Splatoon 3 fans have an exciting start to the new year, as Nintendo officially announces the first Splatfest event of 2026.
Revealed by the Nintendo of Europe Twitter account, the upcoming Splatfest asks players the question: “Who do you spend the holidays with?” — giving fans a fresh and timely theme as the holiday season wraps up on the Nintendo Switch. The announcement signifies Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to supporting Splatoon 3, building on a legacy of engaging community events within their hit ink-based shooter franchise.
Since its launch worldwide on September 9, 2022, on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon 3 has sold millions of units globally, becoming one of the console’s most popular multiplayer titles.
Nintendo’s regular Splatfest events not only foster a unique sense of competition but also bring players together during key moments of the year. According to the official statement shared via social media, “Whatever your holiday plans may be, prepare to splatter your answer in ink during the first Splatfest of 2026!” The event kicks off on January 10th and runs through January 12th, 2026, offering an early-year highlight for the game’s dedicated community.
Players can align themselves with one of three teams: Friends, Family, or Solo, staying true to Splatoon 3’s signature three-way Splatfest format.
As always, participants can expect to pre-register in the week preceding the event, don themed shirts that can be leveled up in battles, and earn exclusive in-game rewards. Splatoon 3 continues to innovate on the Nintendo Switch, building on features like the Splatlands setting, revamped weapons, and enhanced online infrastructure.
Regular content drops and ongoing events like these Splatfests have cemented the title's significance in Nintendo’s first-party portfolio.
The game’s multifaceted approach—appealing to both competitive and casual audiences—underscores Nintendo’s expertise in building engaging, persistent online experiences. This Splatfest announcement also comes amid ongoing speculation about future Splatoon projects and new hardware, but Nintendo remains laser-focused on keeping the Splatoon 3 community engaged on Switch.
As the event approaches, fans can look forward to vibrant Turf War showdowns and another memorable entry in Splatoon 3’s extensive history of themed competitions. For more updates, follow the official Nintendo of Europe channels or visit the Splatoon 3 section of the Nintendo eShop.
The first Splatfest of 2026 marks another milestone for Splatoon 3, solidifying its reputation as one of Nintendo Switch’s most dynamic and community-driven titles.
Revealed by the Nintendo of Europe Twitter account, the upcoming Splatfest asks players the question: “Who do you spend the holidays with?” — giving fans a fresh and timely theme as the holiday season wraps up on the Nintendo Switch. The announcement signifies Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to supporting Splatoon 3, building on a legacy of engaging community events within their hit ink-based shooter franchise.
Since its launch worldwide on September 9, 2022, on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon 3 has sold millions of units globally, becoming one of the console’s most popular multiplayer titles.
Nintendo’s regular Splatfest events not only foster a unique sense of competition but also bring players together during key moments of the year. According to the official statement shared via social media, “Whatever your holiday plans may be, prepare to splatter your answer in ink during the first Splatfest of 2026!” The event kicks off on January 10th and runs through January 12th, 2026, offering an early-year highlight for the game’s dedicated community.
Players can align themselves with one of three teams: Friends, Family, or Solo, staying true to Splatoon 3’s signature three-way Splatfest format.
As always, participants can expect to pre-register in the week preceding the event, don themed shirts that can be leveled up in battles, and earn exclusive in-game rewards. Splatoon 3 continues to innovate on the Nintendo Switch, building on features like the Splatlands setting, revamped weapons, and enhanced online infrastructure.
Regular content drops and ongoing events like these Splatfests have cemented the title's significance in Nintendo’s first-party portfolio.
The game’s multifaceted approach—appealing to both competitive and casual audiences—underscores Nintendo’s expertise in building engaging, persistent online experiences. This Splatfest announcement also comes amid ongoing speculation about future Splatoon projects and new hardware, but Nintendo remains laser-focused on keeping the Splatoon 3 community engaged on Switch.
As the event approaches, fans can look forward to vibrant Turf War showdowns and another memorable entry in Splatoon 3’s extensive history of themed competitions. For more updates, follow the official Nintendo of Europe channels or visit the Splatoon 3 section of the Nintendo eShop.
The first Splatfest of 2026 marks another milestone for Splatoon 3, solidifying its reputation as one of Nintendo Switch’s most dynamic and community-driven titles.
