EA’s announced console playtest for skate. was planned for fall 2024—not an upcoming season. EA later released the game in Early Access on September 16, 2025, for PC, PlayStation and Xbox. The old announcement described playtest access as invitation-based through the skate. Insider program.
When was the Skate console playtest?
EA’s 2024 development update said that “console playtesting is coming this Fall 2024,” but it did not provide a precise start date. The same update said there was no release date to share at the time. Those statements referred to a development playtest, not the game’s eventual public Early Access launch. Read EA’s 2024 development update.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Shaun White Skateboarding - Playstation 3 | $10.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![ACTIVISION Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lmnz51wNL._SL160_.jpg)
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ACTIVISION Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 [video game] | $34.56 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Who Is Tony Hawk? (Who Was?) | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Shaun White Skateboarding - Nintendo Wii | $8.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Skater XL (PS4) | $29.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How did players get invited?
EA directed interested players to sign up as skate. Insiders for a chance to play during development. People who had already registered were advised to watch the email account they used to sign up for invitations. Registration offered a chance to be invited; it did not guarantee access. EA also said it had increased the number of invited playtesters and planned to continue expanding it.
What happened after the 2024 announcement?
skate. entered Early Access on September 16, 2025. EA lists PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S as platforms for that release. EA’s FAQ gives the release date and platform details.
#1 Best Overall
- Using the game's play mechanic that allows the players to skate in predetermined areas highlighted in the play area and given the right circumstances, take full control of where you skate
- Create incredible skate lines using city structures, stretch and twist handrails to dizzying heights, empty fountains to create bowls, make alleys into epic quarter pipes and so much more
- With 80+ skate tricks hand-picked by Shaun (including a Shaun creation called the "Armadillo"), enjoy a unique and fun gameplay experience where you can shape, influence and transform the city
- Find or create skate spots you've only dreamed about. The city is stretched over massive districts with tons of challenges to complete, including race, collect, narrative missions and more
- Jump online to challenge your friends in cooperative or adversarial modes. Create your own maps, play with friends and see how you rank against players from across the world using online leaderboards
EA’s current game page promotes free play. Its 2025 development update describes Early Access as an ongoing development phase and says the game supports cross-play and cross-progression across PC and the listed consoles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the console Insider playtest still active?
EA’s public information establishes the fall 2024 announcement and the later Early Access release, but does not establish whether a separate invitation-only console Insider test remains active as of October 8, 2026. The playtest announcement should not be treated as evidence that new invitations are currently being sent. For current access information, check EA’s official skate. page and FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Freedom of expression - Skater XL is unique in that it doesn't have any tricks programmed into it, only control of the movement through the thumbsticks. Each thumb Stick is connected to the corresponding foot of the Skater and as the player moves the Stick, the board instantly responds. Much like a musical instrument, the player has complete freedom, whether it be pushing to Nail a line or skating free from.
- play as real-life Pro skaters - The game is launching with highly renowned pros tiago lemos, Brandon West Gate, Evan Smith, and Tom asta. Each Skater will have their own gear that fits their style.
- real life iconic skating locations - In Skater XL, players can shred legendary real-world Skate spots that are home to some of the most iconic skaters and tricks in the world. The game will launch with three large maps based in California and the West coast.
- customizable characters and boards - The possibilities are endless for players to personalize their Skater XL experience. Players can customize their entire look, from their skater
- come play in the sandbox - each area is yours to explore. With the freedom of an open-environment, players will be able to push themselves, perfecting the subtle nuances of a highly technical trick or free form Skate.
Rank #4
- Using the game's play mechanic that allows the players to skate in predetermined areas highlighted in the play area and given the right circumstances, take full control of where you skate
- Create incredible skate lines using city structures, stretch and twist handrails to dizzying heights, empty fountains to create bowls, make alleys into epic quarter pipes and so much more
- With 80+ skate tricks hand-picked by Shaun (including a Shaun creation called the "Armadillo"), enjoy a unique and fun gameplay experience where you can shape, influence and transform the city
- Find or create skate spots you've only dreamed about. The city is stretched over massive districts with tons of challenges to complete, including race, collect, narrative missions and more
- Challenge your friends in cooperative or adversarial modes and create your own maps
Rank #3
Rank #2
- 5030917294297
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