Nintendo’s “Mysterious” Switch Online Playtest Program Gets Another Patent

A new patent has been issued for the Switch Online Playtest Program, which was prolonged for Switch 2 users in July.

Based on Nintendo Patents Watch on Bluesky, this patent was initially submitted in Japan back in April of last year and in the United States in April 2025. The most recent version was made public in the US this week and is said to outline a mechanism where the player can “easily choose multiple objects within a virtual environment by navigating around them”.

Here is the official summary:

“A player character is prompted to navigate in a three-dimensional virtual environment based on an initial operation input. Within this three-dimensional space, a first object that links a reference point set according to a subsequent operation input, along with the player character, is created. The configuration of the first object adapts based on the player character’s movement. When a second object is enclosed by the first object in the three-dimensional virtual environment, the second object is selected for additional game processing.”

As noted by the same source, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated earlier this year that the playtest was “associated with a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service”, though he did not provide further details.

“We intend to utilize insights and other knowledge acquired from this initiative in forthcoming Nintendo Switch Online offerings, but we have not released specific information yet.”

While information and videos regarding the initial playtest were leaked online, Nintendo maintained the same stipulations for the second playtest – requesting participants to refrain from “discussing or revealing content” about the program with others.

Did you engage in this playtest on Switch or Switch 2? What are your opinions regarding the latest patents? Share your thoughts in the comments.