Nintendo Switch Online has always been a fairly straightforward service, but Nintendo's latest announcement has added an extra layer of mystery and anticipation. Available since 2018, Nintendo Switch Online provides online multiplayer for Switch games with a monthly subscription fee. It also includes some perks like access to a digital library of classic games, and over time the service has expanded with new perks and options like the Expansion Pack, which adds Nintendo 64, GameBoy Advance, and SEGA Genesis titles.
As reported Eurogamer, The newest shakeup for Nintendo Switch Online is Playtest, which will be available to up to 10,000 Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.. The application page on Nintendo's official website doesn't offer many details about what to expect, but it does make it clear that the PlayTest period will run from Tuesday, October 23rd to Tuesday, November 5th. Only those in eligible countries (including the United States of America) and those who already have a subscription prior to the announcement can apply for the Playtest.
The Playtest Program Is Nintendo's Newest Surprise
October is a busy month for Nintendo
With so little information available, it's hard to get a good idea of what the Playtest Program will test, but it comes during a week full of Nintendo surprises. This may have something to do with the Nintendo Switch firmware update that was released on October 7threleased a new version number – 19.0.0 – but did not mention any changes other than stability improvements. Another exciting announcement was the announcement of the Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo, an expensive alarm clock that uses Nintendo music and sounds to wake up sleepy heads in the morning.
Our On The Switch Online Playtest Program Is Our Secret
A Clearer Answer Should Come Soon
Nintendo fan and software expert OatmealDome noted on Twitter Those accepted for the Playtest Program will receive a download code that requires 2.2 GB of spacecloud gaming client can be too big for testing. With the Switch 2 expected to launch in 2025, Nintendo could be testing out some new online infrastructure, but how will it differ?new feature,“As stated in their official materials, it is not clear.

Related
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a classic game that was never released outside of Japan
The two new titles coming to the Nintendo Switch Online catalog are from beloved franchises, but many outside of Japan have likely never played either of them.
There's no clear answer to what Nintendo might be experimenting withand I'd say the wisest move is to wait a few days to see what news comes out when people get their hands on the Playtest Program. Nintendo insists on confidentiality, but with a playtest of this size, information will inevitably leak. Although it's nearing the end of the Switch's life as Nintendo's main platform, it's a surprisingly exciting time to be a fan of the console and a mystery. Nintendo Switch Online Playtest app is another interesting update.
Sources: EurogamerNintendo, OatmealDome/Twitter

Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to the 2012 Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED display.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- March 3, 2017
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $299.99