Nintendo is bringing back its Playtest Program to test a secret new feature coming to Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
According to Nintendo, the secret new feature has something to do with a service for Nintendo Switch Online.
As such, interested parties will need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack account in order to sign up and test the feature.
Fans can sign up for the Playtest Program from 11pm BST UK time on July 18 until 3.59pm BST on the afternoon of July 21.
It’s only open to select regions, including the US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. You must be over 18 to enter.
While the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest is available on a first come, first served basis, Nintendo is opening it up to around 40,000 participants. This means that if you act fast, there’s a good chance you’ll be accepted.
The test itself runs from July 28 until August 10. More details including how to apply can be found on the Nintendo Playtest Program website.
Explaining more about the test, Nintendo confirmed that it’s the same one that was carried out last October.
“We will perform a test called the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program related to a service for Nintendo Switch Online,” Nintendo explains.
“This is a test of the same service for which we performed a test in October of 2024.
“Participants will need to download exclusive software to their own Nintendo Switch 2 system or Nintendo Switch system.”
It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to have signed up to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack from July 17.
As a reminder, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs £34.99 for an annual membership, or £59.99 as part of a Family membership.
As part of the subscription, members can play Gamecube titles such as Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2.
That’s on top of N64 titles like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64 and Sin and Punishment on N64, as well as Zelda Ocarina of Time and Mario Tennis.
SEGA Mega Drive games are also playable with the Expansion Pack tier, alongside Game Boy Advance titles.
Mega Drive games include well known classics like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2 and Gunstar Heroes, as well as cult favourites such as Crusader of Centy (Soleil), Musha, Pulseman and Alisia Dragoon.
Then there are the Game Boy Advance releases, which include everything from Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, to Kuru Kuru Kururin and the Japanese version of F-Zero Climax.