Nintendo successfully sold the original Splatoon to unsure Wii U owners with a series of Global Testfires that allowed players to try out the multiplayer shooter before it launched. This was new territory for Nintendo, though other publishers have been using open betas to build hype for years.
But it looks like the consolemaker had a good experience with their Global Testfire gambit, because they’re bring it back for Splatoon 2. Beginning March 24, Switch owners will be able to download a special demo version of the game that’ll include four different main weapons: the new Splat Dualies, as well as remixed versions of the Splat Roller and Splat Charger.
Splatoon 2’s Global Testfire will be available for six hour-long blocks during the demo period:
Global Testfire Starting Times (Eastern Time)
- Friday, March 24: 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM
- Saturday, March 25: 7:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 11:00 PM
- Sunday, March 26: 7:00 AM
Nintendo also announced that the final version of Splatoon 2 will include a local multiplayer mode, known as LAN Play because each player will need their own Switch console, for up to eight players. And two additional non-players will be able to watch all the action unfold from multiple camera angles (including overhead) in a special Private Battle Spectator View.
Finally, the consolemaker confirmed that Amiibo figures from the original Splatoon series will be compatible with Splatoon 2.
Splatoon 2 will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch sometime this Summer. A new trailer advertising the Global Testfire can be found after the break.
