In this paper, the finite-time event-triggered and guaranteed non-fragile cost control problem is discussed for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear networked control systems (SNNCS) which involves parameter uncertainties and time-varying transmission delays. The main aim of this work is to synthesize finite-time event-triggered and guaranteed cost non-fragile controller for ensuring the finite-time boundedness of the resulting SNNCS with optimal dissipative performance index. By proposing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and using the average dwell time technique, a set of new delay-dependent finite-time boundedness conditions is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities to obtain the desired result. The proposed approach unifies the H∞,L2−L∞, passivity and (Q,S,R) - dissipativity performance concept in a single framework. Further, the associated optimization problem is formulated to minimize the guaranteed cost performance bound. To save communication resources, an event-based rule is also introduced and implemented for the control signal transmission. Finally, two numerical examples with simulations are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the developed control design technique.