Splatoon 3 will be gettin’ messy on Nintendo Switch September 9

Release date finally inked for shooter sequel

Dig out your Splattershot, Nintendo has announced a release date for ink-blastin’ sequel Splatoon 3 — the popular multiplayer arena shooter franchise will return September 9, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. In addition to the date reveal, Nintendo dropped a four-minute “Turf War” gameplay video.

Splatoon 3, which was first revealed back in February of last year, will once again see Squid Kids and Octolings fighting it out in chaotic ‘n’ colorful multiplayer mayhem. Armed with an arsenal of unique and sometimes very silly weaponry, players will engage in running battles across a variety of new and returning modes and stages. The community can very likely expect the return of the semi-regular “Splatfest” community events, as well as frequent DLC drops for weaponry, clothing, and other content.

Following on from the climax of Splatoon 2, the new sequel will be set in a (surprisingly adorable) post-apocalyptic version of Inkopolis, brought about by the success of “Chaos” in the preceding title’s final splatfest. An aesthetic of homemade armor, beat-up stages, and invading mutant creatures pervaded previous videos, offering the classic Splatoon action a whole new aesthetic.

In addition, to the release date, Nintendo also announced that Nintendo Online Expansion Pack subscribers can access the meaty Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC as part of their subscription benefits.

News of the Splatoon 3 release date comes during a tumultuous week for Nintendo. Earlier this week, the publisher had a labor complaint filed against it by an ex-Nintendo of America employee, who alleges that the company has exercised “coercive” union-busting tactics among its staff members. Nintendo has denied the allegation and is working with the National Labor Relations Board to investigate the claim.