Nintendo is going all-in on Splatoon 3, with a big new Grand Festival Splatfest on the way, taking place between September 13th-16th and promising huge festivities including new live performances from the series’ musical groups and a very important new debate – Past, Present or Future?
In the lead-up to the Splatoon Grand Festival, Nintendo’s also launched a brand-new retail version of Splatoon 3 that includes the game’s Season Pass along with 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online membership, making it a timely way to get into the game and play through to the festival. There are also two brand-new Amiibo 2-packs featuring the duos of Pearl & Marina, and Callie & Marie, to mark the musical moment.
The new package retails for a recommended $89.95, and is available in select stores right now. You’ll be able to recognise it by the obnoxious half-cover that calls out the expansion pass along with the code redemption cutoff of December 31st, 2027 for the included 3 month Nintendo Switch Online membership.
EB Games
My Nintendo Store
The Gamesmen
You can watch a trailer for the Splatoon 3 Grand Festival below:
We gave Splatoon 3 an 8.5/10 in our original review, with Harry saying, “While more iterative than it is innovative, Splatoon 3 is without a doubt the best entry in the series yet. Despite lacking new multiplayer modes at launch, there’s a clear commitment to content and quality, with each aspect of the package being pushed to its logical extreme through smart and meaningful additions. This is the most feature-complete and tightly designed Splatoon to date, and you’d be missing out if you choose to pass it up..
Harry also praised the most recent Side Order expansion for the game, included in this new bundle, scoring it a 9/10 and saying, “Side Order is another excellent single player addition to Splatoon 3 that proves that this franchise’s core gameplay pillars are ripe for experimentation. Engaging worldbuilding, incredibly moreish gameplay, and unique aesthetic help it to stand out in an already creative game. It’s so hard to put down once you get started, and paints an exciting picture for what the future of the series could look like.”