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Image: Nintendo

Update: The Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test is now over. Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the page.


Nintendo Switch Sports is bringing back the Wii Sports brand on Switch at the end of April 2022, but before it launches proper Nintendo is running an Online Play Test of the game over a weekend to test its online network capacity, evaluate various technical aspects, and iron out any online multiplayer kinks ahead of the game's global release.

If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription — or even just a trial one — you can register to participate in this multiplayer beta which begins on 18th February and finished on 20th February, with five 45-minute sessions available to join.

In this guide we have all the dates, times, and information currently available for how to sign up and get involved with the Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test.

Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test Dates and Times

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Image: Nintendo

When is the the Online Play Test?

The Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test will run across three days (or two, depending on your region) beginning on Friday 18th February and finishing on Sunday 20th February.

There will be five global test sessions in total, each one lasting 45 minutes. Below are the dates and times of each online play test session with corresponding time zone information (24-hour clock).

Please note that in two cases the European times occur after midnight, in the very early morning of the following day (marked below):

February 18

  • 19:00-19:45 PST / 22:00- 22:45 EST / 03:00-03:45 GMT (19th Feb) / 04:00-04:45 CET (19th Feb)

February 19

  • 03:00-03:45 PST / 06:00-06:45 EST / 11:00-11:45 GMT / 12:00-12:45 CET
  • 11:00-11:45 PST / 14:00-14:45 EST / 19:00-19:45 GMT / 20:00.20:45 CET
  • 19:00-19:45 PST / 22:00- 22:45 EST / 03:00-03:45 GMT (20th Feb) / 04:00-04:45 CET (20th Feb)

February 20

  • 03:00-03:45 PST / 06:00-06:45 EST / 11:00-11:45 GMT / 12:00-12:45 CET

Which Sports Are Included In The Online Play Test?

Online matches against random players will be available in the following three sports from the game:

  • Tennis
  • Bowling
  • Chambara (sword fighting)

It should be noted that this is very much a 'test' of the online service, so disruptions should be expected, especially in the earlier sessions.

How Do I Sign Up For The Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test?

Registration opens on 15th February at the following times:

  • 5pm PST / 8pm EST / 1am GMT (16th Feb) / 2am CET (16th Feb)

Follow the link below to go to Nintendo's website and register for a 16-digit Test Download Code which you can redeem via the Nintendo Switch eShop on your console:

The Online Play Test is set up like a Platinum Points redemption, except it costs zero Platinum Points. Simply log in with your Nintendo Account, 'redeem' the points and click 'Check details' to reveal the download code:

Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test Platinum Points
Image: Nintendo Life
Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test Redemption
Image: Nintendo Life

How do I redeem my Online Play Test download code?

Two options:

  1. Visit https://ec.nintendo.com/redeem#/ while logged into your Nintendo Account via Nintendo's website and input the code there
  2. Visit the Nintendo Switch eShop on your console and click 'Redeem Code' in the bottom left corner, then input your Online Play Test Code

Once redeemed, the Online Play Test icon will appear and download on your Switch.

Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test
Image: Nintendo Life

Restrictions

The Nintendo of America page notes the following restrictions for participants:

The Online Play Test software is under development and might not be reflective of the full version of Nintendo Switch Sports. You may experience unexpected behaviors or errors while playing.

By downloading and participating in the Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test, you agree not to publicly share any details from this online play test, including on your social media channels.

The Online Play Test may be terminated without notice. Session times may also be shortened or be extended without prior notice.

Save data from the Online Play Test cannot be carried over to the full game.

The reward code expires on February 20, 2022 at 03:59 AM PT.

This offer is available for a limited time only beginning February 15, 2022 and only while supplies last.

Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test is not compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite.

Registration is only available to players with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, although that includes anyone currently using the service via a free trial.

Nintendo does note that "Registrations are limited", so if you're desperate to get an early look at the game ahead of its April release, make sure you sign up sooner rather than later.

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Image: Nintendo

When does Nintendo Switch Sports release?

The full game will be available on 29th April. Check out our pre-order page below for more details:

Let us know if you'll be signing up for the Nintendo Switch Sports Online Play Test with a comment below.

[source nintendoswitchsports.nintendo.com]