Splatoon News
September2020
News There's A Super Mario Splatfest Scheduled For Splatoon 2 Next January
And t-shirts on the My Nintendo Store
Splatoon 2 will host a special Super Mario-themed Splatfest in January to commemorate the mascot's 35th anniversary. The event was announced (as if you didn't know) as part of the Super Mario 35th Anniversary Direct which Nintendo dropped on the internet earlier today. For those not in the know, Splatfests are...
August2020
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.3.0 Update Patch Notes
More weapon adjustments
Ahead of the chicken verse egg Splatfest this weekend, Nintendo has released a new update for its popular online team-based squid shooter, Splatoon 2. It primarily changes the specifications for some of the main weapons. The patch notes mention how the development team has been observing the changes in weapon choice since it...
Reminder Splatoon 2's Next Bonus Splatfest Takes Place This Weekend, With More On The Way
A classic returns
Update (Mon 17th Aug, 2020 09:45 BST): Last month, Nintendo announced that a second bonus Splatfest was on the way to Splatoon 2, with even more of the things planned to take place before the end of March 2021. As a quick reminder, the first of these is taking place this weekend - make sure to choose your side and train up for the...
July2020
News Nintendo Celebrates Splatoon 2's Third Anniversary With Special Art
Woomy!
Believe it or not, Splatoon 2 first launched on Nintendo Switch three years ago today on 21st July, 2017. It was a super exciting time for Nintendo fans, with a new Zelda, a (kind of) new Mario Kart and a new Splatoon game all launching within the first few months of the Switch going on sale. Naturally, Breath of the Wild took most of the...
News Splatoon And Animal Crossing iPhone Cases Are Once Again Available In The UK
Act fast!
Update: Great news! The Splatoon and Animal Crossing iPhone cases have appeared on the My Nintendo website once again in the UK. They're available right now for the same prices as before (£29.99 for the fancy Splatoon ones, £24.99 for the more basic designs), although expect to see shipping fees on top. Act fast if you want one, because...
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.2.2 Update Patch Notes
More changes and fixes to multiplayer
Nintendo might have officially stopped supporting Splatoon 2 with regular Splatfest, but it's still updating the game on a regular basis. The popular squid shooter has already received three updates this year, and now to add to this, it's received a fourth. Below are the full details, according to the official...
Random Fans Have Made Their Very Own Splatoon 2 Instruction Manual
Remember the good old days?
We know we've said this plenty of times before, but we sure do miss the good old days of flicking through a game's manual. We imagine a fair few of you will have similar memories to us, picking up a new game from the store and eagerly looking through the booklet on the way home before loading it up, but that's sadly...
June2020
News Ninjala Isn't Really Like Splatoon But We'd Love To Do A Crossover, Says GungHo CEO
"Splatoon's more a shooting game, and this is more close combat"
GungHo Online recently launched its free-to-play Switch title Ninjala, a game which has been repeatedly compared to Nintendo's Splatoon series (and not just by us). However, GungHo Online CEO Kazuki Morishita – speaking to our good friends over at Eurogamer – has been sure to...
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.2.1 Update Patch Notes
Contains a few multiplayer fixes
Splatoon 2 might not get quite as much love as certain other first-party Switch titles nowadays, but Nintendo still is releasing some minor updates for it, fixing bugs and adjusting the game balance. The latest one - Version 5.2.1 - was actually released earlier this week. Below are the full details, according to...
News Splatoon's Squid Kids Comedy Show Manga Is Being Localised This July
Based on Splatoon 2's characters and designs
Splatoon might only be up to its second game, but it's already become an insanely popular first-party series for Nintendo. As a result of this, the Japanese video game giant is eager to build on its success with clothing, toys and even manga. If you have read any of the Splatoon manga before, you might...
May2020
News Splatoon Players Celebrate The Series' Fifth Anniversary With Lovely Fan Art
Stay fresh!
Five years ago (well, five years and a day ago, actually) the original Splatoon inked its way onto the Wii U. It was an exciting and fresh take on the online shooter and a completely new venture for Nintendo - and boy are we happy that it was released. Splatoon and its sequel, Splatoon 2, have arguably been two of the most important...
April2020
Reminder Splatoon 2's Free Demo Goes Live Tomorrow Ahead Of Next Month's Splatfest
Play free for a whole week
Just in case it had slipped your mind, here's a reminder that the Splatoon 2 Special Demo 2020, available to download from the Switch eShop as we speak, will be going live tomorrow. By downloading this special software option from the eShop, you'll be able to jump online and splat it out in 4-on-4 Turf War battles with...
