Splatoon News
May2015
Video Our Guide to the Splatoon Global Testfire Demo and an Awesome Japanese Trailer
All four weapons and both stages shown off
If you're unaware of the Splatoon Global Testfire Demo then you've clearly not been reading Nintendo Life. We're well aware that it's the dominant story right now, but that's probably because it's such darn fun. There's just one round of online play left, and that's at noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern / 8pm UK...
Live Splatoon Global Testfire - Round 2 With Nintendo UK
Battle resumes...
Plenty of Wii U owners have already enjoyed a first round of online Splatoon, and now the second demo window comes at a convenient time for those in Europe. This is the second one hour session, and we're live streaming the Nintendo UK broadcast while live blogging our experiences. Join us!...
Live Splatoon Global Testfire - Round 1 With Nintendo Treehouse
It's time for battle
Splatoon is nearly here, and in a surprising move this week Nintendo's set up time-limited online sessions in a free demo; there are three one hour windows lined up. This is the first of these online sessions, and we're live streaming the Nintendo Treehouse while live blogging our experiences with the demo. Join us!...
Reminder The First Splatoon Global Testfire Details Are Out
Stages and weapons outlined
The Splatoon Global Testfire is nearly upon us. The first round is tonight - remember that to take part you need to download the free demo from the eShop and hop online at the right time. The first session is going down at 8PM-9PM (Pacific) / 11pm-midnight (Eastern) / 4AM-5AM (UK) / 5AM-6AM (CET). Details have emerged...
Nintendo Life Weekly 8th May 2015
All wrapped up in a bow
Like a gracious army of waitresses we've come to serve you another delicious slice of the last seven days in Nintendo news, releases, and reviews. We've had a bit of a rebrand as some people felt that the original name was misleading and confusing, so we hope you agree that the new name is neither of those things. As always...
News Nintendo UK Hosting Splatoon Global Testfire Twitch Stream Tomorrow
Splat attack
Today sees the launch of the Splatoon Global Testfire, and Nintendo UK is hosting its own Twitch stream tomorrow. The first testfire session takes place at 4AM BST tonight, which understandably makes it less than ideal for UK gamers - unless you're planning on stocking up on caffeine and pulling an all-nighter, of course. Instead,...
News Don't Worry Colour-Blind Gamers, Splatoon Has Got Your Back
Ink-lusive to a fault
Being colour-blind is no laughing matter, especially if you're a keen gamer. Those of us fortunate enough not to suffer from the problem take it for granted just how many games rely on accurate colour perception; such titles are tricky to play if you can't tell one colour from another, and as a result, many colour-blind players...
Reaction The Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Is a Clever Nintendo Direct Highlight
Stress tests servers, creates an 'event' and builds hype all at once
Nintendo isn't quite as old-fashioned as some like to pretend; it is, after all, a multi-billion dollar entertainment company that manufactures and sells consoles. In recent times it's signalled a serious intent to tackle the smart device market, shake up its customer loyalty...
News Play 8-Bit Retro Squid Games While You Wait For An Online Match In Splatoon
Complete amiibo missions to unlock special gear & more mini-games
The plaza featured in the upcoming Wii U title, Splatoon, will allow players to interact with the game world in an assortment of ways, and the latest Nintendo Direct today has revealed a few extra hidden surprises within the happening location. First is the inclusion of a vintage...
News Pick A Side And Represent It In Splatoon's Themed Event, Splatfest
Earn valuable Super Sea Snails as rewards
It's well documented that the anticipated Wii U squid shooter, Splatoon, is heavily focused on team-based ink wars, and the the latest Nintendo Direct celebrating the title's upcoming release has revealed the trend will continue with themed events known as 'Splatfests' – further encouraging team spirit...
Video Nintendo of America's Splatoon TV Commercial Attempts to Introduce a Theme Song
Coming for ya, Taylor Swift
When it comes down to marketing styles, the gap between Europe and North America continues to widen. Nintendo of America's approach to selling Splatoon has been heavily focused on young gamers, in particular, while it's slightly more neutral in the EU so far. With a game that colourful, to be fair, targeting a young...
