Splatoon 3 Summer Nights Splatfest Returns: Dates, Theme, and Free Gear on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo fans and Splatoon 3 players have a summer highlight to look forward to as the eagerly anticipated Summer Nights Splatfest event returns to the hit competitive shooter on the Nintendo Switch.

Known for its vibrant community events and imaginative themes, Splatoon 3 continues to deliver engaging content, maintaining its strong presence on the Nintendo Switch platform since its global release in September 2022.

The 2025 Summer Nights Splatfest is scheduled to run from July 11th to July 13th, though the exact start and end times may vary by region.

For players on the US West Coast, the event kicks off at 6 PM PT on July 11th.

This year’s Splatfest poses the all-new question: “Which would you rather travel by?” Players can pledge allegiance to Team Land, Team Sea, or Team Air, battling it out for victory and ultimate bragging rights. Nintendo has confirmed that this is the first Splatfest available with enhanced performance on the new Switch 2 hardware, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable competitive experience.

This performance boost is set to further elevate Splatoon 3’s fast-paced gameplay and vivid visuals, offering new players and returning fans a unique opportunity to experience the game at its very best. To celebrate the start of this seasonal event, Nintendo is also bringing back a selection of popular in-game headgear, available for free via the Nintendo Switch News tab.

The returning items—Hivemind Antenna, Eye of Justice, Jetflame Crest, and Fierce Fishskull—all first appeared in Splatoon 2 and are sure to delight long-time fans of the franchise.

These exclusive rewards can be claimed from an upcoming post on the Switch News tab during the event period. While discussing the seasonal festivities, a Nintendo spokesperson highlighted the importance of community-driven content and engaging events: “Splatoon 3’s Splatfests have become a key part of how our players connect, compete, and celebrate together.

The Summer Nights event is a showcase of the energy and creativity that defines the Splatoon community.” Splatoon 3 remains a marquee title on the Nintendo Switch, with a strong legacy of successful Splatfests and ongoing post-launch updates.

Fans are encouraged to follow official Nintendo channels or check the in-game news feed for precise event details tailored to their region.

As the Summer Nights Splatfest approaches, so does another chapter of ink-soaked fun and competitive excitement for players around the world.

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