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.2.0 Update Patch Notes
Everything that's new and different
Nintendo has revealed that Splatoon 2's next update will arrive next week, with changes set to go live from 22nd April. The update, which was seemingly accidentally mentioned by Nintendo on social media ahead of time last week, will be distributed at 10am on 22nd April in Japan (so that's 2am BST / 3am CEST in...
March2020
News Mario, Splatoon And Zelda Tunes Come To Ring Fit Adventure Via A New Rhythm Game Mode
Download the update now
A free update for Nintendo's hit exercise game Ring Fit Adventure has been announced via today's surprise Nintendo Direct Mini. A new score-based Rhythm Game mode will enable you to stretch and squeeze your Ring-Con to the beat of some swingin' Nintendo tunes from the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoo
January2020
Feature Game Of The Decade Staff Picks - Splatoon
Woomy
Following on from our reader-voted Top 50 Games of the Decade, Nintendo Life staff members will be picking their personal favourite Nintendo games between the years 2010-2019. Today, Alex recalls the growing pains of his first major step into his career, and how one squid and/or kid-based shooter made all the difference... “These controls...
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.1.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Multiplayer undergoes some changes
As promised, today sees the release of Splatoon 2's latest update, taking the game to Version 5.1.0. Nintendo has released the full patch notes for this multiplayer-focused update, and we've shared the full list of changes for you below. You should find this update waiting for you the next time you boot up the...
News Splatoon's 'Happy New Year' Message Appears To Tease Something New
Splatoon 3? More DLC?
It looks like 2020 might well be about to bring us something new in the world of Splatoon, with a promotional image shared by Nintendo seemingly teasing... Well, something. Below, we've shared a tweet from the official Splatoon Twitter account in Japan. It's wishing players a happy new year and providing a...
December2019
News Calm Yourselves, Splatoon 3 Wasn't Just Teased By Nintendo After All
Annnnd breathe
The last twelve hours or so have been rather stressful for Splatoon fans, with excitement, nerves, and confusion all coming their way thanks to the belief that maybe - just maybe - Nintendo had teased a 'Splatoon 3'. As it happens, that's not the case at all, but with the phrase 'Splatoon3' trending online and with plenty of Inklings...
November2019
News Goodsmile's New Splatoon Figmas Are Fresher Than Your Bed Linen On Laundry Day
Judd and Li'l Judd are included, too!
Japanese toymaker figma has announced some new Splatoon figures for 2020, and they're looking insanely good. A new 'DX' double pack – which contains two Inkling Boys, Judd and Li'l Judd and a whole bunch of accessories – is available for pre-order now. This pack comes with Splattershot guns, a...
October2019
Video Nintendo Just Held An Hour-Long Splatoon Concert With K.K. Slider As The Support Act
What a line up!
Forget the million-seller chart-toppers. Forget that band who have been your favourite since your teenage years. This right here is the concert you've been waiting for. As part of the Nintendo Live 2019 event which took place over the weekend, Nintendo held a concert starring Callie, Marie, Pearl, and Marina of Splatoon fame. As...
September2019
News Splatoon 2's Next Patch Will Stop Players Reaching An Area That Should Be Off Limits
Version 5.0.1 is near
Splatoon 2 will see yet another update next month, taking the game to Version 5.0.1. Unlike the big bump to Version 5.0 - which was supposedly the final major update for the game - this new patch is being put in place to tweak two minor issues. The patch is expected to go live on 10th October in Europe, Australia, and Japan...
Rumour Fortnite Might Be Getting A Splatoon Crossover, According To Data Miner
Well, we didn't see this coming
Two of the biggest and best online shooters available on Nintendo Switch might be about to join forces, should the findings of a data miner be anything to go by. Hypex, one of social media's most popular Fortnite leakers, has revealed that items potentially relating to Nintendo's Splatoon franchise have been...
July2019
News Splatoon 2 Version 5.0.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Including Splatfest battle mode
Splatoon 2 has now been updated to Version 5.0.0, likely the final major update that the game will receive. As promised, it brings options for players to play on previous Splatfest stages as well as lots, lots more. Thankfully, Nintendo has issued the full patch notes. We've got them all for you below, so strap...
Reminder The Tetris 99 Splatoon-Themed Maximus Cup Starts Later This Week
Check out the Japanese retail release as well
This weekend, Tetris 99 is celebrating the final Splatfest in Splatoon 2 with a special themed Maximus Cup. As previously noted, this event runs from 12 a.m. PT on July 12 to 11:59 p.m. PT on July 15. If you participate in this event and earn 100 event points, you'll get a n
News Tetris 99 And Splatoon 2 Collide In A Special Maximus Cup Event
Unlock a Splatoon 2 theme
A brand new Maximus Cup event has been announced for Tetris 99, but this one is particularly special. The event will be celebrating Splatoon 2's final Splatfest, giving players a chance to unlock a Splatoon-themed in-game theme. The event will be taking place from 12th July at 12am PT up until 15th July at 11:59pm PT. Just...
