Nintendo Unveils New Feature for Switch Online: Playtest Announcement

As anticipation builds for the impending Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has revealed a closed playtest for a “new feature”aimed at the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) platform. Specifics about this new addition have yet to be disclosed, but any player with an active NSO subscription is eligible to join, based on a first-come, first-served model.

The iconic gaming company has begun sharing public information, including the registration process and timelines for both the recruitment phase and the playtest itself.

Schedule for Nintendo Switch Online Feature Playtest Released

Before delving into the specifics, let’s outline the criteria for those looking to participate in the playtest. To be eligible, an applicant must:

Maintain an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription as of October 9, 2024, at 3 PM PT
Be at least 18 years old by October 9, 2024, at 3 PM PT
Possess a Nintendo account registered in one of the following countries: USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, or Japan

Application submissions will open at the following local times:

Pacific Time (PT): October 10, 2024 at 8 AM
Mountain Time (MT): October 10, 2024 at 9 AM
Central Time (CT): October 10, 2024 at 10 AM
Eastern Time (ET): October 10, 2024 at 11 AM
British Summer Time (BST): October 10, 2024 at 4 PM
Central European Time (CET): October 10, 2024 at 5 PM
Japan Standard Time (JST): October 11, 2024 at 12 AM

The application period will conclude at these times:

Pacific Time (PT): October 15, 2024 at 8 AM
Mountain Time (MT): October 15, 2024 at 9 AM
Central Time (CT): October 15, 2024 at 10 AM
Eastern Time (ET): October 15, 2024 at 11 AM
British Summer Time (BST): October 15, 2024 at 4 PM
Central European Time (CET): October 15, 2024 at 5 PM
Japan Standard Time (JST): October 15, 2024 at 12 AM

During this timeframe, interested participants can sign up for the playtest via Nintendo’s official site.

The actual playtest is set to commence at these times:

Pacific Time (PT): October 23, 2024 at 6 PM
Mountain Time (MT): October 23, 2024 at 7 PM
Central Time (CT): October 23, 2024 at 8 PM
Eastern Time (ET): October 23, 2024 at 9 PM
British Summer Time (BST): October 24, 2024 at 2 AM
Central European Time (CET): October 24, 2024 at 3 AM
Japan Standard Time (JST): October 24, 2024 at 10 AM

This segment will wrap up at these times:

Pacific Time (PT): November 5, 2024 at 5 PM
Mountain Time (MT): November 5, 2024 at 6 PM
Central Time (CT): November 5, 2024 at 7 PM
Eastern Time (ET): November 5, 2024 at 8 PM
British Summer Time (BST): November 6, 2024 at 1 AM
Central European Time (CET): November 6, 2024 at 2 AM
Japan Standard Time (JST): November 6, 2024 at 9 AM

Those who register will gain access to “exclusive software”for their Nintendo Switch during the playtest phase.

With exciting next-generation developments on the horizon, it’s intriguing to see enhancements being rolled out for the current Switch’s online features. Could this be a strategic move in anticipation of the Nintendo Switch 2? Only time will tell.

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