How to Play Splatoon 2 Early

Nintendo Switch owners will get the chance to play Splatoon 2 on July 15th, and they won’t have to place a pre-order for the upcoming game to participate.

Nintendo revealed how users could play Splatoon 2 early in a special video stream that also showcased the game’s new features.

In Splatoon 2, gamers try to cover more of each level in their team’s ink than their opponents. Splatoon 2 has new weapons and new characters. Nintendo Switch owners can play against each other using local multiplayer wherever they are. Gamers set up matches and voice chat with each other through an app for iPhone and Android. Splatoon 2 launches worldwide on July 21st.

Read: Splatoon 2 Release Date, Features & Details

Gamers can try the title early during the Splatfest World Premiere. Each region has a different start time. The demo begins at 3 PM Pacific Time and 6 PM Eastern Standard Time on July 15th in the United States. Gamers in the United Kingdom can begin playing at 5 PM British Standard Time on July 15th. The Splatfest World Premiere will only last 4 hours in each region.

Splatfests are giant worldwide battles between gamers. Players answer a question to determine which side of the Splatfest they are on. The side that wins the most matches worldwide wins the Splatfest. Gamers must choose whether cake or ice cream is yummier during this early play session. Anyone with an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch console can take part in the Splatfest.

Read: Nintendo Switch Review: Fun & Flawed

Unfortunately, playing Splatoon 2 early isn’t as painless as it could be. Nintendo is adding a new demo version of the game to its eShop today. Gamers need to download that file to take part in the test. This file is different from the demo file gamers download in Mach.

Overall, it’s been a busy year for Nintendo gamers. Splatoon 2 is the third exclusive title to release on the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Arms and The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild are already available. Amazon, Best Buy and GameStop have Splatoon 2 pre-orders available for $59.99. A Nintendo Switch costs $299.99.

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Featuring three protagonists, Sonic Forces will offer platforming and an all-new story when it arrives on video game consoles – including the Nintendo Switch – in 2017. We know that Sonic Forces lets gamers create their own characters. Players must base this character on one of seven different classes that come with their own advantages and abilities. Sonic Team calls these custom characters "Avatars," and there are hundreds of cosmetic items for Sonic Forces players to add some style to their creation. You can skip the custom character mode and enjoy two generations of Sonic game play: 2.5D and 3D. The 2.5D mode offers the classic side-scrolling Sonic experience from your childhood. 3D Mode plays more like Sonic Unleashed. All game worlds and characters are three-dimensional, just like they would be in a modern game.

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