Splatoon 3 Expansion Pack Wave 1 Coming In Spring

 In today's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed something that many fans expected,  Splatoon 3 Expansion Pack. It's a trip back in time, with Inkopolis and the Squid Sisters leading the way. Inkopolis is the name of Wave #1.

Nintendo stated that the first wave will be released this spring, and teased the arrival of Wave 2, titled Side Order. 

Purchase the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass later today, & Wave 1 arrives this Spring. After purchasing this DLC, players will receive access to bonus in-game currency, plus food and drink tickets. #NintendoDirect https://t.co/UF5WAfPuBn

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 8, 2023

Splatoon 3 Themed Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Coming In August

 On August 26, a special edition Splatoon 3 themed Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system will be available in stores featuring design inspiration from the new Splatoon 3 game (sold separately). Adorned with splashy, squid-tastic images straight out of Splatsville, the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Splatoon 3 Special 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.

The Splatoon 3 game launches for Nintendo Switch on Sept. 9 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. Also available on Sept. 9 is the Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, featuring striking colors and images fit for Inklings and Octolings alike, at a suggested retail price of $74.99, and the Nintendo Switch Splatoon 3 Edition Carrying Case at a suggested retail price of $24.99. Whether you’re engaging in an online Turf War at home, or playing Story Mode on the go, these items will help ensure you’re slinging ink in style.

In the Splatoon 3 game, you’ll engage in chaotic 4-v-4 Turf War clashes across a mix of new and returning stages, where teams face off to cover the most ground in their ink to win, and discover features, weapons and the trendiest gear this side of the sun. Splatoon 3 also features a single-player campaign and the next iteration of the co-op Salmon Run mode. Join Agent 3 in the single-player story mode for a fight against the unruly Octarians and discover the secrets of a mysterious place called Alterna and the Fuzzy Ooze. When diving into Salmon Run, you’ll ink up with teammates to fend off waves of dangerous Salmonid bosses, some of which are colossal in size!

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port (LAN cable sold separately), 64 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system, and enhanced audio in handheld and tabletop mode. The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system can be played in three modes: TV mode, played on a TV while the system is docked; handheld mode, when the Joy-Con controllers are attached for portable play; and tabletop mode for on-the-go multiplayer gaming sessions. The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Splatoon 3 Special Edition will be available in stores at a suggested retail price of $359.99.

Something fresh is surfacing! The #NintendoSwitch – OLED Model #Splatoon3 Edition splashes down on 8/26! pic.twitter.com/dW4EoT7Rjs

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 6, 2022

Every Basic Weapons Will Return In Splatoon 3

Nintendo has confirmed that Splatoon 3 owners will be able to access all the basic weapons from previous Splatoon games. This means that you can still rely on your trusty Aerospray or Splat Dualies if you want, though of course, the game will come with an array of fresh new weaponry which could replace your favorites.

CONFIRMED: All the basic weapons from previous games will be returning for #Splatoon3! pic.twitter.com/XrhdG6Exgy

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) May 2, 2022

Splatoon 3 To Release In September

Splatoon 3 will launch on Friday, September 9th for Nintendo Switch. Across Splatsville and the sun-scorched Splatlands, players can engage in ink-soaked battles with other Inklings and Octolings, and discover features, weapons and  the trendiest gear of the season. 

In Splatoon 3, Turf War mode can create some heated online 4-v-4 battles across a mix of new and familiar stages, where teams of four face off to cover the most ground in their ink. Newly uncovered footage provides insight on one of those new stages, Eeltail Alley, along with a look at the stringer – a new bow-shaped weapon type that enables players to sling ink sideways and vertically. The new trailer, Splatoon 3 – Extended Turf War gameplay (Nintendo Switch), shows all of this, plus a glimpse into some new gear and information.

In addition to frantic 4-v-4 multiplayer matches, Splatoon 3 also features a fresh single-player campaign and the next iteration of the co-op Salmon Run mode. In the single-player story mode, players will join Agent 3 in a fight against the unruly Octarians and discover the secrets of Alterna and the Fuzzy Ooze. 

