Essentially a beta ahead of the full launch on April 29th, the online play test allows you to play matches of Bowling, Tennis and Chambara against random players online. Taking place over the weekend across five sessions, there should be a time for everyone to take part regardless of your time zone. On this page: Bear in mind this is exclusively for those with access (which is free for everyone - see the next section for how to get involved) and if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The Switch Sports online play test times and dates are as follows: Bear in mind Nintendo has said the aforementioned times are subject to change or cancellation.
Switch Sports Online - EU / UK test access Switch Sports Online - The Americas test access Switch Sports Online - Oceania test access Switch Sports Online - Japan test access
Once you have logged into your account, you can redeem a code you can then enter into the eShop. Despite it going via the My Nintendo rewards site, no points are required - so provided you have an Switch Online membership, you should be good to go from there. Note that those with a Nintendo Switch Lite cannot access the online play test - very much due to the motion sensing controls required. Know that you can start the download now to access the online test as soon as times are available. These will be played online against random players - which means you cannot play against friends also participating in the test. Know that as well as the test times above being subject to ending early or being cancelled altogether, save data from the test doesn’t transfer to the full game. Finally, if you are playing, then “participants are forbidden from sharing information about the Online Play Test publicly, including the sharing of screenshots or video footage from the game on social media”. In other words - keep details and images from the test to yourself!