News Official Nintendo UK Store Launches Splatoon Wii U Bundles with amiibo and a GamePad Skin
If you're happy to wait until June
Nintendo's clearly keen to make a success of Splatoon, as shown not only by broadcasting a special Nintendo Direct but also in the previous announcement of a Wii U hardware bundle for the game. It's a smart move, though the downside in Europe is that - oddly - the bundle won't arrive until 19th June, a few weeks...
News Nintendo Outlines Splatoon's Free Post-Launch Content
New stages, matchmaking modes and items incoming
During today's special Splatoon-themed Nintendo Direct revealed Nintendo's post-launch plans for the game, which includes new levels, modes and weapons. When the game launches on May 29th there will be five stages available in the online "Turf War" mode: Urchin Underpass, Saltspray Rig, Walleye...
News Splatoon Mii Fighter Outfits Coming to Super Smash Bros. in the Summer
GameStop pre-order bonuses in the US, also coming to Europe
Nintendo has wrapped up its Splatoon Direct, which provided over 30 minutes of details on the upcoming Wii U-exclusive shooter. One piece of information saved until the end was confirmation of Splatoon-themed Mii Fighter outfits for Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS; their...
News Get Inked With This New Nintendo 3DS Splatoon-Themed Cover Plate
Be as stylish as a squid this July
The latest Nintendo Direct celebrating the upcoming release of the squid-based shooter, Splatoon, has just come to an end. While this title is making a splash exclusively on the Wii U, Nintendo has also revealed New 3DS owners will be able to be as stylish as Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy while out on the streets,...
News Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Includes Discount For Eager UK Inklings
Available for as little as £31.49 on the eShop
A "Global Testfire" for the Wii U title Splatoon takes place this weekend, and to celebrate the event Nintendo UK is offering a 10 percent discount for those who download the demo and take part. That means you'll be able to download the full game on May 29th for just £31.49 - a neat saving over the...
News Splatoon Global Testfire Demo Confirmed For This Weekend
Demo available to download today
Nintendo has confirmed that demo sessions for its forthcoming Wii U shooter Splatoon will be held later this month. The sessions - which are dubbed "Global Testfire" - last for an hour each and are open to all Wii U owners, regardless of region. A downloadable demo version of the game will be made available today...
Nintendo Direct Watch the North American Splatoon Direct - Live!
A splattering of info
Splatoon is just a few short weeks away, and Nintendo is going to show it off to convince us that the colourful new Wii U IP is a must buy. Join us to watch all of the ink-splatting live, as we expect information on amiibo, online modes and more...
Nintendo Direct Watch the European Splatoon Direct - Live!
Gunning for glory
Splatoon and its own amiibo toys hit stores at the end of May, and Nintendo's taking this chance to pitch the Wii U exclusive to its fans. Join us for the European variation of the presentation; we expect information on those amiibo toys, online modes and more...
Feature What We Want to See in the Splatoon Direct
Inking in the details
It's now less than a day until our next Nintendo Direct or, to be more precise, a Splatoon Direct. Nintendo is mimicking its Direct scheduling approach from 2014, filling the spaces between its latest major broadcast and E3 with presentations focused on retail releases. Mario Kart 8 had its own - fairly lengthy - Direct not...
Gallery Splatoon Development Updates Bring Fashion, amiibo, Game Modes and More Paper
Let's warm up for Splatoon Direct
It's been over a month since we collated updates from Splatoon Tumblr page, which brings translated snippets of information and colourful screens from the development team in Japan. They always bring us fashion, often include looks at modes and gameplay, while also providing lowdowns on various ink-splatting...
April2015
News Nintendo of America Aims to Cause a Splash for Splatoon With a 'Mess Fest' Event
Celebs, PR photos, you know the drill
It seems as if Nintendo of America is determined to give Splatoon a strong chance of achieving mainstream success for the Wii U, announcing an event designed to get the attention of young gamers and families, in particular. A 'Mess Fest' event will take place on 15th May at Santa Monica Pier, from 11am to 7pm...
