Nintendo Switch Error Code 2137-8001 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

2137-8001 means your Nintendo Switch failed to connect to an online multiplayer session. This can be caused by a weak network connection, a NAT type issue, or the game's servers being unavailable. Most cases are resolved by improving your network connection.

Affected Models

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED

Common Causes

Your Nintendo Switch Online membership has expired, blocking online multiplayer access
Your router's NAT type is too strict and is preventing peer-to-peer connections between players
The game's online servers are temporarily down or under maintenance
Your internet connection is too slow or unstable to maintain a multiplayer session
The host of the online session you are trying to join has a poor connection

How to Fix It

Check your Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Go to System Settings > Nintendo Switch Online. Confirm your membership is active and has not expired.

Online multiplayer on Switch requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Without it, online play is blocked entirely.
Check your NAT type. Go to System Settings > Internet > Connection Status. Look at the NAT Type field. NAT Type A or B is required for reliable online play. NAT Type C or D will cause frequent connection failures.

If your NAT type is C or D, enable UPnP on your router or set up port forwarding for the Switch. Nintendo's required ports are: 1 to 65535 (UDP), 433 and 3478 (TCP/UDP).
Check the game's server status. Search online for '[Game Name] server status' or check the game developer's official website. If servers are down, you need to wait.

Game server outages are common after major updates or during peak times. The developer's Twitter account often posts real-time status updates.
Restart your Switch and router. Hold the Switch power button for 3 seconds and select Restart. Unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Then retry the online session.

A full restart on both devices clears any stale network state that may be blocking the connection.
Move closer to your router or use a wired connection. In handheld mode, sit closer to the router. In TV mode, use a Nintendo LAN adapter to connect via ethernet cable for the most stable connection.

Wired connections dramatically reduce latency and packet loss, making multiplayer connections far more reliable than Wi-Fi.

When to Call a Professional

If your internet is stable, your NSO subscription is active, and NAT type is Type B or better, but this error still appears, contact Nintendo Support at support.nintendo.com. They can check if there are known service issues or account flags affecting your online access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

NAT (Network Address Translation) is how your router shares a single internet connection with multiple devices. Strict NAT (Type C or D) makes it harder for your Switch to connect directly with other players' consoles. Enabling UPnP on your router allows the Switch to configure its own ports, changing your NAT to Type A or B.

Can I play local wireless with friends if 2137-8001 blocks online play?

Yes. Local wireless multiplayer uses your local Wi-Fi network or the Switch's own wireless signal — not Nintendo's servers. Local play is completely unaffected by online connectivity errors like 2137-8001. You can still play wirelessly with nearby friends even when online services are unavailable.

Does Nintendo Switch Online family plan membership fix 2137-8001 for all Switch users in my home?

Yes. A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership covers up to 8 Nintendo Accounts in the same family group. All members can access online multiplayer under the same membership. If a family member's individual membership expired but the family plan is active, they should still have access.