When diving into Salmon Run, players can ink up with others to fend off waves of dangerous Salmonid bosses, some of which are colossal in size!

INKoming! #Splatoon3 splashes down on #NintendoSwitch 9/9!

Get an early look at the game with this fresh Turf War gameplay!

Pre-order today:https://t.co/OtjUKD0acU pic.twitter.com/2ukFbqbUbO

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 22, 2022

Splatoon 3 Coming In Summer 2022

 Nintendo has confirmed a release date for the third installment in the Splatoon series, as well as a continuation of the Salmon Run mode from the sequel. Splatoon 3 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in Summer 2022. 

The next wave of Salmon Run’s co-op action returns in #Splatoon3! But with this mysterious new giant Salmonid in the picture it might be a tougher challenge than swimming upstream!

Splatoon 3 launches this summer, only on #NintendoSwitch.https://t.co/Y1xm4Ots3v pic.twitter.com/pYrEPXg9Ah

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 9, 2022

Splatoon 2 Has Been Updated To Version 5.0.0

Splatoon 2 has been updated to Version 5.0.0. Nintendo support has detailed all the changes and you can view them below.

• Changes to Private Battle
• “Turf War (Splatfest)” has been added to the modes available in Private Battle.
• Selecting “Turf War (Splatfest)” will result in the following changes:
• Stage music and animations will be those used during a Splatfest.
• The 24 Shifty Station stages used in previous Splatfests will be available to select as multiplayer stages.
• Team ink colors can be selected from among the color combinations used in all previous Splatfests.
• Changes to Gear
• “Splatfest Tee Replica” has been added as new gear.
• After applying the update you can acquire this gear by pressing A in front of the cardboard box that appears in Inkopolis Square.
• The Splatfest Tee Replica differs from standard gear in the following ways:
• As with the Splatfest Tee, the Splatfest Tee Replica’s primary gear ability is “Ability Doubler”.
• Its appearance changes to match the ink color of the player’s team.
• While playing in “Turf War (Splatfest)” in Private Battle, if any player has this gear equipped, it will cause their team’s Splatfest Team Name to appear as the match is beginning. 
• Changes to Multiplayer
• Adjusted the position of clams that appear during a match of Clam Blitz for all stages.
• Stage terrain and object placement for the following stages has been changed.StageChange
• Shellendorf Institute
• Stage terrain has been modified for all game modes.
• Lowered the height of the central roof.
• Expanded the area of the open spaces on the left and right, depending on the game mode.
• Adjusted overall object placement.
• New Albacore Hotel
• Stage terrain has been modified for all game modes.
• Increased the number of inkable walls and made access to higher areas easier from within a team’s base.
• Adjusted overall object placement.
• Adjusted specific object placement in Splat Zones and Tower Control game modes.
• Changed the form factor of crates used to gain access to the center of the stage.
• Specifications for some of the main weapons have been changed.WeaponChange
• Sploosh-o-matic
• Neo Sploosh-o-matic
• Sploosh-o-matic 7
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• Splattershot Jr.
• Custom Splattershot Jr.
• Kensa Splattershot Jr.
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• Aerospray MG
• Aerospray RG
• Aerospray PG
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• Splash-o-matic
• Neo Splash-o-matic
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• Splattershot
• Tentatek Splattershot
• Kensa Splattershot
• Hero Shot Replica
• Octo Shot Replica
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• .52 Gal
• .52 Gal Deco
• Kensa .52 Gal
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• N-ZAP ‘85
• N-ZAP ‘89
• N-ZAP ‘83
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 17%.
• Luna Blaster
• Luna Blaster Neo
• Kensa Luna Blaster
• Expanded the radius within which a shot’s explosion will deal 50.0 damage by roughly 2%.
• Squeezer
• Foil Squeezer
• Decreased ink consumption of first shot fired when pressing ZR by roughly 8%.
• Carbon Roller
• Carbon Roller Deco
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 2%.
• Splat Roller
• Krak-On Splat Roller
• Kensa Splat Roller
• Hero Roller Replica
• Increased damage dealt to the armor surrounding a player using a Booyah Bomb by roughly 2%.
• Flingza Roller
