Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program 2025
Nintendo has announced the return of the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program to evaluate new features of their online service.
This is a rerun of the test previously held in October 2024. The playtest evaluates the same features from the October 2024 version, suspected to include MMO forms or creative sandbox modes. Participants must install exclusive software on their Switch or Switch 2 console.
Total slots up to 40,000, much larger compared to 10,000 in the previous test. Nintendo emphasizes that participants are not allowed to leak content from the playtest sessions.
Registration: You can start preparing from Friday, July 18, 2025: 18:00 ET / 15:00 PT, Officially opens Monday, July 21, 2025: 11:00 ET / 08:00 PT (ends Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:59 ET).
Playtest Period: Tuesday, July 28, 2025 at 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT, until Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 20:59 ET / 17:59 PT.
Who Can Participate? Aged 18 or older (as of July 17, 2025), Have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, Nintendo account registered in one of: Japan, USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil, or Mexico. Can register individually or as a team of up to 4 people, provided all members meet the requirements.
This playtest program is not only an opportunity to gain exclusive access but also an important part of the development of upcoming Switch Online features. If you have an Expansion Pack subscription and are interested in joining this global trial, remember the registration period is July 21–23 and sign up quickly! Registration link is via Nintendo's website.