Nintendo Extends Switch Online Playtest Program to Switch 2: New Patent Details Revealed

Nintendo has taken another significant step forward in its commitment to evolving online gaming, as the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program has now been officially extended to include the Switch 2 platform.

This development was recently cemented by the publication of an updated patent, revealing robust new gameplay mechanics designed for the next generation of Nintendo hardware. The Switch Online Playtest Program originally launched as a controlled environment for select users to provide feedback on upcoming features and improvements for the Nintendo Switch Online service.

In July, program access was broadened to include testers using the Switch 2 console, positioning the initiative as a major element in Nintendo’s ongoing support of its forthcoming hardware ecosystem. According to information shared by Nintendo Patents Watch, the company filed the initial patent application in Japan in April 2023, with a corresponding filing in the United States made in April 2025.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published the latest version this week.

The patent details an intuitive virtual selection system, enabling players to select multiple objects within a three-dimensional game space by maneuvering their character around them. The abstract of the patent outlines the core mechanic: "A player character is directed to move within a 3D virtual environment in response to a primary operation.

In this space, a configurable object connects a set reference point to the player character, with its shape adapting as the character moves.

When this object completely envelops another item in the virtual space, the encompassed object can then be targeted for additional game processes." While the technical language is precise, the implications for game design and interactivity are noteworthy.

This patent could open new gameplay possibilities, potentially streamlining complex item selection or manipulation in future Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 releases via Nintendo Switch Online. Earlier this year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed the program, stating, “This playtest is related to a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service.” He explained that, while the company intends to use insights and data from these playtests to enhance future services, specific details remain under wraps. Despite limited public information and the occurrence of online leaks during the initial rounds of playtesting, Nintendo has maintained its policy of confidentiality.

Participants in the program are expressly instructed not to discuss or share content or experiences related to the playtest with others.

This approach underscores Nintendo’s priority on controlled feedback and safeguarding proprietary developments. As anticipation builds for the Switch 2 and its expanded capabilities, the extension of this playtest program signals Nintendo’s dedication to refining the online experience.

The published patent stands as evidence of the company’s continuous investment in innovation, signaling that substantial advancements for Nintendo Switch Online and the broader eShop ecosystem may soon be realized on the next-generation platform.

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