Splatoon 3 Direct delivers a 30 minute deep dive into the latest Nintendo Switch title
A recent Nintendo Direct showcased Splatoon 3, the new entry for Nintendo Switch, set to launch on September 9. The broadcast walks viewers through three core game modes that shape the experience. Territorial Combat pits two four-player teams on vibrant maps to cover as much territory as possible in a brisk three minute window. Salmon Run returns as a cooperative wave-based challenge where teams of four fend off escalating waves of enemies and earn prizes, including a golden fry. The segment also unveils a brand-new single-player narrative mode called The Return of the Mamelioids, putting players in the shoes of Agent 3 as they confront the Octarian threat.
Global events are making a comeback
Recurring multiplayer celebrations return with Splatoon 3 through seasonal festivals and events. The Splatfest World Premiere is slated for August 27, inviting Switch players to participate before the full game launches on September 9. Ahead of the event, players who download the trial but do not subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online will receive a code granting a seven-day free trial. These features mark the major innovations highlighted during the broadcast.
Enhanced Territorial Fights highlight the new region of Tintelia, where ink battles define daily life. In these three-minute battles, two teams of four race to cover the largest surface with their ink. New abilities join the core mechanics, including a wall-jumping move that lets players scale vertical surfaces and a flip maneuver that reorients players mid-swim while preserving momentum. The final move floods the arena with ink in a radiant display that signals dominance to opponents.
Players will explore both familiar and new battlezones set against a vivid sea backdrop. Territorial clashes unfold in Tintelia’s districts such as Crustacean Alleys, Fumarola Gorge, Mero Scrapyard, and Navajuela Cistern. The Mercado Lenguado pier features lively street stalls, while returning locations from Cromópolis include the Pargo Museum, Salmón Bridge, and Cala Bacalao Spa. At launch, 12 maps are ready, with free updates planned post-release to expand the roster and keep competition fresh.
Surimi Clan, a beloved trio in Tintelia, will provide updates on new maps and scenarios as players explore the city for the first time in the series. The arsenal includes every main weapon from prior games, along with new special weapons like the Triple Arcromatizer, which fires in three directions and creates explosive effects. The Breeze Lasher returns, spreading ink with improvised force to gain strategic advantages. Players should equip their gear and practice mechanics to maximize effectiveness on the battlefield.
Special weapons arrive in new forms that players unlock after filling the special ink meter. They include a beverage dispenser that temporarily boosts equipment characteristics, a pop-up refrigerator that dispenses drinks, and the wave spreader which unleashes wave-like ink upon activation. The flotiburón shark float is designed to deal ink damage and pressure opponents. Classic favorites such as the missile launcher, jetpack, torturer, ultrasealer, and air cannon return, continuing to offer a wide range of combinations with main weapons to suit different playstyles.
Battle modes
Territory control is just one path to victory in Splatoon 3. Four rotating modes bring competitive chaos: Paintbrush, Tower, Goldfish, and Clam Assault. Official chaotic battles provide a high-stakes solo challenge, while informal modes invite teams of friends for a more relaxed experience. Custom matches let players tailor modes and settings for focused practice or showdowns. Outside of official chaos, players can join lobby matches with nearby friends, extending sessions beyond the first round. Local play options enable nearby players to team up for cooperative battles in El Remolino.
Largest Salmon Run yet
Salmon Run returns as a cornerstone of Splatoon 3, with four players cooperating to harvest red caviar from advancing trout. Players confront large hostile fish, including pot lid adversaries and artillery threats, and may meet the dreaded mullet, a colossal salmon boss. The game also introduces Big Run, a monthly event where salmon, squid, and Octarians converge on the city to form a large-scale challenge that tests teamwork and strategy.
The Return of the Mammals story mode invites players to acclimate to combat and weapons while uncovering the secrets of Alterna. As Agent 3, the newest member of the Gill Command, players tackle the Octarian army and explore an assortment of enigmatic levels with the support of a loyal ally. The narrative threads weave into the larger Splatoon universe, offering context and depth to the ongoing saga.
Fans can get a closer look by watching the Splatoon 3 Direct broadcast, where these details and visuals preview the upcoming title for Nintendo Switch on September 9. Before launch, players can join the Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere on August 27 starting at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, offering an early glimpse of the evolving world and its color-filled battles.