diff --git a/.github/workflows/build.yaml b/.github/workflows/build.yaml
index 2b5cb7d41226..3b51125704ee 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build.yaml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build.yaml
@@ -966,8 +966,7 @@ jobs:
         # (dexterous, many contacts). Deformable/MPM kernels are not covered;
         # widen if a test job reports large cache growth.
         include-files: >-
-          test_environments.py,
-          test_environments_newton.py
+          test_environments.py
         # No Soft/Cloth: the deformable envs depend on optional extras the CI
         # image does not install (Soft needs pytetwild), so they only ever fail.
         test-k-expr: "Cartpole or Drawer or AnymalD or Handover"
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/changelog.d/test-contrib-environments.skip b/source/isaaclab_tasks/changelog.d/test-contrib-environments.skip
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..e69de29bb2d1
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments.py
index 38b2ce277a19..207f8ec10753 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments.py
@@ -25,9 +25,7 @@
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda"), (1, "cuda")])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "task_name",
-    setup_environment(
-        include_play=False, factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=False, cartpole_showcase_envs=True
-    ),
+    setup_environment(factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=False, cartpole_showcase_envs=True),
 )
 @pytest.mark.isaacsim_ci
 def test_cartpole_showcase_environments(task_name, num_envs, device):
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
index 536b209dbd47..2ac712a34ba3 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_cartpole_showcase_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
@@ -26,9 +26,7 @@
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda")])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "task_name",
-    setup_environment(
-        include_play=False, factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=False, cartpole_showcase_envs=True
-    ),
+    setup_environment(factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=False, cartpole_showcase_envs=True),
 )
 def test_cartpole_showcase_environments_with_stage_in_memory_and_clone_in_fabric_disabled(task_name, num_envs, device):
     # skip test if stage in memory is not supported
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_contrib_environments_smoke.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_contrib_environments_smoke.py
deleted file mode 100644
index c4551fa8cea8..000000000000
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_contrib_environments_smoke.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,60 +0,0 @@
-# Copyright (c) 2022-2026, The Isaac Lab Project Developers (https://github.com/isaac-sim/IsaacLab/blob/main/CONTRIBUTORS.md).
-# All rights reserved.
-#
-# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD-3-Clause
-
-"""Basic smoke test for contributed environments.
-
-Instantiates each contributed task (registered under ``isaaclab_tasks.contrib``) and steps
-it with random actions to verify it loads and runs without error. Environment families that
-require dedicated handling are covered by their own test files in this directory and are
-excluded here to avoid duplication:
-
-- Factory / Forge: ``test_factory_environments.py``
-- Cartpole Showcase: ``test_cartpole_showcase_environments.py``
-- PickPlace / Stack / Place: ``test_pickplace_stack_environments.py``
-- Teleop: ``test_teleop_environments.py``
-- AutoMate: ``test_environments_automate.py``
-- Skillgen: ``test_environments_skillgen.py``
-- Franka Pour: requires an external reset-dataset artifact
-"""
-
-"""Launch Isaac Sim Simulator first."""
-
-from isaaclab.app import AppLauncher
-
-# launch the simulator
-app_launcher = AppLauncher(headless=True, enable_cameras=True)
-simulation_app = app_launcher.app
-
-
-"""Rest everything follows."""
-
-import pytest
-
-import isaaclab_tasks  # noqa: F401
-
-# Local imports should be imported last
-from env_test_utils import _run_environments, setup_environment  # isort: skip
-
-
-@pytest.mark.smoke
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda")])
-@pytest.mark.parametrize(
-    "task_name",
-    setup_environment(
-        include_play=False,
-        multi_agent=False,
-        factory_envs=False,
-        cartpole_showcase_envs=False,
-        pickplace_stack_envs=False,
-        teleop_envs=False,
-        tier="contrib",
-    ),
-)
-def test_contrib_environments_smoke(task_name, num_envs, device):
-    if task_name == "IsaacContrib-Franka-Pour":
-        pytest.skip("Requires an external reset-dataset artifact.")
-
-    # run a short rollout with random actions to verify the environment loads and steps
-    _run_environments(task_name, device, num_envs, create_stage_in_memory=False)
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_pickplace_stack_environments.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_pickplace_stack_environments.py
index cbc10c272b73..8801aea9f71a 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_pickplace_stack_environments.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_pickplace_stack_environments.py
@@ -36,7 +36,6 @@
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "task_name",
     setup_environment(
-        include_play=False,
         factory_envs=False,
         multi_agent=False,
         teleop_envs=False,
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments.py
index c30af100038a..11e0fab76008 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments.py
@@ -36,9 +36,7 @@
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda"), (1, "cuda")])
-@pytest.mark.parametrize(
-    "task_name", setup_environment(include_play=False, factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=True)
-)
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=True))
 @pytest.mark.isaacsim_ci
 def test_teleop_environments(task_name, num_envs, device):
     # run teleop environments without stage in memory
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
index 155543d0ed70..f2cfbd83f2b2 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/contrib/test_teleop_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
@@ -37,9 +37,7 @@
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda")])
-@pytest.mark.parametrize(
-    "task_name", setup_environment(include_play=False, factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=True)
-)
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False, teleop_envs=True))
 def test_teleop_environments_with_stage_in_memory_and_clone_in_fabric_disabled(task_name, num_envs, device):
     # skip test if stage in memory is not supported
     if get_isaac_sim_version().major < 5:
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments.py
index 5e37814c2058..2b7dc2955b7e 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments.py
@@ -14,6 +14,10 @@
 
