The Nintendo Switch 2 is proving to be a worthy successor to the original Switch, offering more processing power, a better display, and plenty of new functionality. Online multiplayer is also better on Switch 2 thanks to new features like Game Chat, Game Sharing, and faster download speeds. With all that new online functionality, you might be wondering if you should use a VPN with your Switch 2 when jumping online. Unlike Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, which aren’t portable and typically connect to the same router every day, you can travel the world with your Switch 2, connecting to public Wi-Fi. As such, it might seem worthwhile to use a VPN with your Switch 2, though there are reasons to remain skeptical about their performance.
First things first--yes, you can use a VPN on Switch 2. However, it’s not as straightforward as using a VPN on your PC. There’s no built-in VPN app for Switch 2, meaning you’ll need to either create a hotspot from another supported device or set up a VPN on your router. The latter can be tricky for beginners, and the process varies slightly depending on your specific VPN service.
If you’re thinking of setting up a VPN on your router, consider using ExpressVPN. The company offers its own line of Aircove routers that come preconfigured to route all traffic on your network through an ExpressVPN server. There are two models available: the $190 Aircove and the $170 Aircove Go. Both feature WiFi 6 support and come bundled with a 30-day ExpressVPN free trial. Any device with WiFi or Ethernet connectivity can connect to the Aircoves, including the Switch 2, your PCs, other gaming consoles, smartphones, and more.
If you’re traveling, you can make use of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot. While smartphones are the most commonly used hotspot devices, most cannot natively share their VPN connection via a mobile connection. Instead, you’ll need to create a hotspot on your laptop or MacBook and connect your Switch 2 to it that way. Just enable network sharing on your device, connect to your VPN, then connect your Switch 2 to your laptop’s hotspot. The process varies slightly based on your VPN provider, but most offer detailed walkthroughs. For an example of what this might entail, check out this tutorial from ExpressVPN.
Just because you can use a VPN with Switch 2, that doesn't mean you should. A VPN can, theoretically, make your Switch 2's internet connection more private and secure. But there are some serious considerations to make before running your data through a remote server. For one, your speeds might be slower since VPNs encrypt your data and funnel it to another server, which takes time. More importantly, using a VPN can violate Nintendo's Terms of Service (TOS).
For example, using a VPN to circumvent regional pricing restrictions is against Nintendo's TOS, and various online games also restrict VPN usage. Using one can result in a ban if you're caught--or worse. Nintendo can remotely--and permanently--brick consoles for users who break certain rules outlined in the Switch 2 End User License Agreement. Because these regulations vary widely by game and region, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In general, it's not necessary to use a VPN on Switch 2 if you’re sticking to single-player games or diving into casual online matches at home. The only possible edge case is if you’re worried about sketchy public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, and hotels--but even then, it might be best to not connect to public networks if you're worried, or even play in Airplane mode. Still, if you're intent on using a VPN with your Switch, just make sure you deactivate it before using the eShop and confirm that using a VPN is not against an online game's terms of service.
While it's hard to recommend a VPN for Switch 2 in most instances, the privacy and security benefits of a VPN can be helpful for other devices. Many VPN services also offer a wealth of other features like password managers, ad blockers, cloud storage space, identity theft alerts, and more. These won't be usable with your Switch 2, but they can be helpful for logging into your Nintendo Account on your PC or smartphone and monitoring your account for any security breaches. Luckily, most VPNs are affordable, costing just a few bucks a month. You can check out a few of the most popular VPNs at the links below.
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Using a VPN on Switch 2
First things first--yes, you can use a VPN on Switch 2. However, it’s not as straightforward as using a VPN on your PC. There’s no built-in VPN app for Switch 2, meaning you’ll need to either create a hotspot from another supported device or set up a VPN on your router. The latter can be tricky for beginners, and the process varies slightly depending on your specific VPN service.
If you’re thinking of setting up a VPN on your router, consider using ExpressVPN. The company offers its own line of Aircove routers that come preconfigured to route all traffic on your network through an ExpressVPN server. There are two models available: the $190 Aircove and the $170 Aircove Go. Both feature WiFi 6 support and come bundled with a 30-day ExpressVPN free trial. Any device with WiFi or Ethernet connectivity can connect to the Aircoves, including the Switch 2, your PCs, other gaming consoles, smartphones, and more.
If you’re traveling, you can make use of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot. While smartphones are the most commonly used hotspot devices, most cannot natively share their VPN connection via a mobile connection. Instead, you’ll need to create a hotspot on your laptop or MacBook and connect your Switch 2 to it that way. Just enable network sharing on your device, connect to your VPN, then connect your Switch 2 to your laptop’s hotspot. The process varies slightly based on your VPN provider, but most offer detailed walkthroughs. For an example of what this might entail, check out this tutorial from ExpressVPN.
Is Using VPN On Switch 2 Against Terms of Service?
Mario Kart WorldJust because you can use a VPN with Switch 2, that doesn't mean you should. A VPN can, theoretically, make your Switch 2's internet connection more private and secure. But there are some serious considerations to make before running your data through a remote server. For one, your speeds might be slower since VPNs encrypt your data and funnel it to another server, which takes time. More importantly, using a VPN can violate Nintendo's Terms of Service (TOS).
For example, using a VPN to circumvent regional pricing restrictions is against Nintendo's TOS, and various online games also restrict VPN usage. Using one can result in a ban if you're caught--or worse. Nintendo can remotely--and permanently--brick consoles for users who break certain rules outlined in the Switch 2 End User License Agreement. Because these regulations vary widely by game and region, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In general, it's not necessary to use a VPN on Switch 2 if you’re sticking to single-player games or diving into casual online matches at home. The only possible edge case is if you’re worried about sketchy public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, and hotels--but even then, it might be best to not connect to public networks if you're worried, or even play in Airplane mode. Still, if you're intent on using a VPN with your Switch, just make sure you deactivate it before using the eShop and confirm that using a VPN is not against an online game's terms of service.
Other benefits of a VPN
While it's hard to recommend a VPN for Switch 2 in most instances, the privacy and security benefits of a VPN can be helpful for other devices. Many VPN services also offer a wealth of other features like password managers, ad blockers, cloud storage space, identity theft alerts, and more. These won't be usable with your Switch 2, but they can be helpful for logging into your Nintendo Account on your PC or smartphone and monitoring your account for any security breaches. Luckily, most VPNs are affordable, costing just a few bucks a month. You can check out a few of the most popular VPNs at the links below.
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