Why Switch Downloads Are Slow
Three factors slow Switch downloads: Nintendo's eShop servers cap individual connections at lower speeds than PSN or Xbox Live, the Switch Wi-Fi radio is weak compared to phones and laptops, and most people run the Switch on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi which is slower and more congested than 5 GHz.
The Switch also doesn't download in sleep mode by default — enabling background downloads makes a noticeable difference.
Fix 1: Use a Wired Ethernet Adapter
The Switch doesn't have a built-in Ethernet port on the base model. A USB-A to Ethernet adapter (connected to the dock) gives you a stable wired connection that typically triples download speeds versus 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Switch OLED and Switch Lite require a USB-C adapter or dock with Ethernet.
After connecting wired, go to System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings and select your wired connection.
Fix 2: Switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi
If you can't use Ethernet, connect to your router's 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz. Go to System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings, select your 5 GHz network (usually labeled with a "5G" suffix), and reconnect. 5 GHz has less interference and higher throughput over short distances.
Fix 3: Change DNS to 1.1.1.1
Go to System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings → your network → Change Settings → DNS Settings → Manual. Set Primary DNS to 1.1.1.1 and Secondary to 1.0.0.1. Faster DNS resolution marginally improves eShop connection times, though it won't fix slow download throughput from Nintendo's servers.
Fix 4: Enable Background Downloads in Sleep Mode
Go to System Settings → Sleep Mode and enable Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode and Auto-Update Software. Queue your downloads, put the Switch in sleep mode, and let it run overnight. This bypasses eShop server peak-hour congestion.
Fix 5: Check NAT Type
Go to System Settings → Internet → Test Connection. The result shows your NAT Type. Type A (Open) is best for online play. Type B is fine. Type C or D limits matchmaking and may cause connection errors.
To improve NAT type: enable UPnP on your router. If that doesn't work, forward ports 45000–65535 (UDP) and 1–65535 (TCP/UDP) to your Switch's local IP address.
Fix 6: Run a Speed Test First
Before blaming Nintendo's servers, run a speed test on your network. If download speed is under 25 Mbps, your home connection is the bottleneck. Nintendo's servers typically deliver 20–50 Mbps per connection when your home network isn't the limit.
What Speeds to Expect on Switch
| Connection Type | Typical Download Speed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (crowded channel) | 5–15 Mbps |
| 5 GHz Wi-Fi (near router) | 20–50 Mbps |
| Wired Ethernet via dock adapter | 50–100 Mbps |
Nintendo's eShop servers cap individual download connections. Even on a gigabit line, Switch downloads rarely exceed 100 Mbps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Nintendo Switch downloading so slowly?
The Switch has a weak Wi-Fi radio and Nintendo's eShop servers cap per-connection speeds. The most impactful fix is using a USB Ethernet adapter in the dock for a wired connection, which typically triples download speed versus 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Does a wired connection make the Switch faster?
Yes — significantly. A USB-A to Ethernet adapter in the dock gives stable wired speeds. Switch downloads via Ethernet typically run 50–100 Mbps versus 5–20 Mbps on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
What DNS should I use on Nintendo Switch?
Set Primary DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) and Secondary to 1.0.0.1 in System Settings → Internet → your network → Change Settings → DNS Settings → Manual.
What is NAT Type A on Nintendo Switch?
NAT Type A is the best — your Switch can connect to all other players with no restrictions. NAT Type B is normal and functional. Types C and D restrict who you can play with and can cause matchmaking failures. Enable UPnP on your router to improve NAT type.
Can I download Switch games faster in sleep mode?
Yes. Enable Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode under System Settings → Sleep Mode. Downloads continue at full speed without the eShop UI overhead, and you avoid peak-hour server congestion by queuing downloads before bed.