- Gaming and consoles
- Nintendo Switch
2618-0516
Nintendo 2618-0516 on Nintendo Switch: NAT matchmaking failure
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
On Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, 2618-0516 appears when matchmaking with other players cannot complete. Nintendo links it to a network not optimal for peer-to-peer connections because of NAT type: turn off IPv6, power cycle router and modem, then test.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Resetting the router to its factory default settings erases its configuration, including your Wi-Fi name and password and any settings your provider applied. Do it only with help from the manufacturer or provider and note those details first.
- Do not open ports or enable reduced security options on the router on your own: any NAT or port change should be made by the line holder following the manufacturer's or provider's documentation.
Safe checks you can perform
- See whether it fails every time or with one player
- Identify your network devices
- Turn off the IPv6 connection on the console
- Power cycle router and modem
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Router maker: firmware and factory reset
- Do not attempt this professional task: ISP or network administrator: optimise the network for consoles
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Router maker: firmware and factory reset
What they doIf the problem continues, Nintendo refers you to the router's manufacturer to update its firmware or reset it to factory default settings.
They must show youthe firmware version before and after the update.
In writingthe steps applied to the router, the case number and the date.
ISP or network administrator: optimise the network for consoles
What they doNintendo says that to keep troubleshooting the network you should contact your internet service provider or network administrator for help optimising it for video game consoles.
They must show youthe NAT type they see on your line and which setting they propose to change.
In writingthe ticket number, the change applied and the date.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
See whether it fails every time or with one player
- Who:
- you, with the console and the game showing the error.
- How:
- try matchmaking several times with different players and note whether 2618-0516 appears on every attempt or only when connecting with one specific person.
- Result that matters:
- knowing whether the problem points to your network or the other player's.
- If it appears every time:
- carry on with Nintendo's NAT guide on your network.
- If it only appears with one person:
- their network's NAT may be the cause and they are the one who should check it.
- Evidence to keep:
- list of attempts with time, game and whether it was a specific player or open matchmaking.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2618-0516 (Nintendo UK Support) · NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Identify your network devices
- Who:
- you, looking at the devices on your connection.
- How:
- check whether you have a single combined modem/router, a router connected to a modem, or a router connected to a combined modem/router; if unsure, ask your ISP or whoever provided the devices.
- Result that matters:
- knowing which devices to power cycle and who to talk to if the problem continues.
- If you have one device:
- it is likely a combined modem/router, also called a gateway.
- If you have two chained devices:
- you will need to power cycle both and mention them to your ISP.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the devices with make and model.
Evidence: NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Turn off the IPv6 connection on the console
- Who:
- you, on the console.
- How:
- open System Settings from the HOME Menu, select Internet, Internet Settings, your network name, Change Settings and IPv6 Connection to toggle it off; then test the connection.
- Result that matters:
- seeing whether the NAT type improves in the connection test and matchmaking completes.
- If the NAT improves and matchmaking works:
- leave IPv6 off on that network.
- If nothing changes:
- power cycle the router and modem.
- Evidence to keep:
- connection test result before and after the change.
Evidence: NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Power cycle router and modem
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- unplug the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in and wait for its lights to stay steady, then plug the router in and wait the same; then run the connection test on the console.
- Result that matters:
- ruling out unresponsive network devices before asking for help.
- If the NAT type improves and the error goes away:
- it was the network devices.
- If the error remains:
- talk to your ISP or the router maker.
- Evidence to keep:
- time of the power cycle and the connection test result afterwards.
Evidence: How to Power Cycle a Home Network (Nintendo UK Support) · NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Gaming and consoles
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Product type
- Nintendo Switch
Known code variants
- 2618-0516 emparejamiento
- 2618-0516 matchmaking
- 2618-0516 NAT Switch
- código de error 2618-0516 Switch
- error 2618-0516 Nintendo Switch
- error code 2618-0516 Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2618-0516
- Switch 2 2618-0516
What it means
Nintendo describes 2618-0516 as being unable to complete the matchmaking process, on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. It generally indicates the network is not optimal for peer-to-peer connections, likely due to its NAT type. Both your NAT type and that of the player you are connecting with affect the connection, so the code does not prove the problem is your network: if it only fails with one person, their NAT may be the cause. It does not point to a console fault either. If it keeps happening, Nintendo refers you to its NAT guide and then to the router maker.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Resetting the router to its factory default settings erases its configuration, including your Wi-Fi name and password and any settings your provider applied. Do it only with help from the manufacturer or provider and note those details first.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2618-0516 (Nintendo UK Support)
- Loweditorial warning
Do not open ports or enable reduced security options on the router on your own: any NAT or port change should be made by the line holder following the manufacturer's or provider's documentation.
Evidence: NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Strict NAT type on your networkCommon
Nintendo explains that networks with a more strict NAT type may prevent online activities such as connecting with other players.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2618-0516 (Nintendo UK Support) · NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
- The other player's NATPossible
Both NAT types affect the connection process; if the error only appears with one specific player, the cause may be on their network.
Evidence: NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
- IPv6 connection or unresponsive network devicesPossible
Nintendo's NAT guide suggests turning off the console's IPv6 connection and power cycling router and modem before testing again.
Evidence: NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
- Network environment or routerPossible
If it still cannot connect after the guide, Nintendo points to an issue with the network environment or router and refers you to its maker.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2618-0516 (Nintendo UK Support)
Virtual technician
Does 2618-0516 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
How to Power Cycle a Home Network (Nintendo UK Support)
Nintendo UK Support · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Código de error 2618-0516 de Nintendo Switch (Ayuda de Nintendo España)
Ayuda de Nintendo España · 2026 · official_doc
- 3
Nintendo Switch error code 2618-0516 (Nintendo UK Support)
Nintendo UK Support · 2026 · official_doc
- 4
Resolución de problemas de NAT en Nintendo Switch 2 y Nintendo Switch (Ayuda de Nintendo España)
Ayuda de Nintendo España · 2026 · official_doc
- 5
NAT Related Troubleshooting on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch (Nintendo UK Support)
Nintendo UK Support · 2026 · official_doc
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