Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Requests Players to Keep New Feature Under Wraps

On October 9, 2024, Nintendo made an announcement regarding its search for participants to try out a new feature for Nintendo Switch Online. However, those who applied are being asked to keep this information confidential from other Nintendo enthusiasts.

As highlighted in a post on X by Stealth, players fortunate enough to be chosen for the online playtests have been instructed not to reveal any details about the test. An excerpt from Nintendo’s official communication states:

“We kindly ask that you refrain from discussing or sharing any information related to the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program software or website with anyone.”

Nintendo has further cautioned participants against sharing their download codes, amid concerns that such keys could surface online. It’s worth noting, as indicated by Stealth, that the nondisclosure agreement appears to lack the enforceability of a legal NDA.

Nintendo is well-known for its stringent measures, sometimes even resorting to lawsuits against individuals or entities that threaten its intellectual property. This is particularly pertinent in relation to emulation, leaks, and other studios perceived to have encroached upon Nintendo’s gaming territory.

While it’s unclear if the Nintendo Switch Online Playtests will impose any consequences for leaks, the gaming community has been quick to address any potential violations.

We will be conducting a test related to a new feature for #NintendoSwitchOnline on #NintendoSwitch. Beginning at 8:00 AM PT on Oct. 10, current Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will have the opportunity to apply to join on a first-come, first-serve basis. Find out more:… pic.twitter.com/PKAz20oD5G

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 9, 2024

“This will be nearly impossible to keep under wraps. They are including random individuals in this, who probably won’t care or know about the implications. Such a bizarre situation,” commented one user.

Another fan pointed out the unrealistic expectation that players will maintain secrecy: “It’s quite naive to think that expecting 10,000 testers to keep quiet until the official unveiling of this feature is feasible.”

Though all 10,000 testers have been selected, specific information about what the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest will entail remains under wraps. What we do know is that the test requires 2.2 GB of free storage space.

The Nintendo Switch Online Playtest is scheduled to run from October 23, 2024, at 6 PM PDT to November 5, 2024, at 4:59 PM PST.

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