Nintendo Switch Error Code 2815-0002 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 2815-0002 means your Nintendo Switch could not connect to another player or an online game session. The connection was either blocked before it started or dropped unexpectedly. This is usually a NAT or router compatibility issue, or a temporary problem with Nintendo Switch Online servers.

Affected Models

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED

Common Causes

Your router's NAT type is too strict and is blocking peer-to-peer game connections
Nintendo Switch Online servers are temporarily down or experiencing high load
Your internet connection is too slow or unstable for online multiplayer
A firewall or security setting on your router is blocking Nintendo's required ports
The other player you are trying to connect to also has a strict NAT or firewall

How to Fix It

Check Nintendo Switch Online server status. Visit nintendo.com/consumer/network on your phone to check for outages. If Nintendo's servers are down, wait for them to come back online.

Server outages are common during major game launches and are usually resolved within a few hours.
Run a connection test and check your NAT type. On the Switch, go to System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. Note the NAT Type shown in the results.

NAT Type A or B is good for online play. NAT Type C or D means your router is too restrictive and is likely causing this error.
Enable UPnP on your router. Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser). Find the UPnP setting and enable it. Restart the router.

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) lets the Switch automatically open the ports it needs. Enabling it usually improves NAT Type to A or B.
Restart both the Switch and your router. Fully power off the Switch and unplug your router from power. Wait 60 seconds, then restart the router first, wait for it to fully connect, then turn on the Switch.

Network routing tables can become stale. A full restart of both devices forces fresh route establishment.
Try a wired connection if you are currently on Wi-Fi. Connect the Switch dock to your router with an Ethernet cable and test online play.

A wired connection significantly improves stability for online gaming and often resolves NAT-related issues.

When to Call a Professional

Error 2815-0002 does not require a hardware repair. If you have tried all the steps below and still cannot play online, contact your internet provider. They can help you adjust your router's NAT settings or open the ports Nintendo requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAT type and why does it affect online gaming?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It is how your router manages connections between your home network and the internet. A less restrictive NAT type (A or B) allows your Switch to communicate freely with other players. A strict NAT type (C or D) means your router blocks many incoming connections, which makes multiplayer games fail or perform poorly.

Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online?

Yes. Online multiplayer for most games requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Free-to-play games like Fortnite are exceptions — they do not require a subscription. Nintendo Switch Online also includes cloud saves, access to classic NES and SNES games, and other benefits.

Why can I connect to some games online but not others?

Different games use different connection methods. Some use Nintendo's servers, while others use peer-to-peer connections directly between players. Peer-to-peer games are more sensitive to NAT type issues. If you can connect to some games but not others, improving your NAT type (see steps above) should fix the games that fail.