How to Set Up a Proxy on Nintendo Switch for Accessing Regional Stores and Games

The Nintendo Switch blocks access to content and discounts from other regions based on your IP address. Gamers from Russia, Ukraine, and CIS countries cannot purchase games at US, Japanese, or European prices, participate in regional promotions, or access exclusive content. A proxy server solves this problem — it replaces your IP with an address from the desired country, granting access to any regional Nintendo eShop store.

In this guide, you will learn how to properly set up a proxy on Nintendo Switch through Wi-Fi settings, which type of proxy to choose for stable online gaming, and how to avoid account bans when changing regions.

Why you need a proxy for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch determines your country based on your IP address and applies regional restrictions. This affects content availability, store prices, and the ability to participate in promotions. A proxy server addresses several issues for gamers.

Access to regional stores and discounts

Prices for the same games in the Nintendo eShop can vary by 2-3 times depending on the region. For example, a AAA game may cost $60 in the US, €70 in Europe, but only $35 in the Argentinian or Mexican store. Gamers use proxies to access cheaper regions:

• Argentina — the lowest prices on most games, saving up to 60%
• Brazil — frequent sales and regional discounts
• Turkey — average prices, but stable access
• South Africa — low prices on indie games
• Russia — special prices for the CIS region (until blocked)

Without a proxy, the Nintendo eShop automatically redirects you to your country's store, even if you created an account from another region. The proxy server replaces your IP with an address from the desired country, and the console "thinks" you are in that region.

Access to exclusive content

Some games, DLC, and demos are only available in certain regions. The Japanese eShop often receives exclusive content months earlier than other countries. The American store offers more indie games that do not release in Europe or Asia. A proxy allows access to this content without creating multiple accounts.

Bypassing blocks and censorship

In some countries, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo online services are blocked or restricted. After February 2022, Russian gamers faced access restrictions to the Nintendo eShop and online features. A proxy helps bypass these blocks and continue to use all the console's capabilities.

Security when using public Wi-Fi

If you play over public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, or airports, your traffic may be intercepted. A proxy server encrypts the connection and protects your Nintendo account data from theft.

Which type of proxy to choose for Switch

The Nintendo Switch supports HTTP and HTTPS proxies through Wi-Fi settings. The choice of proxy type depends on your tasks — purchasing games in the store or online gaming with minimal ping.

Residential Proxies — for purchases and region changes

Residential proxies use IP addresses from real home internet providers. The Nintendo eShop perceives them as regular users, so the risk of account blocking is minimal. This is the optimal choice for purchasing games in regional stores and changing the account country.

When to use: purchasing games at low prices in the Argentinian/Brazilian eShop, changing the Nintendo account region, accessing regional promotions and discounts.

Mobile Proxies — for bypassing blocks

Mobile proxies use IPs from mobile operators (4G/5G). They are rarely blocked because one IP is used by thousands of users simultaneously. If access to Nintendo Network is blocked in your country, mobile proxies are the most reliable way to bypass it.

When to use: complete Nintendo block in the country, creating new accounts, working with multiple consoles simultaneously.

Datacenter Proxies — for online games

Datacenter proxies are the fastest — ping can be as low as 5-15 ms. This is critical for online games like Splatoon 3, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, where latency affects gameplay. However, Nintendo may recognize the datacenter IP and temporarily restrict access to the eShop (not to the games).

When to use: online games with friends from other regions, participating in tournaments with low ping, streaming games via Remote Play.

Step-by-step proxy setup on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch does not have built-in proxy settings in the interface, but you can set up a proxy through the Wi-Fi connection settings. This method works for HTTP and HTTPS proxies.

Step 1: Obtain proxy server details

You will need the following information from your proxy provider:

• Proxy IP address (e.g., 185.123.45.67)
• Port (usually 8080, 3128, or 80 for HTTP)
• Username and password (if the proxy requires authentication)
• Proxy region (must match your Nintendo account region)

Ensure that the proxy supports HTTP/HTTPS protocol — SOCKS5 proxies do not work directly on Switch without additional router settings.