News Splatoon Producer Talks Up Post-Launch DLC to "Keep Interest in the Game"
Dev team "thinking of the launch as a first step of sorts"
Nintendo likes the idea of DLC right now, especially due to its potential for keeping established games active and popular. It wouldn't exactly be surprising if upcoming Wii U third-person shooter Splatoon jumps on board the DLC train, especially as its structure of arenas, equipment and...
News Splatoon Creation Was Inspired by Rare's Perfect Dark
Making something fun, new, different and not a shooter
As the release date for Nintendo's colourful multiplayer ink-em-up Splatoon draws ever closer, we're starting to get more and more insights into the rationale behind the development of the game. GamesRadar+ recently interviewed Producer Hisashi Nogami and it turns out that Rare's classic N64 FPS...
Launches in Europe on 19th June
[tweet Following the North American confirmation, Nintendo has revealed Australia, New Zealand and Europe will also receive a special hardware bundle to celebrate next month's release of team-based squid shooter, Splatoon, on the Wii U. Launching 30th May in Australia and New Zealand alongside the game's release,...
Video Nintendo Inks In 'Claim Your Turf' Marketing Campaign With New Commercial
Pre-orders now open for Splatoon Wii U hardware bundle, too
With its release due on 29th May, we can expect Nintendo to ramp up its efforts in turning Splatoon into a big hit for the Wii U. Nintendo of America has taken its chance today to kick off its efforts, just recently announcing a Splatoon Wii U hardware bundle exclusive to Best Buy in North...
News Best Buy Nabs Exclusive Splatoon Wii U Hardware Bundle in North America
Costs $299.99 and also includes Nintendo Land
Splatoon is the next major Wii U retail release on the way from Nintendo, arriving in Europe and North America on 29th May - the latter region now has a confirmed Wii U hardware bundle to look forward to, as Nintendo aims to convert hype around the colourful shooter into some additional system sales...
News Nintendo UK Has Picked Its New PR Agency, Splatoon Activity Incoming
Other clients include Nando’s, Virgin Media and John Lewis
Nintendo UK has named PrettyGreen as its new PR agency, replacing previous firm 77PR. PrettyGreen - which has Nando's, Virgin Media and John Lewis on its client list - will be in charge promoting Nintendo's titles in the region, with Splatoon being its first major project. Nintendo UK's...
News Nintendo of America is Teaming Up With GameTruck to Start the Party With Splatoon
Splatrucks
Looking from the outside as a Brit, this writer observes that most things are bigger in the US. Buildings, stores, malls, servings of fries, all big. It seems Birthday parties also fall into that category - a game of bowling and a few balloons isn't enough, it's important to hire a huge truck for entertainment on the go. That seems to be...
News Take Rivals to the Cleaners with Splatoon's "Squeaklean Alpha"
Leaves a streak-free splatting streak!
As Splatoon jets closer to launch, the desire to get our hands on its inky arsenal only grows. The game's development team has thrown the cover off yet another weapon some will no doubt enjoy specializing in. The new gun, announced via Splatoon's Japanese Twitter feed, has been dubbed the "Squeaklean Alpha"...
Talking Point Splatoon Is a Typically Colourful Nintendo Dabble in the Mainstream Market
It can't be gory with all that ink
When Splatoon was revealed at E3 2014, this writer was rather unimpressed, which in the clear perspective of hindsight was a very narrow-minded reaction. Eager to see more 'hits', the oddball, super colourful third-person competitive shooter seemed like a peculiar announcement - both fundamentally Nintendo-esque...
Poll Is Splatoon a Blockbuster That'll Help Revive the Wii U?
We want your thoughts on its online play, amiibo and lack of voice chat
The Wii U has a small batch of highly promising titles on the way, though only one notable arrival is currently expected worldwide in the first half of this year - Splatoon. European gamers do have Yoshi's Woolly World to look forward to on 26th June, admittedly, but that title...
News Each Splatoon amiibo Will Unlock 20 Special Challenges
Worth splashing the cash?
