Nintendo Switch owners will be treated to a special preview of Splatoon 2. Nintendo announced a global testfire event for Splatoon 2 in March. Owners with internet access will be able to download a demo version of the game, ahead of the official launch later in the year.

The testfire will allow Nintendo Switch owners six chances to play the new demo with other participants worldwide during the three-day event. Players will be able to test four different main weapons, including the new Splat Dualies, as well as remixed versions of the iconic Splat Roller and Splat Charger.

Splatoon 2 producer Hisashi Nogami confirmed that the game sequel will feature new ways for players to interact and view.  Private Battle Spectator View is described as “a mode that will give players a unique insight into squid behaviors and strategy….. [allowing] up to two non-players to participate in a Private Battle as camera operators to observe all the action from multiple angles”.

Another feature is called LAN Play, which allows up to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – to connect via wired LAN. With this feature users don’t have to be connected to the internet for creating local Private Battle tournaments. Splatoon 2 will be compatible with Splatoon series amiibo figures

“Two years have passed in this universe since the original Splatoon, and since then, the weapons, maps and characters have evolved. Through the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event this March, players will be able to get a taste of that. There will be more new features to experience in Splatoon 2, so please look forward to more reveals in the future,” noted Mr. Nogami.

Nintendo Switch will allow players to connect and voice chat on smart devices with friends via the gaming system or from social media. Users will have to link their Nintendo Account to Nintendo switch, with a smart device capable of in-game voice chat. Nintendo Switch launches March 3 at a suggested retail price of $299.99. Online features available with paid subscription.