The Splatoon 2 Global Testfire will give Nintendo Switch owners six chances to play with other owners worldwide during the three-day event.

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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 2 producer 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.

 

[Jackson Ferrell]

I reckon split-screen would've been a good feature.

 

[Xzi]

The wireless/wired LAN play without the need for an internet connection was a very pleasant surprise. I'd welcome the return of LAN parties, and they would be far easier to set up with portable consoles.

 

[ThomasRobertWade]

Any chance for the times in regards to other time zones? It's a little complicated to work it out, with that being DST weekend and all.

 

[Deleted User]

Any chance for the times in regards to other time zones? It's a little complicated to work it out, with that being DST weekend and all.

Clocks go forward at 1AM uk time I believe, so just convert it like normal and be an hour early?

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

There really should be a one player tutorial in these kinds of things. "Online beta" type stuff with no tutorial or practice modes is bad, how is someone supposed to learn how to play?

Unless you can specfically play with other friends that aren't gonna try to kill you all the time, is not easy to learn the game. This is why playing games with complete strangers is not always fun. I wish they could maybe try to do something considerable about this kind of thing.

 

[Jiehfeng]

Free stuff is always great!

 

[The Catboy]

Splatoon 2 free trail?

 

[xile6]

So free eshop demo on the switch?
Pretty cool. If it plays well ill perorder it.
Things like this is what nintendo needs to do.

 

[kumikochan]

Wish they would just launch it as a real beta that goes on for a couple of days instead of doing these hourly beta tests

 

[Deleted User]

Oh sweet, I can play a beta of a game for a whole HOUR! Dude that sounds awesome

Just more proof Nintendo has no idea what they are doing.

 

[CeeDee]

The news just keeps coming!

Hooray for testfire, I guess. But it seems somewhat early...

 

[Monado_III]

Oh sweet, I can play a beta of a game for a whole 12 HOURs! Dude that sounds awesome

Just more proof Nintendo has no idea what they are doing.

FTFY

 

[Saiyan Lusitano]

It felt pretty weird to play Splatoon 2 with a normal controller and no longer looking down at the second screen to jump to another area of the map, so, this will certainly let players get used to it more often.

The Joy-Cons are probably the best way to play it with, being that they're completely wireless and you can use motion controls (using the Pro Controller felt very clunky and unnatural).

 

[kumikochan]

It felt pretty weird to play Splatoon 2 with a normal controller and no longer looking down at the second screen to jump to another area of the map, so, this will certainly let players get used to it more often.

The Joy-Cons are probably the best way to play it with, being that they're completely wireless and you can use motion controls (using the Pro Controller felt very clunky and unnatural).

I actually never play splatoon using the gyro so it depends from person to person

 

[thorasgar]

There really should be a one player tutorial in these kinds of things. "Online beta" type stuff with no tutorial or practice modes is bad, how is someone supposed to learn how to play?

Unless you can specfically play with other friends that aren't gonna try to kill you all the time, is not easy to learn the game. This is why playing games with complete strangers is not always fun. I wish they could maybe try to do something considerable about this kind of thing.

I thought there was a tutorial last testfire two years ago. Could be wrong i am not sure, I can't even remember if I played or just watched my boys. Splatoon was one of those rare day one releases for us. Personal opinion, it is the best Nintendo game to date and the only one that can keep me up late.

Before this announcement I wasn't all that concerned if I don't get my preorder on the 3rd. Hope they have some more testfires's at later dates, as the speculation is an August release.

 

[Saiyan Lusitano]

I actually never play splatoon using the gyro so it depends from person to person

It's really good and much more accurate than using the analogue sticks.

 

[kumikochan]

It's really good and much more accurate than using the analogue sticks.

I don't find so tho. I'm Always in the top 3 without using gyro so.
I understand people using it but it's not a thing for me personally

 

[Nikki_swap]

There really should be a one player tutorial in these kinds of things. "Online beta" type stuff with no tutorial or practice modes is bad, how is someone supposed to learn how to play?

Unless you can specfically play with other friends that aren't gonna try to kill you all the time, is not easy to learn the game. This is why playing games with complete strangers is not always fun. I wish they could maybe try to do something considerable about this kind of thing.

You learn to play like the old days, by trying out the game,

Also single player on a server stress test sounds silly.

 

[thorasgar]

I don't find so tho. I'm Always in the top 3 without using gyro so.
I understand people using it but it's not a thing for me personally

I use gyro but my oldest son doesn't and gyro drives him nuts. It's good we have options.

Being able to lock colors is great as well, otherwise I wouldn't be able to play. Color blind.