Nintendo Switch owners will get to demo Splatoon 2 during a Global Testfire set to run from March 24th – March 26th, 2017. A free demo version of Splatoon 2 will be available which will allow players to battle against opponents around the world during the scheduled Testfire event. A Private Battle Spectator View mode will allow up to two non-players to participate in a Private Battle as camera operators to observe the match from different angles. Nintendo also gave details on Splatoon 2’s LAN Play, which will allow up to 10 docked Nintendo Switch systems (8 players and 2 spectators) to connect via wired LAN. The Global Testfire is scheduled to run in 1 hour increments throughout the 3 days, with a total of 6 different time-slots chosen, see the full schedule below. Nintendo also announced compatibility with Splatoon amiibo figurines. Details for the Nintendo Switch app where also announced. The special app will allow players to set play appointments with friends and teammates who’ve been added to their Nintendo Switch friend list or by their social media accounts. Players will be able to use voice chat via their smart device, something that is a real game changer for Nintendo. Nintendo offered an example of a private battle where players can voice chat with their connected friends. When the teams are set, voice chat is restricted to communication between teammates on the same team only. See the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire schedule below. Splatoon 2 is set to release sometime in the summer (2017).
March 24
• 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
• 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET
March 25
• 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET
• 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
• 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET
March 26
• 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET
