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Nintendo Switch Port Forwarding: How to Open Ports in 2025

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 6 March 2025
  • 6 mins read

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Nintendo devices like the Switch console and Wii U require stable online gaming, hosting, and peer-to-peer play connections. The best way to get stable connections is through port forwarding. This guide explains how you can open ports on your router for Nintendo, even if your router is behind CGNAT.

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding helps create a direct line of connection between your device and the external server, which is best suited for gaming servers or remote access connections. Opening ports can smooth out connections and help prevent congested networks during intense gameplay.

Before You Forward a Port 

You need to know the following before opening ports for any game and application: 

  • The IP address of your router 
  • The IP address of your device (computer or console)
  • Port numbers (UDP and TCP)

Default Ports for Nintendo 

Nintendo consoles use specific ports for online gaming and connectivity. Here are the default ports used by Nintendo devices:

TCP: 6667, 12400, 28910, 29900, 29901, 29920

UDP: 1024-65535

Peer-to-Peer Gaming 

UDP: 45000-65535

How to Open Ports for Nintendo Manually 

Follow these steps for port forwarding Nintendo on your router:

Step 1: Log in to Your Router

  • Enter your router's IP address (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  • Log in using your username and password.

Step 2: Visit the Port Forwarding Section

  • Navigate to the "Port Forwarding," "Virtual Server," or "Applications" tab.

Step 3: Add a Rule

  • Service Name: Nintendo 
  • Protocol: Select TCP, UDP, or both based on the required ports.
  • External Ports: Enter the ports you wish to open.
  • Internal Ports: Match these with the external ports.
  • Enter the IP address of your gaming device.
  • Save the rule.

Step 4: Restart Your Router

  • After saving the changes, restart your router to apply the new settings.

How to Open Ports for Nintendo Automatically 

Use PureVPN's port forwarding add-on to open specific or all ports on a router without any technical expertise or configuration setup. 

As you know, opening ports can be risky. PureVPN can help protect your device against DDoS attacks, hacking attempts, and phishing attacks. 

Here's how to port forward routers at home on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. 

  1. Sign in to the Member Area with your new username and password. 
  1. Select Subscriptions.
  1. Select Configure.
  1. Select Enable all ports to open all ports and transfer data. 
  1. Select Disable all ports to block every port and stop all internet traffic. 
  1. Select Enable specific ports to allow all ports to be blocked, while opening some ports. 
  2. Once you pick an option, select Apply Settings.

Why is Opening Ports behind CGNAT an Issue?  

Most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) perform CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) to prevent IPV4 exhaustion and network congestion. They assign a shared IP to multiple consumers on the same network. When you port forward, you open a direct connection for all interconnected IPs users, which can lead to blacklisting or blockage.

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

With PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and dedicated IP, you can bypass CGNAT and set up port forwarding on routers like Netgear Nighthawk, ASUS ROG Rapture, TP-Link Archer, Linksys Velop, and Ubiquiti AmpliFi. 

This helps improve your connection for games like Helldivers 2, Palworld, and Tekken 8. Just follow these easy steps:

  1. Login to the PureVPN member area.
  2. Select Subscriptions.
  3. Select Configure.
  4. Apply your desired port settings.
  5. Select Apply settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do all ISPs perform CGNAT?

    Plus

    Yes. IPv4 addresses are limited, so most ISPs rely on IPv6 addresses and CGNAT to serve multiple consumers.

  • Can I enable UPnP instead of port forwarding for Nintendo?

    Plus

    However, UPnP is less secure and may not always provide the best results. There are some security concerns because your device is free to connect with other networks, even if they are of malicious intent.

  • What happens if I forward the wrong ports?

    Plus

    If you forward the wrong ports, you are on the verge of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to your private network. You should be wary of opening the correct ports or use PureVPN's port forwarding add-on for optimal performance.

  • What's the best workaround for Nintendo behind CGNAT?

    Plus

    The best option is to use a port forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP to bypass CGNAT and open relevant ports on your router.

In Summary

Now, you can open ports and enhance your Nintendo gaming experience. Use PureVPN's port forwarding add-on and dedicated IP to optimize connections for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

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