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Splatoon 3 is rapidly approaching its release on the Nintendo Switch this September as the latest entry in the squid-tastic third-person shooter series that lets you take aim at other players with oodles and oodles of ink.
You don't have to wait until the game's release to play, however, as a Splatoon 3 Splatfest World Premiere Demo is set to begin on August 27. The 12-hour event will allow players to test out both typical Splatfest Battles in the new game environment as well as Tricolor Turf War Battles.
Turf War battles and three-way Tricolor Turf Wars during the demo should give a decent look at what to expect when the full games are released. Additionally, new weapons and features will allow you to fight for a particular cause—this time, it's Team Rock, Team Paper or Team Scissors. This is a normal event for Splatfests, so be sure to make up your mind for the group you're going to represent, and then play hard!
Looking to figure out exactly when you can play Splatoon 3 or purchase a physical or digital copy? We've got everything you need to know right here. Stay fresh!
When Does Splatoon 3 Release?
Splatoon 3 is set to be released on September 9 for Nintendo Switch as both a physical and digital release. The game is up for preorder right now, so you still have time to lock in your copy if you can't wait until release day to jump in and make a splash with your in-game buddies. Splatfests between players are expected to start heating up quickly.
When Does Splatoon 3 Unlock?
Your copy of Splatoon 3 will unlock at midnight in your region on September 9, and will be available for immediate digital or physical purchase at the same time. Due to store hours, players may not be able to pick up a physical copy until later in the release day. The game is also unlikely to have a wide midnight release, which means you may have to wait for your copy to arrive in the mail unless you decide to make your trek to pick up a copy from a local retailer.
Splatoon and Splatoon 2 are also currently available for purchase. The original Splatoon debuted on Wii U in May 2015 and is not currently widely available for sale or purchase given the gaming console's defunct status. Splatoon 2, released in July 2017, is currently available for purchase and play on the Nintendo Switch.
About the writer
Brittany Vincent is a Newsweek gaming editor based in Kentucky. Her focus is reporting on video games, the game industry, ... Read more