Step 2: Open internet settings on Switch

1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to the main menu
2. Click on the “System Settings” icon (gear icon at the bottom of the screen)
3. Select the “Internet” section from the left menu
4. Click on “Internet Settings”
5. Select your current Wi-Fi network from the list

Step 3: Change proxy settings

1. Click “Change Settings” for the selected Wi-Fi network
2. Scroll down to the “Proxy Server Settings” section
3. Select “On” instead of “Off”
4. In the “Proxy Server” field, enter your proxy IP address
5. In the “Port” field, enter the port number (e.g., 8080)
6. If the proxy requires authentication, switch “Proxy Authentication” to “On”
7. Enter the username and password for the proxy

Step 4: Save settings and check connection

1. Click “Save” in the top right corner
2. Select “Test Connection”
3. The Switch will check the internet connection through the proxy
4. If everything is set up correctly, you will see the message “Connection Successful”

After a successful connection, your IP address will change to the proxy server address. Now the Nintendo eShop will identify you as a user from the proxy country.

Step 5: Check region change

Open the Nintendo eShop on the console. If the proxy is working correctly, the store will open in the region of your proxy server. You will see prices in the currency of that country (e.g., pesos for Argentina, reais for Brazil).

Alternative method: setup via DNS

If the proxy server does not work or causes connection errors, you can use an alternative method — Smart DNS. This is not a full-fledged proxy, but it allows you to bypass regional blocks to access the eShop of other countries.

What is Smart DNS

Smart DNS does not completely change your IP address, but only redirects requests to certain services (in our case — to Nintendo servers). This is faster than a regular proxy and does not affect game download speeds, but it is less reliable for bypassing blocks.

How to set up Smart DNS on Switch

1. Register with a Smart DNS service (e.g., Unlocator, SmartDNSProxy, ControlD)
2. Obtain DNS server addresses in your account dashboard
3. Open “System Settings” → “Internet” → “Internet Settings”
4. Select your Wi-Fi network and click “Change Settings”
5. Find the “DNS Settings” section and select “Manual”
6. Enter Primary DNS (e.g., 185.37.37.37)
7. Enter Secondary DNS (e.g., 185.37.39.39)
8. Save the settings and check the connection

After setting up Smart DNS, restart the console. Open the eShop — if the DNS works, the store will open in the region you selected in the Smart DNS service settings.

Smart DNS limitations

• Does not encrypt traffic — your provider sees that you are accessing Nintendo servers
• Does not work if Nintendo has strengthened protection against VPN/proxy in your region
• May not work for online games with anti-cheat protection
• Requires a constant connection to the Smart DNS service

For reliable access to regional stores, it is recommended to use full-fledged residential proxies instead of Smart DNS.

How to change your Nintendo account region without a ban

Nintendo allows changing the account region, but there are several restrictions. If you want to purchase games in a cheaper store from another country, you need to change the region correctly to avoid losing access to purchased games and getting banned.

Nintendo's region change rules

• Balance must be zero — you cannot change the region if there is money in your account
• Cancel active subscriptions — Nintendo Switch Online must be inactive
• No active pre-orders — cancel all game pre-orders before changing
• Purchased games will remain accessible — you will not lose games from the old region
• DLC is region-locked — add-ons from the US eShop do not work with games from the European one

Step-by-step region change guide

1. Set up a proxy from the desired country on Switch (using the instructions above)
2. Open a browser on your computer or smartphone
3. Go to the website accounts.nintendo.com
4. Log in to your Nintendo account
5. Click “User Profile” → “Edit”
6. Find the “Country/Region” section
7. Select a new country from the list (e.g., Argentina or Brazil)
8. Click “Save Changes”

After changing the region, wait 5-10 minutes and open the eShop on the console. The store should open in the new region with prices in the local currency.

How to avoid a ban when changing regions

• Use residential proxies — the IP must match the account region
• Do not change regions more than once a month — frequent changes attract attention
• Use region-specific payment cards — the Argentinian eShop only accepts Argentinian cards
• Buy eShop cards — it is safer to use prepaid cards instead of bank cards
• Do not use free proxies — they are often blocked by Nintendo

Proxy for online gaming: speed and ping

Using a proxy for online gaming on Nintendo Switch requires a special approach. Unlike purchases in the eShop, where anonymity is important, speed and connection stability are critical for online games.