The most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts unsurprisingly devoted a segment to Splatoon, a major release on Wii U that's arriving at the end of May. Part of this segment was confirmation that the rumours of Splatoon amiibo were accurate, with three toys on the way - Squid, Boy Inkling and Girl Inkling. Clarity on what...
News GAME Launches UK Pre-Orders for Splatoon amiibo and New Wave for Super Smash Bros.
Let the rush begin...
The amiibo train can't stop, and shoppers in the UK have some more thinking to do with GAME opening pre-orders on a range of options - all of which are still available at the time of writing. First-up, pre-orders are open for the first six figures above - Jigglypuff, Dark Pit, Palutena, Ganondorf, Zero Suit Samus and...
News A Splash of New Details Emerge on Splatoon's Development and Inspiration
Colour us excited
We're on the home stretch now to the release of Splatoon, which was confirmed to be out on 29th May on the last Nintendo Direct. The colorful third person shooter has drawn plenty of attention in the industry and Reggie Fils-Aime even went so far as to say that this will do for shooters what Mario Kart did for racing. Quite a bold...
News Wii U Shooter Splatoon Makes EDGE Magazine's Cover
Hype is building
Splatoon is arguably one of the Wii U's biggest games of 2015 - if not its biggest, now that Zelda has slipped to next year. It's something of a departure for Nintendo, a company which has traditionally resisted the video game industry's current focus on first and third-person shooting titles. However, Splatoon has found a very...
News Nintendo's Official UK Store Opens Pre-Orders for Splatoon Bundles and amiibo
Inking out deals
Splatoon is an important upcoming arrival on the Wii U, with the new IP looking to win over Wii U owners and newcomers with its release at the end of May. Nintendo's official UK store has now jumped in well ahead of time with pre-orders for the game, including bundles with the special edition (with a Squid amiibo) and various...
News Digital Foundry Puts Splatoon's 60fps Promise to the Test
"It's a lovely game with a look all its own"
Splatoon isn't far away, arriving in late May in both North America and Europe, and it promises a unique experience for the Wii U. Nintendo doesn't release many shooters, but the ink-based focus and GamePad controls in this one help it to stand out in the most crowded of genres. As per the big N's...
Video Catch Up With The Nintendo Treehouse Splatoon Broadcast
In lovely 60fps, too
The Treehouse team at Nintendo of America has become an increasing presence in the past year, particularly since its excellent live coverage during E3. Live streams showing off upcoming games have been fairly common, and a few of the localisation experts were on hand to show off upcoming Wii U shooter Splatoon following the most...
News Splatoon amiibo 3-Pack Will Cost $35, According To Amazon
Pre-orders opening soon
Yesterday Nintendo hosted a pretty action-packed Nintendo Direct, followed by a really entertaining Treehouse session solely based around the forthcoming Wii U title Splatoon. This Nintendo Direct was absolutely bursting with amiibo fun. With a brand new wave of arriving later this year and the first images of a
News Splatoon Release Date, Modes and amiibo Information Splat Into View
Ranked online matches and three special amiibo toys
We've known for a long time that Splatoon would arrive in May, and it seems that previous - and hastily removed - official web pages were correct; the new third-person shooting IP for Wii U arrives on 29th May. During today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts we were given more information, too. To start...
March2015
Gallery Splatoon Development Updates Show Off Neat Threads, Guns, Videos and, erm, Paper
Also, Octobombers look ridiculous but sublime
There's been a bit of buzz around Splatoon since our last gallery summary earlier in March, and we were fortunate enough to attend some press events to play more of the upcoming Wii U shooter. We previewed the multiplayer and single player modes and also shared a belief that Splatoon is to shooters what...
News You Can Pre-Order The Official Splatoon Game Guide On Amazon Now
How to make the perfect mess
A Summer release is right around the corner, and anticipation for Nintendo's inky online shooter Splatoon is at an all-time high. With an ocean of unique mechanics to learn and plenty of content, it's good to know that Prima will be releasing a game guide to help you conquer those slimy octopuses. The 240-page paperback...