• Foil Flingza Roller
• Increased the radius of the area ink droplets can fall in when making a vertical swing by roughly 12%.
• Classic Squiffer
• New Squiffer
• Fresh Squiffer
• Increased the damage dealt by a shot just prior to being fully charged from 70.0 to 80.0.
• Goo Tuber
• Custom Goo Tuber
• Increased the shot range of a fully charged shot by roughly 1%.
• Due to the above change, shot range of all shots that aren’t fully charged has been increased by a proportionate amount.
• Tri-Slosher
• Tri-Slosher Nouveau
• Decreased gaps around the hit box of the central shot (of the ink blasts fired with a shot from these weapons) to make targets easier to hit, even when angling a shot up or down. 
• Nautilus 47
• Nautilus 79
• Decreased shot variance when firing while on the ground by roughly 8%.
• Dapple Dualies
• Dapple Dualies Nouveau
• Clear Dapple Dualies
• Increased area of ink coverage when shots land by roughly 3%.
• Glooga Dualies
• Glooga Dualies Deco
• Kensa Glooga Dualies
• Decreased ink consumption from shots fired by roughly 6%.
• Splattershot Pro
• Forge Splattershot Pro
• Kensa Splattershot Pro
• Decreased the effect of the “Main Power Up” gear ability.
• Changed the amount of gear ability required to deal up to 49.9 damage from 3.9 times to 4.2 times the amount of the primary gear ability. 
• Each secondary gear ability is worth 0.3 of the primary gear ability.
• Specifications for the following special weapons have been changed.Special WeaponChange
• Inkjet
• Increased the speed of shots fired by roughly 5%.
• Ultra Stamp
• When swinging the hammer to smash the ground, decreased the amount of time required to complete the first swing, and the time required to raise the hammer overhead for the second swing by roughly 2/60 of a second each. 
• Points required for using specials have been changed for certain main weapons.WeaponBeforeAfter
• Splattershot
• Hero Shot Replica
• 180170
• Blaster
• Hero Blaster Replica
• 180170
• H-3 Nozzlenose
• 180170
• Splat Roller
• Hero Roller Replica
• 180170
• Splat Dualies
• Hero Dualie Replicas
• 190180
• Fixed an issue occurring when the Sub Power Up gear ability is equipped causing Torpedoes or Fizzy Bombs launched toward a concave corner of stage terrain to clip into that terrain.
• Fixed an issue causing a Torpedo’s explosion to damage an opponent standing on a thin floor or platform if the torpedo hits the underside of the floor while tracking a target.
• Fixed an issue in Inkblot Art Academy allowing players to clip inside a specific piece of stage terrain.
• Fixed an issue in Inkblot Art Academy making a specific wall impossible to climb smoothly depending on the way it had been inked.
• Fixed an issue in Walleye Warehouse where removing the cardboard from within a portion of one of the glass walls made visibility through the wall different for each team.
• Fixed an issue in Walleye Warehouse allowing players who moved beneath a certain platform and then used a Splashdown special to pass through the platform and end up on top of it. 
• Fixed an issue in Arowana Mall occurring during Tower Control and Rainmaker modes allowing players to gain access to the opponent’s base via a specific Ink Rail. 
• Fixed an issue in Goby Arena allowing a player who super jumped to an ally pressed up against a specific piece of stage terrain to clip inside it and remain there.
• Fixed an issue in Piranha Pit causing player movement to be held up slightly when walking off a specific conveyor belt.
• Fixed an issue in Piranha Pit occurring in Rainmaker mode allowing players to gain access to the opponent’s base via a specific Ink Rail.
• Fixed an issue in Wahoo World allowing players to clip inside a specific piece of stage terrain.
• Fixed an issue in Wahoo World making a specific wall impossible to climb smoothly depending on the way it had been inked.
• Fixed an issue in the Shifty Station stage, The Maze Dasher, where a portion of stage terrain differed from the version of the stage originally released previously as part of a Splatfest.
• Changes to Salmon Run
• Specifications for some of the main weapons have been changed.WeaponChange
• Worker’s Range Blaster
• Reduced ink consumption by roughly 8%.
• Worker’s Carbon Roller
• Increased the maximum damage dealt by a horizontal swing by roughly 33%.
• Increased the maximum damage dealt by a vertical swing by roughly 14%.
• Worker’s Octobrush
• Increased the maximum damage done by flinging ink while swining the brush by roughly 50%.

The Splatoon Manga Is Coming West In December

The Splatoon manga is finally coming to the west courtesy of VIZ Media. The manga is the story of Turf Wars popularizing in Inkopolis. The Blue Team are underdogs in the Turf Wars competition, but plan to make it up with guts and moxy and probably a creative strategy or 2. The manga is written and drawn by Sankichi Hinodeya, who created the first issue as a fan before it was optioned by CoroCoro and Nintendo. The first volume of the manga is releasing on December 12 in a book store near you.

A Map From Splatoon 1 Is Rumored To Be Coming To Splatoon 2

It seems like Nintendo is adding another map from the original Splatoon to Splatoon 2 if a video on Twitter is anything to go by. We got treated to Kelp Dome a while back and it’s Blackbelly Skatepark that may be coming soon , according to OatmealDome. Check out the video below to see Blackbelly Skatepark supposedly running on Splatoon 2.

New Blackbelly is very interesting... / 新しいＢバスは面白いな～ #Splatoon #スプラトゥーン２@Simon1844 pic.twitter.com/lHDIkYQMGb

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) October 21, 2017

SplatNet Ending For Splatoon Wii U, But Online Play Still Available

If you still play Splatoon for the Wii U, then you should know that the SplatNet service for the game will end on September 30th. However, as expected, the online multiplayer will still be available.

“The SplatNet service for the Splatoon game on the Wii U system will be permanently closed on September 30th, 2017. Online multiplayer battles will still be available, as this update only affects the SplatNet service. We sincerely thank all players for using this companion site for the original Splatoon game.”

Team Mayo Vs Team Ketchup Is The Next Splatoon 2 Splatfest

Nintendo has announced the next Splatfest for Splatoon 2 in North America and Europe. This Splatfest will have players choose between Team Mayo and Team Ketchup. This Splatfest is set to take place in the first weekend in August. Which team will you pick ? 

The next Splatfest in #Splatoon2 takes place during the first weekend in August. What's your condiment of choice: Mayo or Ketchup? pic.twitter.com/K56M8YAlDD

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) July 21, 2017

Splatoon Is Getting An Anime Adaptation

Nintendo has announced that Splatoon is getting its own anime series this August. The anime will be produced by CoroCoro and is based on their manga series. The Splatoon anime will make its debut on the company’s YouTube channel on August 12th.

Splatoon 2 Direct Happening Thursday

Nintendo have announced a Splatoon 2 Direct is happening this Thursday (July 6). With the sequel’s release in less than a month (July 21), this Nintendo Direct should hopefully reveal some more new features. There doesn’t seem to be any word on its length, but it starts at 7am PT / 10am ET. Make sure to go over to the Nintendo Direct website when it kicks off.

Splatoon Manga Series Coming Later This Year

Viz Media have announced via Twitter that a Splatoon manga series will be making its debut later this year. With Splatoon 2 for Nintendo Switch coming out this July, I’m sure we can expect the manga series to roll out around that time too. Check out what appears to be the cover for the manga in the tweet below from Viz Media:

Announcement: SPLATOON, the manga series inspired by the hit Nintendo game makes it's debut late 2017! Join the Turf War!🦑 pic.twitter.com/kmOGQJaMf7

— VIZ Media (@VIZMedia) April 21, 2017

Original Splatoon Amiibo Unlock Special Items In Splatoon 2

We know that Splatoon 2 is launching alongside its own amiibo line, but the Japanese Twitter account (and more details were given thanks to PushDustin) for the game has reconfirmed that the original game’s figures will also be able to interact with the sequel. The older amiibo will unlock special gear in the new game. 

Fujitsubo Sports Club In Splatoon 2 Looks Amazing

The Splatoon Twitter account has posted some images of one of the new stages featured in Splatoon 2 for the Nintendo Switch. The stage is titled Fujitsubo Sports Club which is made to look like an indoor climbing centre with plenty of barnacles and ink. Splatoon 2 is scheduled to arrive on the Nintendo Switch this summer.

