multi-hop.” Even though it will slow your connection, it adds a second layer of encryption to your traffic. In other words, it will encrypt your data a second time using a different location. If you are concerned that a single layer of encryption is not enough and you want extra security, NordVPN has you covered.
3. Best VPN for Nintendo Switch: PIA
One of the ways that connecting to a VPN with Private Internet Access will help is by granting you access to different parts of the world. As big as gaming is these days, you probably realize that developers release games in many different countries. However, that also means that you can get early access to some games if you are in the right place. With Private Internet Access, you only have to connect to the right area and you will be able to get access to your game as soon as it comes out.
Since the world now spends more time on mobile devices than desktop computers, WiFi grows ever-more essential. If you are one of the many that does, we suggest that you connect to a VPN server from Private Internet Access to protect your privacy. The truth is, hackers are mostly invisible. They could be across the room or at the next table over. Since using Private Internet Access will encrypt your WiFi data and utilize a firewall, you can make sure that everything you do is protected.
4. Best VPN for Nintendo Switch: CyberGhost
Some countries have streaming services that are specific to that country. For example, if you want to watch HBO Now outside the US, Hulu outside the US, Stan outside Australia, or others, you need to connect to a VPN server in that region. Of course, there are excellent streaming services all over the world. We do not feel that you should have to miss out on them, simply because of where you are. Fortunately, the way around that is to connect to a CyberGhost VPN server located in the area you want to see. Then, you should be able to enjoy your favorite streaming services no matter where they are.
Some sports have international followings. However, countries have different levels of coverage. If you follow a sport that does not have the coverage you want, connecting to CyberGhost VPN is a good idea. When you do, you can access the coverage you want to see by connecting to a server in another region. Whether there is no easy way to watch the sport where you are, or you are looking for specific coverage, you can easily do that with a VPN.
5. Best VPN for Nintendo Switch: IPVanish
IPVanish operates more than 1400 servers located in 75+ different places. While that may not be as many as some, you can bet that they have them where it counts. If you are not aware, encryption overhead can slow down your internet connection. However, we can tell you the service is fast and performs very well in the United States. That means that no matter what you choose to do while on the network, you won’t have to worry about issues with performance.
No matter where you are from, you probably know that the US has some excellent streaming services. Whether it is an stand alone service like HBO Now, a package of channels like Sling TV, or others, you will miss out on them unless you connect to a VPN server. Luckily, IPVanish makes it easy. All you have to do is pick a server from the US if that is the region you wish to use. Then, log in with your credentials and you are all set.