 """Rest everything follows."""
 
+import subprocess
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+
 import pytest
 
 import isaaclab_tasks  # noqa: F401
@@ -22,16 +26,62 @@
 from env_test_utils import _run_environments, setup_environment  # isort: skip
 
 
+def _ensure_franka_pour_reset_dataset() -> None:
+    """Generate the smallest valid reset dataset when the Pour smoke test needs it."""
+    repo_root = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[4]
+    dataset_path = repo_root / "datasets/franka_pour/reset_dataset.pt"
+    if dataset_path.is_file():
+        return
+
+    subprocess.run(
+        [
+            sys.executable,
+            str(repo_root / "scripts/tools/generate_franka_pour_reset_dataset.py"),
+            "--device",
+            "cuda:0",
+            "--grasping_count",
+            "100",
+            "--non_grasping_count",
+            "6",
+            "--batch_size",
+            "128",
+        ],
+        cwd=repo_root,
+        check=True,
+    )
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("physics_preset_name", ["newton_mjwarp", "physx", "isaacsim_physx"])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda"), (1, "cuda")])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "task_name",
     setup_environment(
-        include_play=False,
         multi_agent=False,
         tier="core",
     ),
 )
 @pytest.mark.isaacsim_ci
-def test_environments(task_name, num_envs, device):
+def test_environments(task_name, physics_preset_name, num_envs, device):
     # run environments without stage in memory
+    _run_environments(
+        task_name, device, num_envs, create_stage_in_memory=False, physics_preset_name=physics_preset_name
+    )
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda")])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    "task_name",
+    setup_environment(
+        multi_agent=False,
+        factory_envs=False,
+        cartpole_showcase_envs=False,
+        pickplace_stack_envs=False,
+        teleop_envs=False,
+        tier="contrib",
+    ),
+)
+@pytest.mark.isaacsim_ci
+def test_contrib_environments(task_name, num_envs, device):
+    if task_name == "IsaacContrib-Franka-Pour":
+        _ensure_franka_pour_reset_dataset()
     _run_environments(task_name, device, num_envs, create_stage_in_memory=False)
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_newton.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_newton.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 8618b04c6c34..000000000000
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_newton.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,38 +0,0 @@
-# Copyright (c) 2022-2026, The Isaac Lab Project Developers (https://github.com/isaac-sim/IsaacLab/blob/main/CONTRIBUTORS.md).
-# All rights reserved.
-#
-# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD-3-Clause
-
-"""Launch Isaac Sim Simulator first."""
-
-from isaaclab.app import AppLauncher
-
-# launch the simulator
-app_launcher = AppLauncher(headless=True, enable_cameras=True, limit_cpu_threads=1)
-simulation_app = app_launcher.app
-
-
-"""Rest everything follows."""
-
-import pytest
-
-import isaaclab_tasks  # noqa: F401
-
-# Local imports should be imported last
-from env_test_utils import _run_environments, setup_environment  # isort: skip
-
-
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda"), (1, "cuda")])
-@pytest.mark.parametrize(
-    "task_name",
-    setup_environment(
-        include_play=False,
-        multi_agent=False,
-        newton_mjwarp_envs=True,
-        tier="core",
-    ),
-)
-@pytest.mark.newton_ci
-def test_environments_newton(task_name, num_envs, device):
-    # run environments with MJWarp physics preset
-    _run_environments(task_name, device, num_envs, physics_preset_name="newton_mjwarp", create_stage_in_memory=False)
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
index 1457b01f9c96..ad6185ed45a6 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_environments_with_stage_in_memory.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 # TODO(mtrepte): re-enable with fabric cloning fix
 # @pytest.mark.parametrize("num_envs, device", [(2, "cuda")])
-# @pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(include_play=False,factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False))
+# @pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(factory_envs=False, multi_agent=False))
 # def test_environments_with_stage_in_memory_and_clone_in_fabric_disabled(task_name, num_envs, device):
 # # skip test if stage in memory is not supported
 # if get_isaac_sim_version().major < 5:
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "task_name",
     setup_environment(
-        include_play=False,
         multi_agent=False,
         tier="core",
     ),
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_preset_kit_decision.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_preset_kit_decision.py
index 73a119182f3c..515ca8186f99 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_preset_kit_decision.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_preset_kit_decision.py
@@ -88,10 +88,11 @@ def test_isaacsim_physx_is_physics_selector():
 
 
 def test_registered_task_physx_presets_keep_auto_selection_explicit():
-    """PhysX defaults are concrete while ``physx`` remains the automatic selector."""
+    """Core tasks retain explicit PhysX variants alongside automatic ``physx``."""
 
     for task_id, task_spec in gym.registry.items():
-        if not task_id.startswith(("Isaac-", "IsaacContrib-")) or "env_cfg_entry_point" not in task_spec.kwargs:
+        entry_point = task_spec.kwargs.get("env_cfg_entry_point", "")
+        if not task_id.startswith("Isaac-") or "isaaclab_tasks.core" not in str(entry_point):
             continue
         env_cfg = load_cfg_from_registry(task_id, "env_cfg_entry_point")
         presets = collect_presets(env_cfg)
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_record_video.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_record_video.py
index 329d42b5249a..46748e97cc8f 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_record_video.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/core/test_record_video.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def setup_video_params():
     return num_envs, device, video_length
 
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(include_play=True, tier="core"))
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("task_name", setup_environment(tier="core"))
 def test_record_video(task_name, setup_video_params):
     """Run random actions agent with internal VideoRecorder capturing from the active visualizer."""
     num_envs, device, video_length = setup_video_params
diff --git a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/env_test_utils.py b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/env_test_utils.py
index 3547c175fd66..880a8668bedc 100644
--- a/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/env_test_utils.py
+++ b/source/isaaclab_tasks/test/env_test_utils.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 
 """Shared test utilities for Isaac Lab environments."""
 
+import gc
 import importlib
 import os
 import sys
@@ -76,49 +77,18 @@ def _task_tier(task_spec) -> str | None:
     return None
 
 
-def _has_physics_preset(raw_cfg, preset_name: str) -> bool:
-    """Check if a raw (unresolved) env config has a named physics preset.
-
-    Must be called with the result of :func:`load_cfg_from_registry`, not
-    :func:`parse_env_cfg`, because the latter resolves all PresetCfg wrappers
-    to their default before returning.
-
-    Args:
-        raw_cfg: Raw env config from :func:`load_cfg_from_registry`.
-        preset_name: Name of the preset to check for (e.g., 'newton_mjwarp').
-
-    Returns:
-        True if ``raw_cfg.sim.physics`` is a PresetCfg with the given preset field.
-    """
-    if isinstance(raw_cfg, dict):
-        return False
-    # If the top-level cfg is itself a PresetCfg wrapper, unwrap to its default.
-    env_cfg = raw_cfg
-    if (
-        hasattr(env_cfg, "__dataclass_fields__")
-        and hasattr(env_cfg, "default")
-        and not hasattr(type(env_cfg), "class_type")
-    ):
-        env_cfg = env_cfg.default
-    physics = getattr(getattr(env_cfg, "sim", None), "physics", None)
-    return physics is not None and hasattr(physics, preset_name)
-
-
 def setup_environment(
-    include_play: bool = False,
     factory_envs: bool | None = None,
     multi_agent: bool | None = None,
     teleop_envs: bool | None = None,
     cartpole_showcase_envs: bool | None = None,
     pickplace_stack_envs: bool | None = None,
-    newton_mjwarp_envs: bool | None = None,
     tier: str | None = None,
 ) -> list[str]:
     """
     Acquire all registered Isaac environment task IDs with optional filters.
 
     Args:
-        include_play: If True, include environments ending in 'Play-v0'.
         factory_envs:
             - True: include only Factory environments
             - False: exclude Factory environments
@@ -139,10 +109,6 @@ def setup_environment(
             - True: include only PickPlace/Stack environments
             - False: exclude PickPlace/Stack environments
             - None: include all environments regardless of pick-place/stack type
-        newton_mjwarp_envs:
-            - True: include only environments that have an MJWarp physics preset.
-            - False: exclude environments that have an MJWarp physics preset.
-            - None: include all environments regardless of MJWarp preset availability.
         tier:
             - "core": include only core environments (registered under ``isaaclab_tasks.core``).
             - "contrib": include only contributed environments (registered under ``isaaclab_tasks.contrib``).
@@ -161,10 +127,6 @@ def setup_environment(
         if "Isaac" not in task_spec.id:
             continue
 
-        # filter Play environments, if needed
-        if not include_play and task_spec.id.endswith("Play-v0"):
-            continue
-
         # apply core/contrib tier filter
         if tier is not None and _task_tier(task_spec) != tier:
             continue
@@ -211,18 +173,6 @@ def setup_environment(
                 continue
         # if None: no filter
 
-        # apply MJWarp preset filter
-        if newton_mjwarp_envs is not None:
-            # Use load_cfg_from_registry (not parse_env_cfg) so that the PresetCfg
-            # wrapper on sim.physics is not yet resolved to its default.
-            raw_cfg = load_cfg_from_registry(task_spec.id, "env_cfg_entry_point")
-            has_newton_mjwarp = _has_physics_preset(raw_cfg, "newton_mjwarp")
-            if (newton_mjwarp_envs is True and not has_newton_mjwarp) or (
-                newton_mjwarp_envs is False and has_newton_mjwarp
-            ):
-                continue
-        # if None: no filter
-
         registered_tasks.append(task_spec.id)
 
     # sort environments alphabetically
@@ -521,6 +471,11 @@ def _check_random_actions(
         if env is not None:
             env.close()
 
+        # Drop unreachable environment objects while the device is still alive. Warp arrays
+        # free device memory from a finalizer, so collect them before the simulation teardown
+        # destroys their streams.
+        gc.collect()
+
         # Clear the simulation context singleton (also closes the USD context stage)
         SimulationContext.clear_instance()