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Nintendo Launches Another Switch Online Test Program for 40,000 Players
In a surprise move, Nintendo has announced the launch of its second Playtest Program, inviting 40,000 active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members to participate. This new initiative builds upon the success of their initial program, which had a much smaller participant pool.
As with the first test event, only current Switch Online subscribers who have purchased the Expansion Pack will be eligible for participation. The company is now accepting applications from individuals and groups of up to four people. In this iteration, Nintendo is expanding its reach by supporting both the original Switch and the latest Switch 2 console.
The program’s requirements remain largely unchanged. Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a registered Nintendo account in one of nine specified regions: Japan, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil, or Mexico. The company will conduct a raffle for Japanese participants and accept applications on a first-come-first-served basis for all other regions.
Applications will be open from July 18 at 6 PM Eastern to July 21 at 11 AM Eastern. While Nintendo has not disclosed the specific nature of this new test, they have confirmed that it is related to “testing the same service” as previously explored in October 2024.
Interestingly, the company’s statement suggests that participants will engage with a shared gaming environment, which may involve cooperative play and social features. This possibility raises intriguing questions about potential new services or games being developed for Switch Online subscribers.
We can only speculate at this point, but Nintendo fans are likely to be excited by the prospect of more interactive experiences available on their consoles.
Source: www.engadget.com
