Nintendo Expands Switch Online Playtest Program to 40,000 Users, Teasing New Online Service for Switch and Switch 2
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Nintendo has announced the second iteration of its Switch Online Playtest Program, opening applications on July 18th to 40,000 Switch Online + Expansion Pack members for a closed beta of an unannounced online service. This marks a significant expansion from the 10,000 participants in the 2024 trial, quadrupling the user base to gather broader feedback ahead of a potential full launch. The test will run from July 29th to August 11th, 2025, and supports both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, signaling strategic alignment with the next-gen console’s launch plans .
- Eligibility: Open to users aged 18+ with Nintendo accounts registered in Japan, the U.S., Europe, Canada, Brazil, or Mexico. Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis and require an active Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription .
- Technical Requirements: Participants must download a dedicated 2.2GB software package, with Nintendo recommending TV mode and a wired internet connection for optimal performance—hints at potential bandwidth-intensive features like cloud gaming or large-scale multiplayer interactions .
- Confidentiality: While participants are urged not to share details, leaks from the 2024 test revealed a Minecraft-style MMO with collaborative planet-building, user-generated content (UGC) tools, and a social hub called Dev Core. Players could construct structures in shared "Beacon Zones," where personal creations were protected, while public areas encouraged teamwork or friendly competition .
The program’s expansion suggests Nintendo is refining a multiplayer sandbox experience, potentially integrating elements from its 2024 patent filings, which included concepts like "adaptive difficulty" and "cross-platform progression." The involvement of EPD 4—the team behind Nintendo Labo—adds credence to rumors of creative, modular gameplay mechanics .
Analysts note the test’s timing, just months before the anticipated Switch 2 launch, could be a strategic move to showcase the new console’s online capabilities. Features like enhanced graphics for shared worlds or real-time multiplayer synchronization may highlight the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware .
The 2024 test, despite strict NDAs, saw widespread leaks on social media, with players sharing screenshots of block-based construction, enemy encounters, and a progression system tied to social interactions. Nintendo’s swift takedown of content underscores its sensitivity to premature disclosure, yet the buzz generated hints at pent-up demand for innovative online experiences from the company .
For Switch Online + Expansion Pack members, the program offers a rare glimpse into Nintendo’s future online ecosystem. With the service already offering N64 games and DLC perks like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass , the Playtest Program could signal a shift toward more dynamic, evergreen content—a model popularized by games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Interested users can apply via the Nintendo website starting July 18th. Successful applicants will receive a download code for the test software, which will be available on both Switch generations. With 40,000 slots available, competition is expected to be fierce, mirroring the 2024 trial’s rapid sign-up closure within minutes .
As Nintendo continues to balance tradition with innovation, the Playtest Program remains a critical tool for shaping its next-gen online strategy. Whether this leads to a standalone MMO, a revamped Switch Online service, or a hybrid of both, the initiative reflects the company’s evolving approach to multiplayer gaming in an increasingly connected industry.
