Nintendo Switch Sports: How to Sign Up for the Online Play Test

Nintendo is reviving Wii Sports for Switch, bringing a new sports compilation game to the console this April. Like the hit Wii title, Nintendo Switch Sports will feature six different sports all played using motion controls, including old favorites like tennis and new additions like volleyball.

While Nintendo Switch Sports is still a couple of months away, you'll have a chance to try the game out ahead of its launch. Nintendo is holding an online play test for the title this weekend, letting Switch Online members sample three different sports in online multiplayer matches. Here's how to sign up and everything else you need to know about the beta test.

When is the online play test?

The Nintendo Switch Sports play test takes place across three days this weekend: Feb. 18, Feb. 19, and Feb. 20. However, the test will only run during designated sessions each day, so you'll need to be logged in during the specified times to participate. The full schedule can be seen below:

Feb. 18

• 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. PT

Feb. 19

• 3:00 - 3:45 a.m. PT
• 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. PT
• 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. PT

Feb. 20

• 3:00 - 3:45 a.m. PT

How do I sign up?

Registration for the Nintendo Switch Sports play test kicked off on Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. PT. The test is only open to players with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, including those sampling the service through a free trial.

To register for the online test, log in with your Nintendo Account and visit the My Nintendo website to grab a download code for the test client. After that, access the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, select Enter Code from the left sidebar, then input your code to begin downloading the test client.

Nintendo asks participants not to share details or screenshots from the online test publicly. "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 company writes on its website.

How much is Nintendo Switch Online?

An individual subscription to the base Switch Online service costs $20 per year and comes with various benefits, including cloud saves, the ability to play Switch games online, and access to a library of classic NES and SNES titles. Nintendo also offers a premium "Expansion Pack" plan that costs $50 per year and includes additional perks, such as access to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's upcoming Booster Course DLC and a library of classic N64 and Sega Genesis games.

Which sports will be available?

Participants will be able to try out three of the game's six sports during the online play test: tennis, bowling and chambara (sword fighting). Each sport will pit you against other random players in online matches; you won't be able to pair up with friends during the online play test.

Which Nintendo Switch models are supported?

Like the full game, the Nintendo Switch Sports online play test is playable on a standard Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch OLED model in tabletop and TV modes. However, the game does not support handheld play, which means it's incompatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite. 

Nintendo Switch Sports launches on April 29, with additional features and sports coming as part of free post-launch updates. In summer, Nintendo will add the ability to play full soccer matches with the Ring Fit leg strap accessory, while golf will be added to the selection of sports in fall.