Nintendo Switch Online mystery ‘new feature’ test requests secrecy from players

Nintendo has requested that any player participating in its upcoming Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program keep the test’s contents secret.

The test, called simply ‘Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program’, will take place between October 24 and November 6.

Players who successfully signed up for the mystery test have been sent documentation on the program, including a series of requirements for those looking to participate.

One of these is a requirement to keep the contents of the test secret. The page reads: “We request that you do not discuss or disclose content from either the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program test software or website with others.”

Despite this warning, it is likely that several of the 10,000 players that signed up for the test will share its contents on social media.

Launched in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online is the Switch maker’s online subscription service, which grants paying members a range of benefits such as online play, cloud saves, voice chat, and a library of retro games.

The base subscription gives members access to a library of NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games. A more expensive Expansion Pack tier – launched in 2021 – includes a library of N64, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, and Game Boy Advance games.

Expansion Pack also grants subscribers access to paid DLC for games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for no additional cost.

Nintendo also offers its paying subscribers exclusive access to purchase peripherals such as retro Switch controllers. Earlier this week, Nintendo announced the Alarmo interactive clock, which will be a timed exclusive offer to NSO members.