In a new 30-minute Splatoon 3 Direct video presentation available on Nintendo’s YouTube channel and Nintendo.com, fans and viewers are taken on a deep dive through the newest entry in the adrenaline-fueled Splatoon series. The ink-splatting, multiplayer action game Splatoon 3 launches for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Sept. 9, but pre-orders for the game are available now!
Splatoon 3 features an intense competition where players claim turf with splashes of color and splat their rivals as ink-spraying Inkling and Octoling characters. Splatoon 3 is a new sequel that introduces features and modes that have never been seen in a Splatoon game before, while resurfacing fan-favorite modes that have been reinvented in distinct ways.
This sneak peek presentation unveils new battle stages, new maneuvers and a fun assortment of new splatterific weapons. The presentation also showcases new details about the Splatoon 3 game’s three main modes: the all-new single-player Story Mode, “Return of the Mammalians”; the iconic four-on-four team battles, Turf War*, featuring new weapons and new and returning stages; and the revamped Salmon Run, a co-op mode in which a team of four fends off waves of enemies, which now adds giant, dangerous bosses to the mix.
Additionally, recurring multiplayer events called Splatfests are returning with a twist! The Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere demo** will take place on Aug. 27, and offers Nintendo Switch owners the chance to play in a free global Splatoon 3 event before the full game launches on Sept. 9. Both newcomers and veterans of the series can show their support for one of three themes and splat it out in the newly introduced Tricolor Turf War battles! Simply download the free demo in Nintendo eShop starting on Aug. 18 and show up ready to splat for Team Rock, Team Paper or Team Scissors on Aug. 27. Certain parts of the demo will already be playable on Aug. 25, but the main Splatfest event kicks off on Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. PT and runs until 9 p.m. PT.
Highlights of the Splatoon 3 Direct presentation include:
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Salmon Run:
The Salmon Run mode returns, which allows up to four players to work together and collect Power Eggs from the Salmonids advancing on them. Now, Salmon Run can be played at any time! Players will encounter ferocious creatures called Boss Salmonids, including the new Slammin’ Lid and the Big Shot. Plus, watch out for Cohozuna, a new King Salmonid super-giant Salmonid! When battling a King Salmonid, the tank on players’ backs will transform into an Egg Cannon. Collect the Golden Eggs and deal massive damage to the King Salmonid and give it the boot! Plus, Big Runs are coming in the future … an event when Salmonids invade the city in which Inklings and Octolings live!
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The Deep Cut Trio:
Deep Cut is a popular trio who hosts the Splatsville news program Anarchy Splatcast. They provide information on battle stages currently available, as well as other news bulletins. For the first time in the series, these updates can even be read on the go while exploring Splatsville!
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Splatfests Return:
In these online events, players vote for their favorite choice out of three in an announced theme. The team they represent is based on that choice, and the winner is decided via battles over a set period of time. Splatfests will consist of two halves. In the first half, the three teams will compete in 4-v-4 Turf War battles. The second half includes the new Tricolor Turf War battles, a mode where three teams fight at the same time. Can the first-place team defend themselves in this unique 4-v-2-v-2 match type?
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Tableturf Battle:
The Tableturf Battle Dojo in Splatsville’s vacant lot is the home of Tableturf Battle, a new mode in Splatoon 3. In this 1-v-1 competitive card battle spinoff of Turf War, players can ink different shapes with different cards, charge up power, then unleash it all at once with a special comeback attack. There are over 150 cards to collect.
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New Special Weapons:
There are special kinds of weapons that can be unleashed after inking enough turf, and Splatoon 3 brings some new and unique special weapons. These include the Tacticooler – when it’s activated, a fridge appears with stat-boosting beverages for the team. There’s also the Wave Breaker that unleashes sonic waves around the area. And the Reefslider is a shark-shaped, ink-propelled float which charges forward creating an ink explosion on opponents. Some familiar special weapons from the Splatoon series, like the Tenta Missiles, Inkjet, Ink Storm, Ultra Stamp and Booyah Bomb, will make their return. Special weapons are paired with main weapons, so players can find the combo that suits their splatting style.
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Battle Modes:
In Anarchy Battles, players compete for rankings in objective-based battles. There are four separate modes, which are on rotation: Splat Zones, Tower Control, Rainmaker and Clam Blitz. Wanna take on a challenge solo? Select Anarchy Battle (Series). But if players want to team up with friends, joining Anarchy Battle (Open) is the way to go.
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Lobby Features:
The Splatsville lobby is host to a number of features. Online friends appear as 3D holograms. In battle, it’s easy to join as an ally or drop in as an opponent. And by forming a team and playing, players can see what friends are up to at any given moment. The lobby also includes a Memory Player, which can replay recent battles.
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SplatNet 3 Connected:
SplatNet 3 is an online service for Splatoon 3 within the Nintendo Switch Online*** app that can be used with a smart device. It contains features like checking battle records, ordering special in-game gear from the SplatNet Gear Shop and much more. A new feature is Crusty Sean’s Wandercrust. It’s possible to support Crusty Sean’s journey using Inked Points earned during battles. SplatNet 3 will be available at launch.
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New amiibo Inkoming:
New Splatoon 3 amiibo figures*** are arriving this holiday, including separate amiibo figures for Inkling (Yellow), Octoling (Blue) and Smallfry which will be available at select retailers for a suggested price of $15.99 each. Scanning the amiibo in-game will allow players to save their favorite gear combinations as Fresh Fits to easily swap outfits. Additionally, the amiibo come with exclusive gear, and it’s possible to snap in-game photos together with them. Plus, some Splatoon 2 amiibo figures will be relaunching soon: Both the Callie & Marie 2-Pack and the Pearl & Marina 2-Pack will be restocked at select retailers at a suggested price of $24.99 each.
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Post-Launch Updates:
After the game launches, a free in-game season catalog will be distributed every three months for two years. Additional weapons will also be added around the same time as each in-game catalog. In addition, X Battle and League Battle are planned for future updates. X Battle is unlocked after attaining an extremely high rank in Anarchy Battle. In League Battle, players can compete every two hours in teams based on their Anarchy Battle results. Large-scale paid DLC is also planned for the future. More details will be shared at a later date.
Splatoon 3 launches at select retailers, in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and in the My Nintendo Store on Nintendo.com on Sept. 9 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Until Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT, players who have pre-ordered or purchased Splatoon 3 from Nintendo eShop and Nintendo.com can earn double My Nintendo Gold Points.**** That means it’s possible to earn up to 10% in Gold Points – which can then be used toward the next eligible digital game or DLC in Nintendo eShop or the My Nintendo Store.
In addition, on Aug. 26, a special edition Splatoon 3 themed Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system will be available in stores at a suggested retail price of $359.99. Adorned with splashy, squid-tastic images straight out of Splatsville, the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Splatoon 3 Edition includes a set of one blue and one yellow gradient Joy-Con controllers with white underbellies and a white, graffiti-themed Nintendo Switch dock.
To learn more information about Splatoon 3, visit https://splatoon.nintendo.com/.
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