April2019
News Pick Up These Lovely Splatoon And Animal Crossing iPhone Cases From My Nintendo (Europe)
Snazzy
Nintendo of Europe is now offering a collection of lovely iPhone cases through its My Nintendo store. Designs for both Splatoon and Animal Crossing are featured. The cases are available in most European countries although the UK has been left out (the Nintendo Life office is not a happy place right now). The Splatoon ones will cost you...
January2019
News Nintendo Reveals Upcoming Tournaments For Smash Bros. Ultimate And Splatoon 2
Across Europe and North America
Nintendo has today unveiled a number of competitive tournaments scheduled to take place this year with both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2 being featured. North America First up, in North America, both games will see a series of online qualifying events take place from February. These qualifiers are for...
November2018
News Splatoon 2's New Torpedo Sub Weapon Might Be More Dangerous Than The Ultra Stamp
Track down your opponents
Earlier this week, the official Japanese Splatoon Twitter account revealed the fun-looking Ultra Stamp special weapon was making its way to Splatoon 2 in the next update. That's not all, though. Version 4.2.0 - dropping on 6th/7th November, depending on your region - will also be introducing a new sub weapon known as the...
September2018
Gallery Splatoon's Inkling Girls Are Now Available To Pre-Order In Figma Form
A collaboration with Good Smile
Nintendo, in collaboration with the Good Smile Company, has opened pre-orders for a new Splatoon figma pack. Like all good figma, you can move the legs and arms to change the pose of the characters. You can also swap out weapons
News Explore The Design Secrets Behind Splatoon 2 At A New London Museum Exhibition
Tickets available now
A new exhibition has opened in London, UK, exploring the work and design behind several modern video games including Nintendo's Splatoon. The exhibition, which has been titled 'Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt', aims to explore the medium of gaming since the mid-2000s, looking into how things such as increased access to...
August2018
News The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild And Splatoon 2 Awarded At CEDEC 2018
Ongoing success
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is easily one of the greatest games of all-time. Nintendo's already received a stack of awards for the game and now it appears to have scored one more at this year's Computer Entertainment Developers Conference held in Yokohama, Japan. The title has received an excellence award from...
News Splatoon 2's Producer Talks About Fresh In-Game Culture And Lore
Cool squid kids
The world of Splatoon has a very youthful look about it, and that’s not just because it’s a fresh IP. In a brand new Nintendo published interview translated by Nintendo Everything, Hisashi Nogami once again touched on the culture within Splatoon 2 following the release of the
July2018
Guide All The Splatoon 2 amiibo Unlocks
Stay fresh
If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, you might well have been enjoying Splatoon 2 since its launch last year. Playing through the single-player campaign or testing your skills out in some online matches is a great way to build up your Inkling, but what do the Splatoon-themed amiibo do within the game? You can, of course, use both the new...
News Team Squid Wins Splatfest Celebrating One Year Anniversary Of Splatoon 2
Li'l Judd exhausted
Over the weekend, Splatoon 2 celebrated its first anniversary with a Splatfest asking players if Inklings or Octoling reigned supreme. Following the hard-fought battles, Pearl and Marina have now tallied up the scores. The winner is Team Squid, with a 2-1 victory. The squid kids got less votes, but gained more...
June2018
News Splatoon 2 Returns To Top Of Japanese Gaming Charts 48 Weeks After Launch
Inkredible!
There’s no denying the fact Splatoon has become one of Nintendo’s most marketable modern IP. The first and now second game in the series has paved the way for a bright future. Even in the short time frame of their existence, the inklings have made a surprise cameo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and were recently added to the Super...
News CoroCoro Shares Entire Splatoon Manga Online For Free For A Limited Time
Take a look while you can
CoroCoro Comic - a monthly Japanese manga magazine that often shares and creates content on video game franchises - has uploaded a complete Splatoon manga online for free viewing. This particular manga, which features both the newly introduced Octoling characters and the new Spy Gear, comes from this month's magazine...
May2018
Hands On Getting Tubular in Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion
Tenticular fortitude
Single-player gubbins in the Splatoon series has always been ruddy good fun, but always feels like it’s playing second fiddle to the online multiplayer, which is largely to be expected but it’s still a shame that it gets forgotten from time to time. Splatoon 2’s Hero Mode was a strong evolution on the first game’s...
April2018
Video One of You Sent Us a Box to Open, So We Decided to Open It
Fresh from Japanese shores
We've unboxed a fair few things in the name of so-called entertainment on our YouTube channel, but one in particular sticks in our mind. Perhaps spurred on by the tantalising idea of a mystery unboxing, one of you lot thought it would be a good idea to ship something off in our direction without telling us what it is, on...
News Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion Is Getting Its Own CD Soundtrack
Octotune up
Splatoon 2's upcoming Octo Expansion DLC is getting its own soundtrack album in Japan, it has been revealed. The album - which launches on July 18th in Japan - will come with two CDs. One will contains tracks from Octo Expansion, in addition to new songs which have been added to the core game via software updates. The second CD...
News Nintendo Shares Images Of Strange New Creatures From Splatoon 2's Upcoming Expansion
"Deep sea dwellers"
Splatoon 2's upcoming Octo Expansion is still somewhat shrouded in mystery; we already know that it will feature 80 brand new stages and a much darker overall tone, but we're yet to find out exactly how the narrative will play out. Something that might help to give us a sense of what to expect, however, are these new images...
March2018
News Super Smash Bros. For Switch Is Coming This Year, And It's Got Inklings
Get hype
Hold the front page. Nintendo has finally confirmed that Super Smash Bros. is coming to the Nintendo Switch this year. The news was revealed during today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, and was very much the "just one more thing" megaton, left right to the very end. Sadly, no gameplay was shown, but we do know that Splatoon's Inklings will...
February2018
News Next Week's European Splatfest Is All About Gherkins
Quite the pickle
Nintendo has announced that the next Splatfest in Splatoon 2 will be kicking off next weekend, asking the age-old question of 'gherk-IN', or 'gherk-OUT'. Taking place in Europe only, this Splatfest will provide definitive proof as to whether or not gherkins deserve a place inside a delicious burger - something we're sure you'll...
January2018
News Splatoon 2 Pits Action Against Comedy In Global Splatfest Next Week
The whole world will decide
The first Splatfest of 2018 is about to arrive in Splatoon 2, putting fans of action movies against those who love a good laugh with a comedy or two. Announced on the official Nintendo Versus Twitter account, this Splatfest will be a worldwide affair; rather than having different themes across Europe, America, and Japan,...
News Blatant Splatoon Mobile Rip-Off Has Resurfaced in China
When will they learn?
Sadly, mobile clones of successful franchises are a strangely common thing these days. Despite the obvious copyright infringements, developers seem to have no shame in creating almost identical (but almost always weaker) versions of popular titles - one such Splatoon clone actually made its way to stores just over a...
December2017
News It's Film vs. Book in the Next European Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Time to pulp fiction?
The Splatoon 2 Splatfest events have been pretty darn quirky so far, with topics ranging from fun to outright bizarre. The next event in Europe is playing things relatively safe, though it's still a good showdown. Kicking off on 9th December at 3pm UK / 4pm CET, it's a battle of films against books. So, will you be Team...
Video Nintendo Releases More Footage of Splatoon 2 Soundtrack Performances
It's oh so serious
Splatoon and Splatoon 2 are fantastic games, establishing a new franchise that'll likely run on for many years to come. A big part of the games, apart from splatting things, is the music - from day one the IP has had its own distinct style that goes from strength to strength with each added track, while live performances are...
November2017
Feature Take A Look At The Awesome NES Splatoon We Never Got To Play
"I caught them when they were probably very busy finishing the game"
Splatoon is fantastic in 3D, but what exactly would it look like in 2D? That's what former Vitei (Steel Diver, Tank Troopers) staffer Nathan Heckel pondered last year. "While I was at Vitei wrapping up work on Tank Troopers as a gameplay programmer, I wanted to start my...
News New Stages, Hair Styles, Battle Mode and More Confirmed for Huge Splatoon 2 Updates
More splatting for your money
Splatoon 2 has followed the path of its predecessor in delivering regular (often weekly) content for free. A lot of the time we're receiving new weapons or outfits, but Nintendo has now unveiled a whole lot of upcoming goodies in a new trailer. There are multiple new stages, hair styles, a fresh battle mode, new amiibo...
News It's Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy in the Next North American Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Which team will you join?
As has been the case for a short while now, the three major territories (PAL, North American and Japan) are all going their own way when it comes to Splatoon 2 Splatfests. Now we have the details for next week's Splatfest in North America, which would sure make for a fun real-life event at a convention. It's Sci-Fi Vs...
October2017
News The Next European Splatfest is All About Breakfast
Hey, it's a better topic than toilet roll
Now that the Splatoon 2 Splatfest events are well and truly divided by region, we have the latest European event on the way. Due to take place on the weekend starting at 3pm UK / 4pm CEST on 4th November, it'll be all about 'the most important meal of the day'. Yep, the topic is your preferred...
