MLB The Show 22 will represent a series debut on Switch, and indeed the first PlayStation Studios title (it's developed by Sony Dan Diego) to grace Nintendo's platform. In preparation for its early April arrival it's getting a Tech Test in which players will be able to dive into a variety of online matches and modes. Unlike the Nintendo Switch Sports tech test that's locked down into a small number of short sessions, this MLB equivalent will be running for a decent amount of time without breaks (unless the servers collapse, of course).
If you're curious about how this one is going to turn out for Switch, below are the details.
MLB The Show 22 Tech Test Switch Details
So, here's an online thing on Switch, how exciting!
MLB The Show 22 Switch Tech Test Availability
Unfortunately, this MLB The Show 22 Tech Test is for North American players only, though we do have a sneaky little trick for all 7 of us baseball fans in Europe, which we'll cover a little further down. If you are in North America and do want to play the app is available now on the NA Switch eShop - simply search 'MLB The Show' and it'll pop up as a free download in the results.
How Big Is The MLB The Show 22 File Size On Switch?
It's surprisingly chunky for just a portion of the game, coming in at 12.5GB. In terms of what will be playable, it'll be an assortment of online options to help the developers test cross-platform play and match-making in particular.
When Will The Tech Test Be Playable?
Sony San Diego has confirmed that the tech test should go live at approximately 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern on 17th February, which is 6pm UK / 7pm CET (as we've said above, this test doesn't officially support Europe). As we publish this article it is live and the servers are working.
It'll then be live until 23rd February.
Do I Need To Sign-Up?
Nope, no sign-ups or waiting list for this one, any player that downloads the app and has access to the online play can jump in.
Do I Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, this is the only requirement outside of the North America-only play. If you don't subscribe to the base tier of Nintendo's online service, you won't be able to join in.
I'm Not In North America But Want To Play, Can I?
Officially no, but we've come up with a workaround courtesy of how easy it is to set up different regional accounts on Nintendo's system, and its generous Nintendo Switch Online family membership plan.
First of all, you'll need to have an account setup for North America; you'll need this to access the correct eShop and download the app anyway. You can see our guide for setting up regional accounts below.
How Can I Get Nintendo Switch Online Setup On My New Account?
We have a very specific workaround for this. The issue with even setting up an NSO trial for an NA account is it wants full payment details, which could be an issue with your non-NA-region payment methods. However, if you run or are part of a Nintendo Switch Online Family Group that could be the solution.
Each group allows up to 8 users, so if you have a spare slot you can simply add your NA account into the group. As you will have seen when setting up your cheeky extra account it needs to be tied to an email account (in our case a little-used Gmail address), so you use that email to follow the process to add the new account into the group.
Just like that, your alternative account has access to all of the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online, including the ability to play this MLB The Show 22 Tech Test.
Everyone Else Has A Dream Team, Help!
The main mode in this trial is 'Diamond Dynasty', where you create a club and try to get a great team together. Then the simplest option to play is either 'Play vs CPU' or 'Casual' if you want to play against others (by all means experiment with other modes!).
Your starting batch of players is terrible, but as this is a trial the developers have given everyone the means to get a great team together. Go to 'Shop', then 'Packs', and 'Buy Packs'. You'll see various options, but just redeem and then open a bunch of 'Diamond Dream' packs. Redeem plenty, then back out and go to 'My Squad' and 'Manage Squad'. Hit + on this page and choose 'Generate Best Squad for Main', and the game will put together your best line-up.
Keep redeeming those packs until your team is loaded with 90+ rated players.
We'll be giving the Tech Test a whirl for some impressions soon; let us know if you're planning to try out some MLB The Show 22 this week!
Comments 16
is it 60fps on switch? cant wait to try it out
It looked pretty good in my opinion.
It's runs nicely. Last year's Pro Baseball Spirits by Konami looks nicer though. Maybe that will improve in the next couple of months before it comes out.
Oh man, check out the videos on YouTube, it is so ugly. Can‘t believe it‘s the same game as on PS5 and Xbox. Who did this „port“?
@Max_the_German its the switch bro. port seems to be pretty good
I can't believe people are expecting this to look the same as the PS5 and Xbox versions! The graphics looked good and it looks like it runs pretty well. Unfortunately I can't play the test myself though
Strange seeing a PlayStation link in the page description on eShop lol
Ah, so you have to play Diamond Dynasty, huh? I just wanted to jump in a game between two MLB teams - that's why it didn't work.
Of the little I played, I thought it looked great for a Switch sports game. I never got to a point where a full team took the field (just practicing hitting and pitching), but it looked great. The two times I tried to get into a game online it failed to connect and kicked me back to the main menu, but that's to be expected.
I played a game against the computer and it was fun. It obviously doesn't look amazing but it played great which is much more important. Except for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to throw the ball. Every out I got was either a flyout or a strikeout. If there was a grounder my fielder just held it until the runner reached first and it moved on to the next batter. Still managed to win, though.
Seemed pretty darn good to me.
@jrt87 At best, they’re using the Vita version. The Switch versions of the NBA 2K games are good. Players aren’t as detailed and it’s 30 fps, but the games themselves are comparable. This isn’t anywhere close to other modern versions of MLB.
@jrt87 I'd love to have the fantastic graphics, but its just not possible on the Switch. I'd happily take a hit on the graphics if theres no lag and latency. But the main thing I want is gameplay, RBI was lacking in that respect. And personally the online coop isn't a big pull for me, playing offline should hopefully see a lot less latency
The game is a little rough around the edges and could use a little cleaning up graphic wise but it is playing good right now. It is laughable though comparing it to the Vita as someone else did though.
@jrt87 Oof, what a terrible take
Uploaded some thoughts to my YT channel if anyone wants to see some gameplay.
I was actually postively surprised... if you play it yourself it looks a lot better than looking a tyoutube (esp ojn portable ofcourse), and it plays fluidly... I also play mlb (21) on gamepass on my android TV, but this felt more responsive..
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