Written by, Mihajlo Trajcheski
Updated July, 20, 2023
The Nintendo Switch is a highly-versatile gaming console. Not only does it allow you to play games on the go, but you can also use it to listen to music, watch films, and stream your favourite shows.
But, did you know that your Switch has a built-in web browser?
In this blog post, we’ll explain how to gain access to the Internet browser on Switch, how to get Google on Switch, and what you can do on the browser.
The Nintendo Switch has a built-in browser whose sole purpose is to allow players to log in to public hotspots. As such, the Switch Internet browser is quite limited.
According to an early press release, the device uses Access’s NetFront Browser NX.
If you want to browse the internet on Switch, here’s what you should do:
Go to System Settings (the ‘gear’ icon) from the dashboard. The app is right next to the Power button.
Scroll down, tap on Internet settings, and select your current Wi-Fi connection to access the information page.
Find Change settings, tap on it, and select DNS settings.
When you tap on DNS Settings, you’ll be given an option to change it from automatic to manual. Once you do that, select your Primary DNS, change the IP address to 045.055.142.122, and save the changes.
Tap ‘Connect to this network’ on the following screen, which will prompt a pop-up with the message: ‘Registration is required to use this network.’ Tap on Next and you’ll see the SwitchBru DNS Homepage which enables the web browser on your Nintendo Switch.
Tap on ‘Continue to Google,’ which should take you to Google’s search bar.
The built-in browser on Switch has a left-side menu where you can find some of its features.
Once you’re done using the internet browser on your Nintendo Switch, you’ll need to change back your DNS settings if you want to continue playing games.
To change your DNS Settings from manual to automatic:
Worth noting: While reverting your DNS setting back to automatic you may experience some connection issues. If that happens, you could fix it by manually adjusting the primary and secondary DNS numbers (use 8.8.8.8. for your primary DNS and 8.8.4.4. for your secondary DNS).
The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a dedicated browser since its creators never meant for it to be used for casual web surfing.
Did you know? Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in 2020!
However, the console does have a limited, build-it browser, which can’t be accessed directly from the homepage. That’s because the Nintendo Switch Internet browser was included to give players the ability to connect to public hotspots and log in to networks that require authentication, such as hotels or airport networks.
Although the browser on Nintendo Switch isn’t something you would use on a regular basis, it’s good to know how to get Google on Switch, especially when you’re on the go. The Nintendo Switch web browser is very limited, but it might come useful if you need to check your Facebook page or visit a specific webpage in certain situations.
As someone who grew up gaming and always had a love for random facts, being able to write about gaming and technology for a living has been an absolute treat. Whenever I’m not researching my next topic for Don’t Disappoint Me, I am deflecting the attacks of Bosses in Sekiro, investigating a murder in Disco Elysium, helping Zagreus escape the underworld in Hades, or flanking enemies in Call of Duty with my squad. Having studied English language and literature has helped me merge these two worlds of random facts and gaming into a fulfilling career.