News Splatoon 2 Update 1.4.1 Is Now Live, And Here's What's Changed
Fixes weapon issues, mainly
It's update city this week in the world of Nintendo - yesterday we got updates for the Switch, Joy-Con and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and today everyone's favourite ink-shooting online blaster is getting a refresh. Before you get too excited,
News Team Vampire Triumphs in Latest Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Yeah, just pick Pearl's team from now on
It seems like a shame that we're back to separate Splatfest themes between Europe and North America, especially if you're in Europe. With the original Splatoon NA had neat licensed battles that skipped Europe, and recently us PAL gamers had a Splatoon 2 battle over toilet paper. This weekend's NA...
News Japan's Upcoming Splatfest Pits Agility Against Endurance
With some lovely bonus artwork
After Europe's interesting Splatfest theme last weekend we learnt that North America would be receiving a much more fitting Halloween-inspired contest at the end of this week. Now it's Japan's turn to show off its theme for the occasion - Agility vs Endurance. The Japanese Twitter account for...
News North America Gets a Neat Halloween-Themed Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Kicks off next week
As we publish this European gamers are battling it out in a Splatoon 2 Splatfest, but the theme is oddly all about toilet roll. North American gamers can consider themselves lucky, then, as their next Splatfest will have a Halloween theme. The Nintendo Versus Twitter account shared the good news. So, will you be...
News Snapper Canal Stage and Bamboozler 14 Mk I Arrive This Weekend in Splatoon 2
More free goodies
It should be a fun weekend in Splatoon 2 - for starters in Europe there's a bizarre Splatfest about toilet roll from which Japanese and North American gamers appear to be excused. More importantly, wherever you play there'll be a new stage and weapon to try out. The new stage is Snapper Canal, which has a river running through the...
September2017
News The Tenta Brella is Your New Splatoon 2 Weapon This Weekend
Splattin' in the rain
Splatoon 2 is a game that keeps on giving, mostly through new weapons and occasionally with a new stage. One of the reveals in the recent Nintendo Direct, the Tenta Brella, is our new weapon for the weekend. You can see some pics of it below. If you need a reminder of what it's all about, the Nintendo Direct segment below...
Watch The Nintendo Life Team Goes for Glory in the Splatoon 2 UK Championship - Live!
Go team!
Update: And congrats to Team Mako, which won the big prize! Original Article: Earlier this week we introduced you to the two guest players that had qualified for Team Nintendo Life, which have been competing in the Splatoon 2 UK Championship at EGX in Birmingham. And there's great news, they made it to the semi-finals! At t
News The Heavy Splatling Deco is Your Weekend Weapon in Splatoon 2
Add some sparkle to your life
Splatoon 2 is a pretty colourful game, but that doesn't mean a bit of extra sparkle would go amiss. The Heavy Splatling Deco may give you a little more pizzazz for your weekend splatting. It'll arrive at the same time the Kelp Dome goes into rotation, which is September 15th (7PM PST / 10PM EST) / September...
Rumour Dataminers Have Uncovered Possible Future Updates For Splatoon 2
Spoiler alert
Nintendo's sequel to its popular ink shooter has had a strong start, with high sales and a positive critical reception. This with the regular content updates are keeping fans of Splatoon 2 very happy, yet people always want more. Now, dataminers have been hard at work trying to uncover what is planned for future drops, with Reddit...
News Flight Triumphs Over Invisibility in the Splatoon 2 Splatfest
We blame the invisible man for not showing up
This weekend brought us another Splatfest battle in Splatoon 2, with Flight going up against Invisibility. Now the results are in, and it's more good news for Pearl fans. Yep, flight triumphed when combining the NA and EU results - a bit like the battle between Mayo and Ketchup, the team with more...
August2017
News Nintendo Is Ending SplatNet for Splatoon Next Month
Don’t worry, the game servers will still be up
Splatoon was a landmark moment for Nintendo, marking its first major online multiplayer focused game and in a new genre for the company, too. The game was a smash hit (or at least as much as one could be on Wii U), but it’s been inevitable since day one that this online game would eventually see a...
News It'll Be a Battle of Super Powers in the Next Splatoon 2 Splatfest
Nope, not Marvel vs DC
Nintendo has confirmed the theme for the next Splatfest in Splatoon 2, this time setting up a battle between blue and green once the tussle rolls around. It'll be Flight vs Invisibility, the same in both North America in Europe; it'll go down on 1st-2nd September. Nintendo also confirmed that Splatoon 2 is past one million...
News The Splat Brella Will Stop Raindrops Falling on Your Head in Splatoon 2 This Weekend
We did some talking to the sun
Splatoon 2 has been serving up weekly updates and/or events so far, and that's set to continue this week. The coming weekend will bring us one of the quirkiest new items in the Switch sequel - the Splat Brella. It's the first of its type in the game, and the Japanese account's tweet has a few nice shots of the...
