Nintendo’s Switch Online Playtest Program tested a new service feature—not a publicly named game. Leaked participant-site material from the 2024 round described players working together to develop a vast planet, but Nintendo did not confirm that description as a finished product. Nintendo ran a second test in 2025 for Switch and Switch 2; both reported test windows have ended.
What Nintendo officially announced
On October 9, 2024, Nintendo of America said it would conduct a test related to a “new feature” for Nintendo Switch Online on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s announcement, reproduced by Nintendo Life, did not name the feature or explain what the software was for.
Applications opened October 10 to existing Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. Nintendo expected to accept up to 10,000 participants. Although Nintendo’s announcement listed October 23–November 5, later reporting on the participant schedule gave the playable window as October 24–November 6, 2024, UTC. Applications were reported full within minutes.
What the participant material described
Successful applicants gained access to a participant site on October 21. Material from that gated site described software in which players would work together to “fully develop” a massive, expansive planet using creativity and farmed resources. Contemporary coverage characterized the concept as MMO-like or a multiplayer creative sandbox, but those labels are interpretations of leaked material—not Nintendo’s public identification of a finished game. Coverage of the reported leak and IGN’s report describe what appeared on the participant site.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Nintendo asked participants not to share program content. The participant notice, quoted by Nintendo Life, said: “We request that you do not discuss or disclose content from either the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software or website with others.” That request does not change the key distinction: the planet-building description came from participant-site material, while Nintendo’s public announcement only called it a test of a new Switch Online feature.
How the 2024 and 2025 rounds compare
| Detail | 2024 round | 2025 round |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo’s description | Test of a new Nintendo Switch Online feature | Test of the same service tested in October 2024 |
| Expected participant limit | Up to 10,000 | As many as 40,000 worldwide |
| Hardware | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Reported eligible regions | Japan, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain | Japan, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil and Mexico |
| Test window | October 24–November 6, 2024 UTC, according to participant-schedule reporting | July 28–August 10, 2025 |
| Membership requirement | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |
The participant limits are announced ceilings, not counts of people who actually took part. Nintendo described the 2025 round as a test of the same service and expanded hardware support to Switch 2. Its reported eligibility list also added Canada, Brazil and Mexico. Nintendo Life’s 2025 coverage reports the second round’s dates and conditions.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Can you still join?
No reported test window remains open: the 2024 and 2025 rounds have ended. The historical rounds required an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, but that past requirement is not an open application route. The participant site now redirects to Nintendo’s general region selector, and the available reporting does not establish a later round, a consumer release, or a release date. Buying a Switch or Switch 2 does not provide access to a closed playtest.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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