Published on: June 20, 2025
As summer enters full swing, Nintendo is gearing up for an exciting in-game event by announcing the next Splatoon 3 Splatfest for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
This year's 'Summer Nights' Splatfest invites players to pick their preferred mode of travel—land, sea, or air—bringing a seasonally themed twist to the beloved online multiplayer shooter.
The announcement was made via the official Splatoon North America Twitter account on June 20, 2025.
According to Nintendo, the latest Splatfest will begin on July 11 at 6:00 p.m.
PT and run through July 13 at 6:00 p.m.
PT.
During this time, players will be able to join teams representing their favored form of travel and compete in special Splatfest Turf War matches, earning exclusive rewards and contributing to the global event results.
"Things are heating up: a special Summer Nights Splatfest is inkoming! This year's vacation-y question: Which would you rather travel by? Land, Sea, or Air?" reads Nintendo's social media statement, encapsulating the festive and competitive spirit of the upcoming event.
The company has a longstanding tradition of using Splatfests to unite the Splatoon community around fun, topical questions, and this year's travel theme is no exception.
To celebrate the Summer Nights Splatfest, Nintendo is also offering bonus gear to players through the Nintendo Switch News channel.
After reading the dedicated Splatoon 3 news article on either Switch 1 or Switch 2, players can obtain four pieces of throwback gear originally featured in Splatoon 2:
Hivemind Antenna
Eye of Justice
Jetflame Crest
Fierce Fishskull
This exclusive set of cosmetic items allows fans to revisit classic styles while battling it out in Splatoon 3's vibrant ink arenas.
Accessing the News channel is simple: visit the home menu on your Nintendo Switch device, navigate to the news section, and read the Splatoon 3 update to collect your gear.
The Summer Nights Splatfest will follow the three-team battle format introduced in previous Splatfests, so players are encouraged to select their allegiance early and strategize for the event.
With a few weeks before the festivities commence, participants have ample time to consider which mode of transportation best represents their ideal journey.
Splatoon 3, developed and published by Nintendo, continues to be a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 since its release.
The series' unique blend of fast-paced ink-based combat, creative customization, and frequent content updates has solidified its place among Nintendo's best-selling franchises.
The Splatfest events, in particular, showcase the game's robust online community and are regularly celebrated for their imaginative themes and competitive gameplay.
For further updates on Splatoon 3, including new weapons, expansion content, and esports leagues, stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop.
Whether you prefer the steady pace of land, the freedom of the sea, or the speed of air travel, the Summer Nights Splatfest promises to be a highlight of the Splatoon 3 calendar.
Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch Splatfest Summer Nights Summer Nights Splatfest Splatoon 2 Switch 2 Splatoon North America