News Splatoon 2 is Getting a Special Range of Summer Outfits Starting This Weekend
Shame about the flip flops
Splatoon 2 is already one of the key games of this Summer, and Nintendo is stepping up the seasonal theme with a special range of outfits and shoes to appear this coming weekend. As is always the case it's the official Japanese Twitter account spilling the beans, but typically this sort of thing rolls out globally...
News Mayo Wins in Splatoon 2's Battle of the Condiments
Mayowned
This past weekend we had the slightly odd battle of pinky red and gloopy yellow in the Splatoon 2 Splatfest, which was both gross and entertaining at the same time. The battle between Ketchup and Mayo was fought in North America and PAL territories, and there was one unanimous winner. It was a sweep for Mayo, in the end. Nintendo of...
July2017
News 'Twilight Zone' Stage to Give Splatoon 2 a New Twist During Upcoming Splatfest
No need to unlock it with the key of imagination
Update: Possibly because of copyright issues (we're not even kidding), this new stage will have a different name in the West. It'll transform for each Splatfest, too, Original Article: Nintendo is weird, and that's a wonderful thing. Splatoon 2 and its predecessor are a good example of...
News Splatoon 2 Delivers Extraordinary Launch Sales in Japan and Boosts Switch Hardware
Layton’s Mystery Journey takes 2nd for 3DS, too
Earlier today we shared Famitsu numbers covering the Splatoon 2 launch in Japan; now Media Create has weighed in as well. Media Create brings a lower figure, but it's still the biggest Switch game launch to date, and also led to significant hardware sales. Splatoon 2 may be the dominant arrival in...
Talking Point Splatoon 2's Salmon Run Shows Off the Switch's Local Multiplayer Strengths
Flawless fun
When Nintendo confirmed that the co-op Salmon Run mode in Splatoon 2 would take place in specific limited time windows, there were some understandable groans. Nevertheless since the game's launch it's not been much of an issue, as the mode has been available pretty much whenever we want to play it. The function of the time windows is...
News The Inkbrush Will Kick Off Splatoon 2's Free Additions on Launch Weekend
Inked in
Splatoon 2 is out and plenty are up-and-running in the various online modes. Nintendo, for its part, has promised a full year of additions in free updates, which should include gear, weapons and occasionally stages and other meatier content. The launch weekend will be in on the action, it's been confirmed, with the familiar Inkbrush due to...
Gallery Splatoon 2 Squid "Air Mascots" Released in Japan
Blowing hot air
Coinciding with the worldwide release of Splatoon 2, Bandai has released a set of inkling inflatables known as "Air Mascots" through toy capsules. The collectible squids come in six variations being blue, green, olive, pink, purple and yellow. There is also the opportunity to find Judd the cat as a special bonus. The capsules...
News Here's the Map Rotation and Weapons for the Splatoon 2 Splatfest World Premiere
Splat 'em up
The Splatoon 2 Splatfest World Premiere is almost upon us, so you should get ready for the action. It'll be Team Cake vs. Team Ice Cream in the West - Japan is a bit different - and there'll be Turf Wars to decide which is better. Nintendo UK has now confirmed the map rotations and weapons for the event. We suspect it'll be the same...
Reminder Here Are the Times for the Splatoon 2 Splatfest World Premiere
It varies per region
Splatoon 2 is now just one week away, and is all set to be the next big thing for the Nintendo Switch. Many will hope so, in any case, and Nintendo is certainly keen for Switch owners to go hands on and get drawn in by its charms. We'll see that this weekend with the Splatfest World Premiere, in which fans of cake will battle...
News We All Need These Splatoon 2 Splat Dualie Water Pistols In Our Lives
Double up
Splatoon is a series which lends itself to irresistible merchandising opportunities, be they cute plush toys or themed towels. However, one line of toys which has done very well so far is the range of official Splatoon water pistols; released alongside the first ga
Video "The World is Your Playground" - Nintendo's Pitch for Splatoon 2 and Nintendo Switch
Ink everywhere
With Splatoon 2 now only a little over a week away - how time flies! - Nintendo is ramping up its marketing for the Switch title. The latest trailer to be posted on YouTube by Nintendo of Europe shows various players tackling the game at home and on the go, with the slogan "the world is your playground" being used. Check it out...
Video Digital Foundry Breaks Down Splatoon 2's Tech Improvements Over Its Predecessor
"Another feather in Nintendo's cap"
Today you'll have seen plenty of previews go up for Splatoon 2, including our own here at Nintendo Life. It's been all about the single player mode, which is understandable as all Switch owners will be able to try out more online play this weekend in the first Splatfest. During the recent Splatoon Direct,...