Opinion Splatoon Is to Shooters what Mario Kart Is to Racers
Ron and Alex share their thoughts on Nintendo's new IP
Our resident writing aficionado Ron and video guru Alex both got a chance to try their hands at a preview build of Splatoon recently, and despite writing an official preview, they felt they had more to say on a more personal note. We've made them scrawl out a few words to help explain just what...
Preview We Take Aim at Splatoon to See if It Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Catching up with Splatoon's solo and multiplayer modes
During past Nintendo Direct presentations, the main focus of Splatoon has undoubtedly been the multiplayer gameplay, leaving many caught off guard when it was announced that Nintendo's upcoming squad-based shooter would feature a single player campaign as well. Not much has been revealed about...
News Splatoon eShop Listing Continues Speculation of amiibo Support
Kudos for a dramatically filmed Vine
Late last week we shared a rumour that Splatoon will have its own range of amiibo, with listings from a South African retailer emerging to that effect. We used the rumour tag along with a few buckets of salt, but it was fun to consider how amiibo could be used in the title. A fan keen to see amiibo support for...
Gallery Splatoon Development Updates Show Off Fashion, Octolings and Guns
Some short videos are even inked in
Arriving in May, Splatoon is one of our most-anticipated Wii U games in the coming months, even if we're still awaiting a final release date - with single player, local multiplayer and online multiplayer all included, it should offer plenty of content along with its quirky approach to third-person arena shooting...
Rumour South African Retailer Lists Greninja, Jigglypuff and Splatoon amiibo for May Release
Prepare a bucket of salt
It's pretty obvious that Nintendo's keen to make the most of amiibo, through including NFC support in the New Nintendo 3DS and lining up a host of figures for future arrivals in stores. With that in mind a rumour started by a South African retailer listing is plausible, albeit we urge caution due to the somewhat random...
February2015
News Splatoon Developers Give a Splash of Information on Its Beginnings and Design
So that’s why they’re squids
In case you've been living under a rock, Splatoon is Nintendo's much-anticipated upcoming multiplayer third-person-shooter, though it will also feature single player. Starring a colourful cast of squids that can transform into people (or perhaps people that can transform into squids), it'll be focused around the...
Gallery Splatoon Development Updates Show Off Perks, Weapons and Quirky Shop Clerks
The ink missile certainly looks deadly
Arriving in May, Splatoon is certainly set to be a vital release for the Wii U before the summer season - Nintendo doesn't release many third-person shooters with a territorial twist. Its brand of chaotic but fun online multiplayer - with local and single player also included - will also try to make the most of...
News Famitsu Article Reportedly Inks Out More Splatoon Details
Hero mode explained (a little) along with some multiplayer limitations
Splatoon is just a few months away, a new IP that aims to take the Wii U by storm. It's fair to say that there's nothing else quite like it on the system, with motion-controlled third-person shooting and a territorial battle to cover arenas in ink. A number of the finer details...
January2015
News Nintendo Reveals Splatoon Will Be Playable At Apex 2015
Get hands-on time with the demo featured at last year's E3
We already know Nintendo of America is partnering with Apex 2015 for the Super Smash Bros. tournament event and also providing some Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire action on the side, and now it has been revealed that the 2014 E3 demo of the upcoming team-based multiplayer shooter,
News Splatoon Updates Give More Insight Into Stages, Plaza and Item Stores
Ink more territory to make more money
Splatoon is beginning to shape up rather nicely, and with a May release confirmed that means we'll have had less than a year from its initial reveal until it hits stores; that's a fairly rapid turnaround. The most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts began to flesh the ink-based shooter out, too, by introducing the...
News Splatoon Confirmed for May Release Along With Details on Customisation
Level up with clothes and weapons
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts were full of interesting details, and we learned a little more about one of the year's biggest Wii U titles - Splatoon; for starters, it's due to arrive in May in both North America and Europe. Beyond that we saw some footage of the main hub area, known as the 'Plaza'. In a move...
Gallery A Closer Look at the Latest Splatoon Updates
New environments, artwork and details
Late last year Nintendo launched an official Tumblr page for Splatoon, which provides translations of the regular posts made to the Japanese Twitter account for the game. While always light-hearted, they often go beyond mere concept art to provide snippets of interesting information, rather like the...
