Nintendo has revealed plans for an upcoming Switch Online Playtest Program, a closed beta launching on July 28. This event offers qualifying users another opportunity to experience the same unannounced service previously tested in October 2024.
Similar to previous iterations, participation in the Switch Online Playtest Program is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective testers must be at least 18 years old and possess an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription by July 17.
For this playtest, Nintendo is accepting both individual and group applications. Application submission begins July 18 at 3 PM PT/6 PM ET, with formal registration commencing July 21 at 8 AM PT/11 AM ET. More information is available on Nintendo`s official website.
The playtest will run from July 28 to August 10. Nintendo anticipates enrolling up to 40,000 participants globally.
As with the initial Playtest Program, Nintendo stresses the importance of confidentiality. Participants are explicitly asked not to publicly discuss or reveal any content from the test software or website. Group participants, however, are permitted to share information within their designated group.
We request that you do not discuss or disclose content from either the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software or website with others. If you participate as a group, you may communicate and exchange information as long as it remains within the bounds of your group.
In addition to this playtest, Switch Online members can look forward to a limited-time demo for “Drag x Drive,” a Nintendo Switch 2 wheelchair basketball game, running from August 9-10. This demo is accessible to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and will feature three distinct play sessions over the two-day period.