Nintendo Announces Revival of Switch Online: Playtest Program

Nintendo just dropped info about this playtest thing for Switch Online, running from July 28 to August 10, 2025. If you’re a subscriber, you can get in on this action—though it’s a first-come, first-served kind of deal, so don’t dawdle.

Back in 2018, Nintendo kicked off its Switch Online service and, honestly, it’s been a bit of a wild ride. Think online multiplayer, cloud saves, all that jazz. There’s this fancy tier too, where you get extra games. Last year, from October to November, they did another playtest thing—total sandbox game, by the way. You could roam around, pick up stuff, build things. It was fun, I think.

Jumping to now, Nintendo’s planning another round of testing, letting 40,000 peeps in worldwide. Applications kick off on July 21 at 8 am PT. If you’re over 18 and living in places like the US, UK, or Japan—among others—you’re golden. Just be sure everyone in your group is from the same region if you’re signing up together. Details about the game? They’re keeping it hush-hush this time.

So who’s eligible? Well, you gotta have your Nintendo Account in the right country, be an active subscriber, and yeah, that age thing—18 and up only. No underage shenanigans allowed here. Plus, spots fill up fast, so move it.

Honestly, 2025’s been buzzing for Switch Online fans. Not too long ago, they tossed GameCube classics like Wind Waker on the service, which is sweet if you’re into nostalgia. But here’s some extra juice—there’s talk of new N64 games making a comeback. Imagine duking it out in Donkey Kong 64 or reliving the days of Super Smash Bros. Fingers crossed these rumors hold water.

And while you’re biding time, don’t miss flexing your muscles in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or chilling on your Animal Crossing island. Got a thing for retro? Dive into all those NES and Game Boy wonders. Seriously, who doesn’t love a bit of Super Mario Bros. 3? Oh, and if you like your tunes, there’s a new app for streaming Nintendo music. Yep, jam out to Yoshi’s soundtrack anywhere.

Anyway, it’s a lot. And yeah, some plans might fall through—I mean, who hasn’t had stuff just… not happen? But hey, it’s all part of the fun.