Impact of proxies on ping

A proxy server adds an additional node between your console and Nintendo's gaming servers. This increases ping by 20-100 ms depending on the type of proxy and the distance to the server:

Which games are suitable for proxies

Games where proxies are not critical (ping up to 100 ms is acceptable):

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons — visiting friends' islands
• Pokémon Scarlet/Violet — trading Pokémon, raids
• Minecraft — building on servers
• Stardew Valley — co-op with friends

Games where proxies will worsen gameplay (ping under 50 ms required):

• Splatoon 3 — competitive matches
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate — online tournaments
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — online racing
• Fortnite, Apex Legends — battle royales

Recommendation: two profiles for different tasks

Create two internet connections on Switch:

1. With proxy — for purchases in the eShop and accessing regional content
2. Without proxy — for online games with minimal ping

Switch between connections depending on the task. This will allow you to save on games through the proxy and comfortably play online without delays.

Common errors and their solutions

When setting up a proxy on Nintendo Switch, connection errors may occur. Here are the most common problems and their solutions.

Error 2110-3127: Unable to connect to proxy

Causes: incorrect proxy IP address or port, proxy server not working, authentication required.

Solution:

• Check the accuracy of the IP address and port — one mistake in the number will cause a failure
• Make sure the proxy is working — check it on your computer through a browser
• Enable authentication and enter the username/password if the proxy requires authorization
• Try another proxy server — the current one may be blocked by Nintendo

Error 2137-8056: DNS server not responding

Causes: incorrect DNS settings, proxy blocking DNS requests.

Solution:

• Set public DNS manually: primary 8.8.8.8, secondary 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
• Or use Cloudflare DNS: primary 1.1.1.1, secondary 1.0.0.1
• Temporarily disable the proxy and check the connection — if it works, the problem is with the proxy

eShop does not open or shows the wrong region

Causes: proxy not from the desired country, Nintendo caching the old region, proxy blocked.

Solution:

• Ensure that the proxy IP belongs to the desired country — use IP checking services
• Clear the eShop cache: completely close the app (hold the Home button → close eShop)
• Fully restart the console — hold the power button for 3 seconds → “Turn Off”
• Use residential proxies instead of datacenters — they are more reliable for eShop

Slow game downloads through proxy

Causes: proxy server overloaded, low proxy channel speed, large distance to the server.

Solution:

• Disable the proxy for downloading games — use it only for purchasing in the eShop
• Choose a proxy closer to your location — a European proxy is faster for the CIS than an American one
• Use datacenter proxies for downloads — they are faster than residential ones
• Switch to a direct connection after purchasing the game

Proxy works on computer but not on Switch

Causes: Switch does not support SOCKS5 proxies directly, requires HTTP/HTTPS.

Solution:

• Check with your proxy provider if it supports HTTP/HTTPS protocol
• Set up SOCKS5 proxy through the router — Switch will use it automatically
• Use a SOCKS5 to HTTP converter (e.g., Privoxy on your computer)

Conclusion

Setting up a proxy on Nintendo Switch opens access to regional stores with low prices, exclusive content, and allows bypassing Nintendo Network blocks in your country. You learned how to properly set up a proxy through Wi-Fi connection, which type of proxy to choose for different tasks, and how to avoid bans when changing account regions.

Key points from the article: use residential proxies for purchases in the eShop and region changes — they are safer and do not raise suspicions with Nintendo. For online games, choose datacenter proxies with minimal ping or play without a proxy. Create two Wi-Fi profiles on the console — one with a proxy for the store, the other without a proxy for games.

If you plan to regularly purchase games in regional Nintendo eShop stores or bypass blocks, we recommend using residential proxies — they provide stable access, high anonymity, and minimal risk of account blocking. For tasks where speed is critical, datacenter proxies with low ping will suffice.