Nintendo is quietly gearing up for its second Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, welcoming up to 40,000 Expansion Pack subscribers worldwide from July 28 to August 10, 2025. Membership holders aged 18+ in select regions—including the U.S., Japan, U.K., and Brazil—can begin signing up from July 21 at 11 AM ET, with group applications accepted for up to four users.
Participants will download exclusive playtest software to their Switch or Switch 2, marking the first official trial compatible with newer hardware. Though Nintendo remains tight-lipped about the content—last October’s test hinted at an ambitious MMO-inspired creative experience involving planet building and multiplayer “beacon” zones.
What’s clear this time is how Nintendo is scaling up: expanding capacity from 10,000 to 40,000 participants and opening applications to groups—suggesting a bigger focus on multiplayer dynamics and shared experiences.
This calendar-linked reveal strategy reflects Nintendo’s measured, community-driven approach. By doubling participation and allowing collaborative testing, the company signals earnest intent to refine its upcoming Expansion Pack offerings, possibly setting the stage for large-scale user-generated content—or even a full-fledged Nintendo MMO.
Sign-up tips: Applications open July 21 at 11 AM ET, fill slots fast, and users must act quickly—especially in non-Japanese territories, which are first-come-first-served. For Japanese applicants, entries will be drawn via raffle.
If you’ve ever wondered what Nintendo has brewing behind closed doors, this is the chance to gain early access even if only briefly.
