Nintendo is Bringing Back its Playtest Program from July 28 to August 10

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Nintendo has revealed that they are reintroducing the Nintendo Switch Online Testing Program. From July 21, 8am Pacific Time, subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can sign up for this program. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on July 23. The Playtest Program is scheduled to begin on July 28 at 6pm Pacific Time and will run until August 10, 5:59pm Pacific Time.

According to a recent social media update from the company, here are some eligibility conditions for joining the program:

1. Your Nintendo Account must be registered in one of these countries: United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
2. You should be at least 18 years old to participate.
3. Additionally, you need to subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.

Although Nintendo hasn’t disclosed all details about the new feature being tested through their Playtest Program as of now, they have confirmed on their official website that it’s related to the service they tested back in October 2024. Interestingly, both Switch and potential Switch 2 users can take part in this playtest, suggesting that Nintendo is experimenting with its servers for something new.

Essentially, when you join the playtest, it’s important to keep quiet about any content you encounter. This suggests that the company might still be keeping secrets about its new feature, as they’re not yet ready for a full reveal.

On their website, the company asks that you keep confidential any content from the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software and site, and not share it with others outside of your group. However, if you’re participating as a group, you can communicate and exchange information among yourselves, but only as long as it stays within the bounds of your group.

For international applicants, the selection process will be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, for Japanese applicants, a lottery system will be used to choose them. The company plans to include up to 40,000 participants worldwide in this playtest.

In early March, Nintendo announced it was ending its Game Voucher system. This system enabled Switch gamers to purchase a set of two selected games digitally for $100, which typically cost $59.99 each individually. For example, instead of paying $120 for “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”, both games could be bought for $100 through Game Vouchers.

As the service winds down, you can still buy Switch Game Vouchers until January 30, 2026. Once purchased, they will remain valid for 12 months following the date of purchase. The termination of this service could be due to the company raising their base pricing for first-party releases. For instance, Mario Kart World, a launch title for Switch 2, was initially priced at $79.99.

In the interim, feel free to explore information regarding Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2, through our comprehensive review. Additionally, don’t miss our review on Mario Kart World.

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2025-07-18 15:11