Sign Up for Nintendo's Secretive Online Playtest Before It's Too Late
Nintendo is re-opening playtests for what is likely a Minecraft-style MMO, and you'll need to act fast to get a chance to try it out. The company is taking 40,000 total applicants this time around, up from 10,000 in the last playtest session, but based on how quickly spots filled up last time, I still wouldn't expect them to last for more than just a few seconds.
The playtest will begin on July 28 and last through Aug. 10, and will work on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. While Nintendo is being secretive about the playtest, and asking players to do the same, the company did say that this test will be of the same software "for which we performed a test in October of 2024."
Technically, players were bound to secrecy during that test as well, but that didn't stop leaks from hitting the internet. Nintendo has used copyright strikes to attempt to put the genie back in the bottle, but searching Reddit still shows footage for the software in question. While it seems pretty rudimentary at this point, it appears to be an MMO in the vein of Minecraft, with multiple players able to team up to move blocks around a digital world.
Supposedly, according to datamining performed by a Bluesky user named Sky, the game is being developed by the same team that made the Nintendo Labo, and the final version is set to include minigames, mechs, a character creator, and PvP.
If that sounds like something you'd like to try out, you might want to rearrange your schedule for this evening. Applications for the playtest open tonight, July 18, at 6 pm ET and 3 pm PT. Technically, you're able to submit an application up through Monday at 7:59 am PT, but since Nintendo says "applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis," don't expect slots to be there for you if you dawdle.
To submit an application, visit Nintendo's form and click the "Advance to Application Creation" button at the bottom of the screen once the gates open. You'll need to have had an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as of yesterday, July 17, as well as have been at least 18 years of age by the same deadline. Your account must also be registered to one of the following countries:
Japan
United
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
That's pretty strict, but if you're planning to play with friends, Nintendo is throwing at least one bone your way: Instead of everyone filing an application individually, you're able to apply as a group. You'll need to elect a representative, then have that person create an application and send an invitation URL to everyone in your group, where they can then log in to complete the process. Everyone will need to belong to the same region, but it's one potential way to get around trying to load what is sure to be a busy website later tonight.