Preview Going Solo in Splatoon 2's Single Player Hero Mode
Off we go to Octo Canyon
Due to the online servers not yet being available this preview is entirely focused around the single player campaign. Make sure you keep an eye out for our full review where we look at the whole kit and caboodle! If there’s one complaint people had about the original Splatoon it’s that the single player Hero Mode,...
Video Let's Run Through All the New Stuff We Learnt in the Splatoon 2 Direct
52 tasty chunks in video gravy
There was a lot of information to take in in the recent Splatoon 2 Nintendo Direct, and a lot of it was bundled in with a load of stuff we already knew, clearly for the uninitiated that were watching. As such you'd be forgiven for missing a few of the smaller things of note here and there, so we decided it would...
News Get Ready For Splatoon 2 With This Ink-redible Art Book
320 pages of Splatoon goodness
We're about to go into Splatoon 2 overdrive, starting with the Nintendo Direct this Thursday. It's clear that Nintendo are going really big on this colouful sequel to the much loved Wii U series debut. With an insane about of Splatoon merch coming out this month, Nintendo also seems to be banking on the franchise big t
News Nintendo Ramps Up Splatoon 2 Promotion With Nintendo Minute and Fresh TV Trailer
So many photogenic millennials
Up to now the Nintendo Switch has, we think it's fair to say, had a strong start and earned a positive reputation with the public. Marketing has been interesting as a result, with Nintendo able to move on from the "what is it?" phase that made promoting Wii U so tough (and the 3DS, initially), and focus on the concept...
May2017
Gallery The Squid Research Lab Gives an Update on Inkling Fashion in Splatoon 2
Strike a pose
The original Splatoon immediately resonated with fans for its quirky look and outrageous fashion. Now with Splatoon 2 on the horizon the Squid Research Lab has discovered that there will be a new wardrobe available from day one. In this timeline two years have passed since the first Splatoon outing, meaning that fashion and styles have...
Video Chill Out Listening to the Entire Squid Sisters Stories Saga
Read by our resident Alex
Now that the preamble to the story of Splatoon 2 appropriately titled Squid Sister Stories has concluded, we felt it was worth making a song and dance about the story as a whole. We then scrapped the singing and dancing and opted for a more straight-laced reading of the piece. You can watch or even really just listen to...
News Squid Sisters Stories Chapter 5 Brings More Sibling Secrets and Angst
"She was reminded just how much she loved the place where she'd grown up"
Nintendo's Squid Sisters Stories, a set of teen-drama chapters revolving around Marie and Callie from Splatoon, have been among the pre-release promotional efforts for the Splatoon 2 release on Switch. It's a cute nod to the lore of the young series and the popularity of the...
News A Trip to Arowana Mall for the Squid Sisters Shows Promise in Chapter 4
Is there hope yet?
Promotion for Splatoon 2 has been colourful to say the least, and Nintendo has been releasing 'chapters' of story detailing the ongoing saga surrounding the Squid Sisters. The readings follow their relationship and unexpected popularity since the original Splatfests in Splatoon. After mysteri
News Mysterious Meetings and Cancelled Recording Sessions in Squid Sisters Stories, Chapter 3
The Splatoon 2 story continues...
Plenty of Nintendo Switch owners are looking forward to Splatoon 2, but regardless Nintendo is utilising some quirky content to promote the game. Primarily published through its official sites, the Squid Sisters Stories have been used as a way to tell the tale of the performer's 'lives' since Splatoon on Wii U. It...
April2017
News Nintendo Confirms Splatoon 2 'Exhibition Tournament' for E3 2017
Splat that
With Nintendo due to reveal its annual financial results on 27th April, we're getting to the point where it typically outlines its E3 plans - well, Nintendo of America is teasing details early. We're hopeful of a big E3, and it seems a live event is on the cards - a Splatoon 2 'Exhibition Tournament' is coming to the expo. [tweet This...
News Jakks Pacific Cites Splatoon 2 Toys as Part of 2017 Plans
Toy maker highlights the launch of the Switch as a boost to its business
Jakks Pacific is a brand that'll be familiar to plenty of parents, responsible for a range of popular toys including the 'World of Nintendo' range. In recent years the toy maker has continually refreshed the Nintendo line-up, with some 2016 additions including figures related...
News Nintendo Unveils Starfish Mainstage Arena for Splatoon 2
"Considered a bit of a holy site for devotees of rock music"
The Splatoon IP has forged a passionate fanbase in various ways, and one feature that's captured fans is the music. The soundtrack of the first game was so well received that numerous live concerts and events took place in Japan and also featured a few times in the West. Splatoon 2 will...
