Nintendo has officially announced that it will host another Switch Online Playtest Program later this month. This upcoming closed beta, set to commence on July 28, will provide eligible participants with a renewed chance to experience the same undisclosed service that was previously tested during the October 2024 Playtest Program.
As was the case with prior iterations, participation in the Switch Online Playtest Program is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, prospective participants must be at least 18 years old and possess an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription as of July 17.
For this specific playtest, Nintendo is offering the flexibility for players to apply either individually or as part of a group. The application creation process will begin on July 18 at 3 PM PT/6 PM ET, with formal registration opening shortly thereafter on July 21 at 8 AM PT/11 AM ET. Full eligibility requirements and registration instructions can be found on Nintendo`s official website.
The Playtest Program is scheduled to run for a limited period, from July 28 until August 10. Nintendo has stated its aim to accept a substantial number of participants, with expectations to enroll as many as 40,000 individuals from around the globe.
In line with the protocols established during the initial Playtest Program, Nintendo has explicitly requested that participants maintain strict confidentiality regarding the service they are testing. The company`s policy on disclosure is clear:
“We kindly ask that you do not discuss or disclose content from either the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software or its associated website with others. If you are part of a group, communication and information exchange are permitted solely within that group.”
Beyond this Playtest Program, Switch Online members have an additional beta opportunity. Nintendo is also planning a brief, limited-time demo for its upcoming Switch 2 wheelchair basketball game, titled “Drag x Drive.” This demo will be available on August 9-10. Unlike the more selective Playtest Program, the “Drag x Drive” demo will be open to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and will be accessible during three specific time slots over those two days.