Why You Can Trust CNET Splatoon 3: Release Date, Splatoon OLED and Everything You Need to Know
The colorful shooter arrives on Nintendo Switch this Friday.
The Inklings return in Splatoon 3, and they're ready to explore the barren wastelands outside their city.
Splatoon 3 is almost here. The colorful shooter arrives on the Nintendo Switch tomorrow, kicking off what will be a busy fall season for the console. Like previous entries in the series, this four-versus-four online shooter revolves around inking the most territory, and this time, Nintendo has added a wealth of new modes and mechanics to keep the experience feeling fresh, including new stages, special weapons and an expanded solo campaign.
Here's everything you need to know about Splatoon 3 ahead of its launch, from its release date to where you can buy the new Splatoon-themed Nintendo Switch OLED console.
Read more: Splatoon 3 Review In Progress: Do You Need It Over Splatoon 2?
Release date
Splatoon 3 launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on Sept. 9.
What time does Splatoon 3 go live?
If you buy Splatoon 3 digitally from the Nintendo eShop, you'll be able to play as soon as the game goes live at midnight ET on Sept. 9. That means if you live on the West Coast, you can start playing Splatoon 3 tonight (Sept. 8) at 9 p.m. PT.
Preorder bonuses
Splatoon 3 is available to preorder at various retailers, some of which are offering an extra bonus alongside the game. You can see the best offers below:
Amazon
If you're looking for just a copy of the game, you can preorder Splatoon 3 right now at Amazon.
Best Buy
Preorder Splatoon 3 at Best Buy and you'll receive a free Inkling keychain (valued at $10) along with the game.
Nintendo eShop
Nintendo is offering double Gold Points for buying Splatoon 3 through the Nintendo eShop. Until Sept. 30, you'll receive 600 Gold Points when you buy the game digitally through Nintendo's online store, which is worth $6 in credit for other eShop purchases.
Target
If you preorder Splatoon 3 either in-store or online at Target, you'll also get a free pair of Splatoon-themed sunglasses with the game. The offer expires on Sept. 10 and will only be valid while supplies last.
Splatoon Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED Splatoon 3 Edition is for those looking for a graffiti aesthetic.
Ahead of Splatoon 3, Nintendo has released a Splatoon-themed Nintendo Switch OLED system. The console is on sale now and comes with a specially themed dock and purple and yellow Joy-Con controllers. The system will cost $360, slightly more expensive than the standard Switch OLED.
Splat in style with the Splatoon 3 Switch Pro Controller.
On top of that, Nintendo will launch a Splatoon-themed Switch Pro Controller. It goes on sale alongside the game on Sept. 9 and features blue and yellow grips, as well as Splatoon splatters and logos across the body. The controller will retail for $75.
New Amiibo
In addition to the game, Nintendo is releasing three new Splatoon Amiibo figures: Octoling (blue), Inkling (Yellow) and Smallfry. The figures are slated to launch sometime this holiday.
Nintendo will also be reprinting older Splatoon Amiibo ahead of Splatoon 3's release, giving you another chance to snag them. When scanned in the game, Amiibo can be used to save your "freshest fits" gear load outs.
Stage list
At launch, Splatoon 3 will feature 12 different multiplayer stages, including a handful of returning and refurbished maps from the first two Splatoon games. You can see the full list of launch stages below:
New stages
- Scorch Gorge
- Eeltail Alley
- Hagglefish Market
- Undertow Spillway
- Mincemeat Metalworks
Returning stages
- Hammerhead Bridge (Splatoon 1)
- Museum D'alphonsino (Splatoon 1)
- Mahi-Mahi Resort (Splatoon 1)
- Inkblot Art Academy (Splatoon 2)
- Sturgeon Shipyard (Splatoon 2)
- Makomart (Splatoon 2)
- Wahoo World (Splatoon 2)
More stages will be added to the game as part of free post-launch updates.
DLC
Following its release, Splatoon 3 will receive a regular stream of free updates. These will arrive every three months for two years, and will introduce new weapons, stages, modes and other content to the game.
Nintendo has also confirmed it will release a "large-scale" paid DLC for Splatoon 3. No other information has been announced yet, but the teaser image included silhouettes of Pearl and Marina, the popular idols from Splatoon 2. Nintendo says more details "will come at a later time."
Large-scale paid DLC is planned for #Splatoon3. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/Zc641Kso8N
— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) August 10, 2022
Splatoon 3 launches on Sept. 9. We recently went hands-on with the game and thought it feels familiar but features exciting possibilities. Ahead of Splatoon 3's release, Nintendo is giving Nintendo Switch Online plus Expansion Pack subscribers the chance to play Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion at no additional cost.