<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- Generated by DFIN XBRL Schema Document - https://www.dfinsolutions.com/  -->
<!-- Copyright(c) 2026 Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc. All Rights Reserved.  -->
<schema targetNamespace="http://www.nationwide.com/20261028" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:nationwide="http://www.nationwide.com/20261028" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" xmlns:vip="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31">
    <annotation>
        <appinfo>
			<link:linkbase>
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#N4"/>			
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ContractOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#ContractOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ClassOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#ClassOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#IndexOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ReturnLimitTypeOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#ReturnLimitTypeOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/InvestmentOptionOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#InvestmentOptionOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexReturnOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#IndexReturnOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/CreditingMethodologyOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#CreditingMethodologyOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/AdjustmentsOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#AdjustmentsOnly" />
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/CoregistrantsOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#CoregistrantsOnly" />			
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/BenefitOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#BenefitOnly"/>
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/PortfolioCompanyOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#PortfolioCompanyOnly"/>
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/RiskOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#RiskOnly"/>
				<link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/GenerationOnly" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#GenerationOnly"/>			
				<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
				<link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
				<link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4">			
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_ProspectusLineItems" xlink:label="ProspectusLineItems"/>
					<!--ContractAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllContractsMember" xlink:label="AllContractsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_C000265036Member" xlink:label="C000265036Member"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllContractsMember" xlink:to="C000265036Member" order="1.0" />
					<!--ClassAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllClassesMember" xlink:label="AllClassesMember"/>
					<!--IndexAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllIndexesMember" xlink:label="AllIndexesMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_MSCIEAFEIndexMember" xlink:label="MSCIEAFEIndexMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="MSCIEAFEIndexMember" order="1.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Nasdaq100IndexMember" xlink:label="Nasdaq100IndexMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="Nasdaq100IndexMember" order="2.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Russell2000IndexMember" xlink:label="Russell2000IndexMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="Russell2000IndexMember" order="3.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SPMidCap400IndexMember" xlink:label="SPMidCap400IndexMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="SPMidCap400IndexMember" order="4.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoors500IndexMember" xlink:label="StandardPoors500IndexMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="StandardPoors500IndexMember" order="5.0" />				
					<!--ReturnLimitTypeAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember" xlink:label="AllReturnLimitTypesMember"/>
					<!--InvestmentOptionAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:label="AllInvestmentOptionsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer10Member" xlink:label="Buffer10Member"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:to="Buffer10Member" order="1.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer20Member" xlink:label="Buffer20Member"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:to="Buffer20Member" order="2.0" />
					<!--IndexReturnAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllIndexReturnsMember" xlink:label="AllIndexReturnsMember"/>
					<!--CreditingMethodologyAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:label="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint1YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint1YearMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint1YearMember" order="1.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint3YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint3YearMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint3YearMember" order="2.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint6YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint6YearMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint6YearMember" order="3.0" />
					<!--AdjustmentAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllAdjustmentsMember" xlink:label="AllAdjustmentsMember"/>
					<!--CoregistrantAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllCoregistrantsMember" xlink:label="AllCoregistrantsMember"/>
					<!--BenefitAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllBenefitsMember" xlink:label="AllBenefitsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" xlink:label="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" order="2.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="PerformanceLockMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="PerformanceLockMember" order="3.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" order="4.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" order="5.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SpousalProtectionMember" order="6.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" xlink:label="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" order="7.0" />
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember"/>
					<link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" order="8.0" />
					<!--PortfolioCompanyAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllPortfolioCompaniesMember" xlink:label="AllPortfolioCompaniesMember"/>
					<!--GenerationAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_CurrentGenerationMember" xlink:label="CurrentGenerationMember"/>
					<!--RiskAxis-->
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllRisksMember" xlink:label="AllRisksMember"/>
				</link:presentationLink>			
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ContractOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllContractsMember" xlink:label="AllContractsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_C000265036Member" xlink:label="C000265036Member"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllContractsMember" xlink:to="C000265036Member" order="1.0"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ClassOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllClassesMember" xlink:label="AllClassesMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllIndexesMember" xlink:label="AllIndexesMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_MSCIEAFEIndexMember" xlink:label="MSCIEAFEIndexMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="MSCIEAFEIndexMember" order="1.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Nasdaq100IndexMember" xlink:label="Nasdaq100IndexMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="Nasdaq100IndexMember" order="2.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Russell2000IndexMember" xlink:label="Russell2000IndexMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="Russell2000IndexMember" order="3.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SPMidCap400IndexMember" xlink:label="SPMidCap400IndexMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="SPMidCap400IndexMember" order="4.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoors500IndexMember" xlink:label="StandardPoors500IndexMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllIndexesMember" xlink:to="StandardPoors500IndexMember" order="5.0"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ReturnLimitTypeOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember" xlink:label="AllReturnLimitTypesMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/InvestmentOptionOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:label="AllInvestmentOptionsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer10Member" xlink:label="Buffer10Member"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:to="Buffer10Member" order="1.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer20Member" xlink:label="Buffer20Member"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:to="Buffer20Member" order="2.0"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexReturnOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllIndexReturnsMember" xlink:label="AllIndexReturnsMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/CreditingMethodologyOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:label="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint1YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint1YearMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint1YearMember" order="1.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint3YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint3YearMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint3YearMember" order="2.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint6YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint6YearMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllCreditingMethodologiesMember" xlink:to="PointToPoint6YearMember" order="3.0"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/AdjustmentsOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllAdjustmentsMember" xlink:label="AllAdjustmentsMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/CoregistrantsOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllCoregistrantsMember" xlink:label="AllCoregistrantsMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/BenefitOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllBenefitsMember" xlink:label="AllBenefitsMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" xlink:label="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" order="1.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="PerformanceLockMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="PerformanceLockMember" order="2.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" order="3.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" order="4.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SpousalProtectionMember" order="5.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" xlink:label="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" order="6.0"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember"/>