December2014
News Splatoon "Research Lab" Posts Now Have an Official English Tumblr Page
Keep up with the developer's latest updates
As eager followers of Splatoon likely already know, the development team in Japan have been posting regular tweets showing off features of the colourful shooter; we posted a second summary not so long ago. So far we've been reliant on unofficial translations, but Nintendo has now stepped in to provide an...
News Splatoon Developers Continue to Paint a Picture of Progress
Summarising key Twitter posts from recent weeks
A few weeks ago we shared a summary of Twitter posts from the Splatoon development team, with some details and screens being released through these quirky tweets. These images and details have continued since, and with the most recent upload being particularly eye-catching we thought it was high-time...
November2014
Video Nintendo Releases 60 FPS Trailers for Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 DLC
Have a EMP Indie event video as a bonus
Earlier this year YouTube announced that it'd update its service to finally support 60 frames per second (FPS) videos, which means that footage can be silky smooth and delicious for our eyeballs; that update went live at the end of October. The standard performance is 30 FPS, and if you're unsure of how...
News Splatoon's Japanese Twitter Account Inks Out a Few Details
Grab your Hero Suit and Charge Gun
While the world waits for what is guaranteed to be the greatest shooter featuring squidomorphic creatures to date, the official Japanese Twitter account for Splatoon has been happily dispensing screenshots and information from the upcoming title. Someone has been gracious enough to translate many of these tweets,...
News Single Player Campaign for Splatoon Detailed, Q2 2015 Release Planned
Fight an Octopus army
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcast more details were given about Nintendo's upcoming squid shooter Splatoon. While the core of the game is the 4x4 online multiplayer shooter — revealed at E3 — in which two teams compete to cover the most ground with ink, it has been confirmed that the game also features an offline...
August2014
News Wii U Shooter Splatoon Almost Starred Mario As The Main Character
"There were heated debates over who the main player character should be"
Splatoon was one of the big surprises of Nintendo's E3 showing this year, and looks set to offer an exciting new take on the tried-and-tested squad-based shooter template. It's also refreshing in that it's an entirely new IP — although according to Shigeru Miyamoto, it very...
June2014
"We had robots, different animals, macho men, and Mario"
Of all its announcements at E3, Splatoon was arguably the biggest hit for Nintendo, perhaps aside from obvious blockbuster efforts such as The Legend of Zelda. It generated a lot of hype, seemingly caught the imagination of the Nintendo Life community and has been praised in numerous previews...
News Don't Worry, Splatoon Will Have A Local Multiplayer Mode Too
Expect a full-price retail release in the "first half" of 2015
Splatoon impressed pretty much everybody who saw it at this year's E3, and has become one of the most eagerly-awaiting titles of 2015. However, some questions have been raised regarding the game's offline potential; given the Wii U's social focus, the idea of a game which can only be...
News This Splatoon Collage Shows Off the Artists on Miiverse
Insert your own ink pun here, dear readers
Splatoon arrived at E3 with the challenge of being a new IP that needed to grab some attention, but it seems that Nintendo's colourful online shooter has done just that. It's a title that seems to be typical Nintendo — take some established ideas, play around with concepts and add a dash of chaos and...
First Impressions Taking Aim With Nintendo's New Online Shooter IP, Splatoon
Colour us ink-pressed
Whatever your expectations for Nintendo's Digital Event at E3 this year, it's safe to say that they probably didn't include squid-girls flinging ink at each other across a cityscape in team-based battles. A surprise in every sense of the word, Splatoon came out of nowhere to significant fanfare as one of Nintendo’s flagship...
E3 2014 Splatoon Will Offer Team-Based Ink-Splatting Action For Wii U In 2015
Team Fortress, Nintendo-style?
One of the new titles confirmed by Nintendo during its E3 Digital Event is Splatoon, a 4 on 4 combat title where the objective is to cover as much of the level with your own ink. It sounds bizarre, but gets even stranger. You can transform into a squid and swin through your own team's ink, allowing you to move faster...
Splatoon Features
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