Technical Tip: Change of NAT type for game console to play online (2024)

FAQs

What should my NAT type be for online gaming? ›

In Open NAT, also known as NAT Type 1, the device directly connects to the internet without any restrictions imposed by a router or firewall. This type is optimal for online gaming, providing the least latency and allowing the device to communicate freely with game servers.

Ideally, your Nintendo Switch unit needs to be at either NAT Type A or B to play with other people online.

Open NAT: You're able to play and host multiplayer games with people who have any NAT type on their network. Moderate NAT: You might not be able to play multiplayer games with some people, and normally you won't be chosen as the host of a match.

With a STRICT NAT type, you're only able to chat and play multiplayer games with people who have an OPEN NAT type. You can't be chosen as the host of a match.

NAT type 1 is less secure than type 2 or type 3, so by changing your NAT type, you may be putting your security at risk. However, avoid changing your NAT type using a demilitarized zone (DMZ) for security reasons. DMZ is a feature that bypasses your router's security measures and exposes your device to the internet.

NAT Types: Open, Moderate, and Strict

As a result, an Open NAT is preferred by users looking for faster gaming and less lag. This setting has no firewall, making it the least secure of the NAT options.

Your NAT type is likely set to strict because of configured setting on your router or firewall. To change this, you must enable post forwarding or use a VPN service to route traffic through another server. This should help open the ports and resolve the strict NAT Type.

The three different NAT types are Open, Moderate, and Strict. Your NAT type is typically the result of the network you are using to connect to the Internet, and influenced by the settings or features of the router or gateway on that network.

How to check NAT status? ›

There are two ways to do this: Command prompt To access your Subnet Mask: • Press the "Windows" and "R" buttons at the same time. In the pop-up window, type "CMD". The Command Prompt window will open. In the new window, type in "ipconfig".

Look for the "NAT" or "Network Address Translation" settings in your router's configuration page. 8. Check your NAT type, which is usually displayed as "Open," "Moderate," or "Strict."

Reset your router and your device to ensure that the change in settings is registered. Your NAT Type will no longer be strict.

Nintendo Switch work on the basis of UPnP (Universal plug and play). UPnP will allow dynamic port opening for TCP and UDP to forward Nintendo gaming traffic and Palo Alto Networks devices are not compatible with UPnP traffic.

Look for an area within your router settings called “Advanced” or “Advanced Network”, which should contain a UPnP tab. You should see a box to check or uncheck, turning UPnP on or off.

Officially, Open NAT – or NAT type 1 – is the best type for gaming. At least, it'll certainly bypass any router-firewall-based connection issues you might encounter. However, as mentioned above, it's the least secure option. We'd recommend using NAT type 2.

NAT Type 1 (Open) provides an unrestricted and direct connection to the internet without limitations from routers or firewalls, resulting in the smoothest online gaming experience. Once again though, this is the most unsecure of the NAT types. NAT Type 3 (Strict) is the most restricted and can cause issues with gaming.

Game consoles and multiplayer games require an open NAT to work properly.