					<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AllBenefitsMember" xlink:to="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" order="7.0"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/PortfolioCompanyOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllPortfolioCompaniesMember" xlink:label="AllPortfolioCompaniesMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/GenerationOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_CurrentGenerationMember" xlink:label="CurrentGenerationMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>
				<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/RiskOnly">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllRisksMember" xlink:label="AllRisksMember"/>
				</link:definitionLink>			
				<link:labelLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/link">
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_C000265036Member" xlink:label="C000265036Member"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_C000265036Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Nationwide Defender Annuity</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="C000265036Member" xlink:to="label_C000265036Member"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" xlink:label="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Return of Premium Death Benefit Option</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" xlink:to="label_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="PerformanceLockMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Performance Lock</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="PerformanceLockMember" xlink:to="label_PerformanceLockMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Standard Death Benefit Annuitant and Co-Annuitant Age at Issue 75 or Younger</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" xlink:to="label_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" xlink:label="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Standard Death Benefit Annuitant and Co-Annuitant Age at Issue 76 or Older</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" xlink:to="label_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_SpousalProtectionMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Spousal Protection</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="SpousalProtectionMember" xlink:to="label_SpousalProtectionMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" xlink:label="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Systematic Withdrawal Program</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" xlink:to="label_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_MSCIEAFEIndexMember" xlink:label="MSCIEAFEIndexMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_MSCIEAFEIndexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">MSCI EAFE Index</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="MSCIEAFEIndexMember" xlink:to="label_MSCIEAFEIndexMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer10Member" xlink:label="Buffer10Member"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_Buffer10Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Buffer 10</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="Buffer10Member" xlink:to="label_Buffer10Member"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint1YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint1YearMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_PointToPoint1YearMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Point To Point 1 Year</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="PointToPoint1YearMember" xlink:to="label_PointToPoint1YearMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Buffer20Member" xlink:label="Buffer20Member"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_Buffer20Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Buffer 20</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="Buffer20Member" xlink:to="label_Buffer20Member"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint3YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint3YearMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_PointToPoint3YearMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Point To Point 3 Year</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="PointToPoint3YearMember" xlink:to="label_PointToPoint3YearMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_PointToPoint6YearMember" xlink:label="PointToPoint6YearMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_PointToPoint6YearMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Point To Point 6 Year</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="PointToPoint6YearMember" xlink:to="label_PointToPoint6YearMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Nasdaq100IndexMember" xlink:label="Nasdaq100IndexMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_Nasdaq100IndexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Nasdaq-100 Index</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="Nasdaq100IndexMember" xlink:to="label_Nasdaq100IndexMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_Russell2000IndexMember" xlink:label="Russell2000IndexMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_Russell2000IndexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Russell 2000 Index</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="Russell2000IndexMember" xlink:to="label_Russell2000IndexMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SPMidCap400IndexMember" xlink:label="SPMidCap400IndexMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_SPMidCap400IndexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">SP MidCap 400 Index</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="SPMidCap400IndexMember" xlink:to="label_SPMidCap400IndexMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoors500IndexMember" xlink:label="StandardPoors500IndexMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_StandardPoors500IndexMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">SP 500 Index</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="StandardPoors500IndexMember" xlink:to="label_StandardPoors500IndexMember"/>
					<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="#nationwide_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" xlink:label="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember"/>
					<link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:label="label_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xml:lang="en-US">Spousal Protection Feature</link:label>
					<link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" xlink:to="label_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember"/>
				</link:labelLink>
			</link:linkbase>
		</appinfo>
    </annotation>
	<import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
	<import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
	<import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
	<import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31/types.xsd"/>
	<import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd"/>
	<import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd" />
	<import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip-n4/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-n4-2026.xsd" />
	<element name="C000265036Member" id="nationwide_C000265036Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" id="nationwide_ReturnofPremiumDeathBenefitOptionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="PerformanceLockMember" id="nationwide_PerformanceLockMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" id="nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantandCoAnnuitantAgeatIssue75orYoungerMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" id="nationwide_StandardDeathBenefitAnnuitantAndCoAnnuitantAgeAtIssue76OrOlderMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="SpousalProtectionMember" id="nationwide_SpousalProtectionMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" id="nationwide_SystematicWithdrawalProgramMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="MSCIEAFEIndexMember" id="nationwide_MSCIEAFEIndexMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="Buffer10Member" id="nationwide_Buffer10Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="PointToPoint1YearMember" id="nationwide_PointToPoint1YearMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="Buffer20Member" id="nationwide_Buffer20Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="PointToPoint3YearMember" id="nationwide_PointToPoint3YearMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="PointToPoint6YearMember" id="nationwide_PointToPoint6YearMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="Nasdaq100IndexMember" id="nationwide_Nasdaq100IndexMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="Russell2000IndexMember" id="nationwide_Russell2000IndexMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="SPMidCap400IndexMember" id="nationwide_SPMidCap400IndexMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
	<element name="SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" id="nationwide_SpousalProtectionFeatureMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
</schema>
