The Article

Nintendo Is Holding Another Switch Online Playtest This Month, Here's How To Sign Up

Nintendo has announced it is hosting another Switch Online Playtest Program later this month. The closed beta is slated to begin on July 28, and it will give eligible users another chance to sample the same mystery service that was tested out during the October 2024 Playtest Program.

As before, the Switch Online Playtest Program is only open to select players on a first come, first served basis. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription as of July 17.

This time around, Nintendo is allowing players to apply either individually or as part of a group. You can create an application starting on July 18 at 3 PM PT/6 PM ET, with registration formally opening on July 21 at 8 AM PT/11 AM ET. Full details can be found on Nintendo's website.

This Playtest Program is scheduled to run from July 28 to August 10. Nintendo says it is "expected to accept as many as 40,000 participants worldwide."

As was the case during the first Playtest Program, Nintendo is asking participants not to publicly discuss the service they are testing. The company writes:

"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."

This isn't the only beta test coming up for Switch Online members. Nintendo is also hosting a limited-time Drag x Drive demo from August 9-10. Unlike the Playtest Program, this is open to all NSO subscribers and will take place during three specific time slots over those two days.