The data is in and we can announce our confirmed findings. People who buy the Nintendo Switch system will not only get access to a remarkable new video game system, but they’ll also be able to participate in a special Splatoon 2 preview… Owners with internet access can download a demo version of the Splatoon 2 game that will allow them to battle against opponents around the world in the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event. It’s a way for everyone to investigate the latest in cephalopod warfare months before the game launches!
In addition to the Testfire event, Nintendo squid expert and Splatoon 2producer Hisashi Nogami also confirmed a new way for players to follow the action when the game launches later in the year – a mode that will give players a unique insight into squid behaviors and strategy called Private Battle Spectator View. This breakthrough in squid-observation technology will allow up to two non-players to participate in a Private Battle as camera operators to observe all the action from multiple angles. Incredible! In addition to this, a new feature called LAN Play will be added to Splatoon 2, allowing up to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – to connect via wired LAN. This feature allows players to create local Private Battle tournaments without the need for an internet connection. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with your fellow players.
“Two years have passed in this universe since the original Splatoon, and since then, the weapons, maps and characters have evolved. Through the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event this March, players will be able to get a taste of that. There will be more new features to experience in Splatoon 2, so please look forward to more reveals in the future,” noted Mr. Nogami.
The Splatoon 2 Global Testfire will give Nintendo Switch owners six chances to play with other owners worldwide during the three-day event. The timing of the event is as follows:
March 24
- 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
- 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET
March 25
- 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET
- 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
- 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET
March 26
- 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET
All indications are that the content for the Global Testfire will allow players to test four different main weapons, including the new Splat Dualies, as well as remixed versions of the iconic Splat Roller and Splat Charger. Extraordinary!
We look forward to sharing additional findings soon, such as when the demo will be available for download in Nintendo eShop.
We’re also happy to report that Splatoon 2 will be compatible with Splatoon series amiibo figures and, for the first time in the series, with an upcoming Nintendo Switch app for smart devices that enhances online play. This app will connect to the game and allow players to set play appointments with friends and teammates who have been added to their Nintendo Switch friend list or via their social media accounts. It also allows players to match up with those friends directly in the game or voice chat with them via their smart device. For example, during a Private Battle, players can voice chat with all of their connected friends when they divide into teams, but once teams are set, voice chat is switched to communication only between teammates on the same team.
In order to use this app, players need to link their Nintendo Account to their Nintendo Switch system and have a smart device capable of in-game voice chat. Online features will require a paid subscription. Data fees may apply. More details will be announced at a later date.
Sounds epic!
Only one of those times is good for me.
Well, I guess I can take the switch with me to work. And I do not really have trouble with midnight gaming
actually pretty cool considering that there won’t be going on too much besides Zelda for me. Looking forward trying it out. And also somehow exciting that we’re reaching a point where more detailed dates for such events get announced. 3 weeks to go!
YEAH!
Too bad I’m getting mine in May.
Just like with Splatoon 1 I’ve already preordered this game, but will very much enjoy getting to play it early! And you know I’m gonna be playing at every single on of those times lol. But this one is much further away from release than the one for Splatoon 1. Maybe its further in development than we thought? Or maybe they just want more time for server adjustment. Who knows?
Well, one of the main reasons for the Testfire for the original was to see when, where, and if the servers/connection bottlenecked, so that they could address that. I think this may be a similar premise. The way I see it, we get to enjoy an awesome game for hour-long pieces, they get valuable data. It’s a win-win situation.
This is very true which is why I mentioned the servers. And with even better online features and servers this time around they probably need more time to work out the kinks.
I think I got a discount for preordering the game digitally after playing the testfire, so I wonder if they’ll be doing that again…
What i don’t remember that being a thing. Are you sure you’re not thinking about the humble bundle or something?
Yeah it certainly wasn’t a Humble Bundle. It was like 10% off the game if you preordered right after the Testfire or whatever it was called. This was the very first Testfire event too so to do that was taking something of a chance but I had been convinced Splatoon would be fun since the first E3 trailer and I bought it ASAP.
I preordered it physical for full price not even knowing that was a thing…
Awesome! I wanted to try those splat dualies ever since I saw them in the trailer.
Still not liking the perceived dependence on the smartphone app for simple things like voice chat though.
Never cared for Splatoon.
Cool for fans if the game though.
Looks like I’m getting to try it out first.~