The Duskbloods | Closed Network Test Kicks Off in August

The wait is almost over!

Last month, while Nintendo withheld revealing a release date for The Duskbloods, they confirmed the game would receive a Closed Network Test ahead of its Nintendo Switch 2 launch. No release information was provided at the time, but today brings exciting news.

Between July 22, 2026 and July 28, 2026, eager players will be able to apply for the opportunity to take part in the Closed Network Test, which is scheduled to run from August 21, 2026 through August 24, 2026.

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to participate. The test sessions will take place at the following times:

Dates & Timings: (PDT)

• Aug. 21, 2026 | 03:00 PDT – 07:00 PDT / Aug. 21, 2026 | 12:00 CEST – 16:00 CEST
• Aug. 21, 2026 | 19:00 PDT – 23:00 PDT / Aug. 22, 2026 | 04:00 CEST – 08:00 CEST
• Aug. 22, 2026 | 11:00 PDT – 15:00 PDT / Aug. 22, 2026 | 20:00 CEST – 00:00 CEST on Aug 23, 2026
• Aug. 23, 2026 | 03:00 PDT – 07:00 PDT / Aug. 23, 2026 | 12:00 CEST – 16:00 CEST
• Aug. 23, 2026 | 19:00 PDT – 23:00 PDT / Aug. 22, 2026 | 04:00 CEST – 08:00 CEST

Dates & Timings: (CEST)

• Aug. 21, 2026 | 12:00 CEST – 16:00 CEST
• Aug. 22, 2026 | 04:00 CEST – 08:00 CEST
• Aug. 22, 2026 | 20:00 CEST – 00:00 CEST on Aug 23, 2026
• Aug. 23, 2026 | 12:00 CEST – 16:00 CEST
• Aug. 22, 2026 | 04:00 CEST – 08:00 CEST

For the full breakdown of the event, gameplay details, and more, we have all the information right here:

Applications open soon!

A network test involves using a pre-release version of the game to test performance prior to the commencement of service. We plan to conduct large-scale network load

tests to check different technical aspects of the game’s online systems. We look forward to you taking part and helping us make The Duskbloods as good as it can be!

Overview: The primary goals of the network test for The Duskbloods are as follows:

• Game server load test: We will connect large numbers of players simultaneously to verify gameplay while putting a load on the game server.
• Multiplayer test: We will test for various problems that may occur when multiple people play together in different network environments, and various phenomena that may occur by having many users participate.
• Game balance test: When real players test the game together, the developers can gather data about how well the game is balanced.

Gameplay: The network test for The Duskbloods allows for up to eight players to participate together in each of the multiplayer matches while the game is still in development. We ask for your understanding that bugs may occur during gameplay.

 

Schedule:

Application Period: Starting on July 22 (Wed.) at 7:00 a.m. PDT until July 28 (Tues.) at 6:59 a.m. PDT.

Selection Announcement: August 7 (Fri.) at 6:00 a.m. PDT

Network Test Schedule:

• Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
• Aug. 21, 2026 (Fri.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
• Aug. 22, 2026 (Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT
• Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PDT
• Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun.) 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PDT
  • Note: Session dates and times may change or be canceled without notice.

How to Apply: Navigate to the application page on this website during the application period. A Nintendo Account is required to sign up. Don’t have a Nintendo Account? Visit https://accounts.nintendo.com/

If you are selected, you will be able to use the download code sent to you on this site to download The Duskbloods Network Test Ver. on Nintendo Store or Nintendo eShop beginning on August 18 (Tues.) at 6:00 a.m. PDT.

• Note: In some regions, downloading the app via means other than Nintendo eShop is not supported.
• Note: The number of Network Test participants is limited.
• Note: You must have a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate in the network test. Applications will be accepted in the order that they are received.

Will you be attempting to take part? Let us know!

Every Nintendo Game, Application & DLC Releasing in 2026:

• (NS2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: January 15, 2026
• (NS2) Mario Tennis Fever | Release Date: February 12, 2026
• (NSW & NS2) Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics | Release Date: February 17, 2026
• (NSW, NS2, Android & iOS) Hello, Mario! | Release Date: February 19, 2026
• (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: February 19, 2026 (Digital)
  • (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: April 16, 2026 (Physical)
• (NSW & NS2) Pokémon FireRed Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
• (NSW & NS2) Pokémon LeafGreen Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
• (NS2) Pokémon Pokopia | Release Date: March 5, 2026
  • (DLC) Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass | Release Date: June 1, 2026
    • Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Part 1: Bubbly Basin | Release Date: August 2026
    • Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Part 2 | Release Date: Late 2026
• (NS2) Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park | Release Date: March 26, 2026
• (NSW & NS2) Pokémon Champions | Release Date: April 8, 2026
• (NSW, NS2, Android & iOS) Hello, Yoshi! | Release Date: April 9, 2026
• (NSW & NS2) Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | Release Date: April 16, 2026
• (NS2) Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Release Date: May 21, 2026
• (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: June 9, 2026 (Digital)
  • (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: July 30, 2026 (Physical)
• (NS2) Star Fox | Release Date: June 25, 2026
• (NSW & NS2) Rhythm Heaven Groove | Release Date: July 2, 2026
• (NS2) Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: July 16, 2026 (Digital)
• (NS2) Splatoon Raiders | Release Date: July 23, 2026
• (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: July 30, 2026 (Digital)
  • (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: October 1, 2026 (Physical)
• (NS2) Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | Release Date: September 17, 2026
• (NS2) Nintendo Switch Sports Resort | Release Date: October 22, 2026
• (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: December 3, 2026 (Digital & Physical)
• (NS2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Release Date: 2026

Every amiibo Releasing in 2026:

• Meta Knight & Shadow Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: March 5, 2026
• Ratha amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
• Ratha V amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
• Rudy amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
• Captain Toad & Treasure Tracker amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
• Elephant Mario amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
• Poplin & Prince Florian amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
• Mario and Luma amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
• Rosalina and Lumas amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
• Diana amiibo (PRAGMATA) | Release Date: June 11, 2026
• King Dedede & Tank Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: July 2, 2026
• Big Man amiibo (Splatoon Raiders) | Release Date: July 23, 2026
• Frye amiibo (Splatoon Raiders) | Release Date: July 23, 2026
• Shiver amiibo (Splatoon Raiders) | Release Date: July 23, 2026
• Grace Ashcroft amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: July 30, 2026
• Leon S. Kennedy amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: July 30, 2026
• Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: September 3, 2026
• Mineru’s Construct amiibo (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) | Release Date: September 17, 2026
• Noir Dedede & Hydra amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026
• Sword Kirby & Dragoon amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026

Source: FromSoftware