Nintendo is asking those who successfully signed up for its mysterious Switch Online Playtest not to reveal what it is once it goes live.
The nature of the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, which involves a 2.2GB download and runs from October 24 to November 6, is unknown.
But ahead of the test, Nintendo is sending successful applicants documentation that includes various requirements. As revealed by X/Twitter user @OatmealDome, the documentation includes a request “that you do not discuss or disclose content from either the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software or website with others.”
[NSO - Playtest]
— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) October 10, 2024
Note: players will not be allowed to talk about the contents of the playtest. You must accept an NDA before the software can be downloaded.
(Pretty sure there will be people who post to social media about it within the first 5 minutes regardless...) pic.twitter.com/uhvmwFs4Q9
As so many have already pointed out across social media, it seems unlikely that all who gain access to the playtest will keep quiet about its nature. Rather, it seems likely that as soon as it starts, the entire internet will know what it’s about.
Sign-ups went live on Thursday morning and the playtest quickly filled up. Now fans have to wait until October 20, when Nintendo has said it will reveal more information, to learn what the program is all about.
Speculation around the program is already rampant, with some suggesting it might usher in the return of the Miiverse. Others have wondered whether it might have something to do with Nintendo Switch Online retro games, such as the release of GameCube games on the service.
Crucially, Nintendo appears to want playtesters to play docked and with a strong internet connection, which has sparked speculation that Nintendo is testing a cloud-based streaming service for Switch games, similar to the kind offered by Xbox, PlayStation, and Nvidia.
The big question, of course, is whether this test has something to do with the upcoming Switch 2, which Nintendo has yet to formally announce. The official Nintendo playtest page mentions more information will be revealed on October 20, which fans have already said lines up with the anniversary of the original Switch reveal (October 20, 2016).
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