News Splatoon's New Manga Serialization Launches in Coro Coro on 15th May
An inkredible manga announcement
In celebration of the upcoming Nintendo Switch game Splatoon 2, Coro Coro Comics revealed in the latest issue of the magazine that a new Splatoon manga will launch in next month's issue; a full preview was also given. The author of this new series, Sankichi Hinodeya, released a one-shot comic for Splatoon 2 in March,...
Soapbox ARMS is the New Splatoon for the Nintendo Switch Generation
It's like an onion
ARMS has layers. Many, many layers. That is at least if the latest Nintendo Direct is to be believed. What started out as an apparently straightforward and limited beat-em-up with motion controls has rapidly been extrapolated into something far grander than we think many people expected. Sound familiar? Sounds just like how...
News New Splatoon, Legend of Zelda and Super Smash Bros. amiibo Announced
Wallets groan
The amiibo train steamrolls on, for Nintendo have announced 12 new amiibo coming to store shelves this summer in its latest Nintendo Direct. New The Legend of Zelda amiibo: First up is an arguably strange choice - more Zelda amiibo! To be specific, this includes three versions of Link from past The Legend of Zelda games Majora's...
News Get Colourful With A Splatoon-Themed Casio Baby-G Watch
Now that's a smart watch!
While players like Apple, Samsung and LG are fighting between themselves to come up with the best smartwatch solution, it's refreshing that Casio are staying old school with their new Baby-G series which have a Splatoon theme. These funky colourful seemingly indestructible watches come in two designs. The white Baby-G...
March2017
News The Splatoon U.S. Inkling Open Has a Trip to E3 Up for Grabs
Splatting it old school
A lot of the talk in the past week has been around Splatoon 2, but let's not forget that the original Splatoon is still very much active and a hoot to play. Now Nintendo of America has teamed up with Battlefy to promote an online tournament in the original with a cool prize - a trip for four to this year's E3. Battlefy is a...
News ESL Go4Splatoon Europe Grand Final to be Broadcast Live on 1st April
Splatoon 2 exhibition match also confirmed
Over a number of months Nintendo has been teamed up with ESL in a search for the best Splatoon team in Europe, a contest designed to boost the eSports credentials and popularity of the IP. There have been monthly events and contests at expos, and now we're gearing up for the grand final in Paris in which...
News You Can Now Download The Splatoon 2 Global Testfire On Your Switch, But There's A Catch
Won't go live until the 24th
If you are as excited as us about the upcoming Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event then you'll be interested to learn that you can download the demo right now from the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop and stare at a placeholder screen until the event starts on 24th March. The demo
February2017
News Splatoon 2 Global Testfire Demo Details Confirmed for Europe
The world will be testing the servers together
At the weekend Nintendo revealed and outlined details for the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire Demo in North America and Japan. It's now been confirmed for Europe, too, with the times confirming that players will be tackling each other from across the Atlantic. With the times matching up between regions that...
Talking Point Splatoon 2 is Set to be a Vital Early Arrival on Nintendo Switch
The Global Testfire adds some extra spice
When Splatoon was unveiled at E3 2014, this writer was initially unsure of its appeal. Then the reaction of the community on these pages began to take shape, and fans tweeted, and the fan-art began - it was evident that Nintendo had produced a new IP with huge potential. By the time we got closer to its...
News Splatoon 2 Global Testfire To Take Place During Nintendo Switch Launch Month
You'll be able to use your Splatoon amiibo, too
Nintendo has revealed that a Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event will take place shortly after the launch of the Switch, giving owners a chance to sample the sequel for free. The demo will be available for download from the eShop and in terms of content will include four different main weapons, including...
News Splatoon 2's Event and eSports Credentials Boosted by LAN Play and Spectator View
"LAN Play is where it’s at" for competitive events
Since Nintendo's 'preview trailer' that ended with a showcase of a Splatoon 2 competitive event (albeit the sequel wasn't formally confirmed at that point), it's been clear that the Switch could be well equipped for the eSports scene. Nintendo has now outlined two key features in the sequel...
January2017
News Splatoon 2 Will Launch On 18th August, According To UK Store GAME
Colour me bad
One of the most eagerly-anticipated games in the Nintendo Switch's roster for this year is undoubtedly Splatoon 2, which promises to be a ruddy good time according to our resident master of ink splatting Alex. This upcoming game is said to be coming out in "Summer" according to Nintendo, which is a bit vague. Howev
Soapbox Nintendo's Switch Plan is Starting to Take Shape
At least we think it is
The Nintendo Switch reveal has polarised fans, as many expected it would, but now we've had a chance to sample the system for ourselves some of our fears have been subdued, and some have been unfortunately made greater. Make sure you check out the video above where this video 'dude' shares his opinions on Nintendo's upcoming...
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