Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program Opens Today, Here What You Need to Know

Today, Nintendo is opening up a test for a “new feature” for Nintendo Switch Online. Starting on October 10th at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can sign up for a chance to participate.

Yesterday, Nintendo announced its brand new Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program. Having never done anything like this before, speculation and excitement began to brew online. Nintendo keeps things close to the chest, but has said that the program is “related to a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service offered for the Nintendo Switch system.”

For those hoping to participate, Nintendo will be recruiting those with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This membership must have been active alongside a Nintendo Account as of October 9th at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT. Hopeful players must also be 18 years of age. The Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program will take place across the US, Japan, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Unforunately, Canadians will be left out for now.

The playtest will be accepting up to 10,000 participants. Once 11 AM ET/8 AM PT arrives, players are encouraged to head to this page to sign up. Once the recruitment period has begun, eager players can select the ‘To Application Page’ link.

In Japan, Nintendo will host a raffle to select participants. In every other region, participants will be chosen on a first-com-first-serve basis. Recruitment closes on Tuesday, October 15th at 10:59 AM ET/7:59 AM PT.

Nintendo goes on to explain that the Playtest Period for this mystery feature will run from October 23rd until November 5th. Users will be required to download “exclusive software” to their Switch to participate.