新たなステージのひとつ、「フジツボスポーツクラブ」。
ボルダリングの練習場やプール、ランニングマシンなど、さまざまな施設がそろった最新のトレーニングジムだ。
最近は、シェイプアップ目的のトレーニングより、ストイックなワークアウトが人気を集めているようだ。 pic.twitter.com/M93qoTurSR

— Splatoon（スプラトゥーン） (@SplatoonJP) January 27, 2017

Splatoon Updated To Version 2.12

Splatoon has been updated to version 2.12 It’s not a major update but is a small update which sees the following changes being implemented:

Multiplayer Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue which mistakenly allowed Sprinklers to be placed inside the Tower in Tower Control.

Stage Adjustments

• Kelp Dome: Fixed an issue in all game modes that allowed players to move inside the raised starting platforms.

Nintendo And ESL Are Bringing Online Tournaments To Splatoon Fans

Splatoon fans across Europe will soon have a new reason to prep their paint rollers and bring out their blasters, with today’s announcement of 6 months of online tournaments for Nintendo’s family-friendly Wii U shooter, starting in early September and hosted by ESL, the world’s largest esports company. At gamescom in Cologne, the top four ranked teams from ESL Play’s early Splatoon qualifiers were getting ready for their final battle, as they were greeted on stage by Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata and Splatoon producer Hisashi Nogami. 

Wii U owners who have yet to take Splatoon for a spin will also be pleased to know that from 18th August until 1st September, they can take part in the Splatoon Summer Testfire 2016 – Free Online Demo Event that was announced just yesterday, and is just a free download away for any Wii U owner. To help new players make a splash in their first Turf War matches, Nintendo has released a series of Splatoon – Top Tips! videos covering the basic skills players need to master, straight from the game’s co-director, Tsubasa Sakaguchi.

More details on the ESL online Splatoon tournaments are set to be revealed in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to the official Splatoon Facebook or Nintendo of Europe’s Twitter for the latest news.

The Splatoon Testfire Demo Is Coming Back Next Week

The Splatoon Testfire Demo is back! What’s the “Testfire Demo,” you ask? Have you been living under a pool of colorful ink? From August 25 to August 28 between the hours of 3 and 5PM PT/8PM ET each day, anyone who owns a Wii U console can download a free demo for the Splatoon game in Nintendo eShop! This Summer Splatdown event (as all the cool squid kids are calling it) gives you the chance to play Splatoon and experience its outrageously messy multiplayer gameplay. All you have to do is download the demo and launch the Splatoon Testfire demo during the designated hours to fight it out in Turf War battles. This fun multiplayer mode pits you and three other players against an opposing team of four to cover the most territory possible with colorful ink. It’s one of the core modes of Splatoon and is the perfect introduction to what the game has to offer. During the Splatoon Testfire demo, players can try out four different weapons across two popular maps:

Weapons

• Splattershot Jr.
• Splattershot
• Splat Roller
• Splat Charger

Stages

• Saltspray Rig
• Walleye Warehouse

You’ll need an internet connection to participate, so make sure you have everything set up before the Testfire begins! To date, ink blasted from all modes and Splatfests in Splatoon have covered 3 million virtual square miles, which is equal in size to Australia, or approximately the size of the contiguous United States! Splatoon has also sold over 4 million units worldwide since it launched last year.

Latest Splatoon Update Fixes Issues With Rollers

Patch version 2.11.0 for Splatoon is available for download and is primarily aimed at Rollers and Brushes, by fixing a bug that prevented those weapons’ splashes from hitting opponents. The update also implements some other adjustments to make for a more pleasant gaming experience. 

Nintendo Pays Homage To Splatfest

Splatoon‘s Splatfests are a thing no more and Nintendo is commemorating them with a compilation video, consisting of numerous screenshots and artwork that highlight every in-game event held since the games debut. The final Splatfest wrapped on July 24, and pitted Team Callie against Team Marie. Check out the video below.