Nintendo has announced a Splatoon 3 Pokemon Splatfest, marking an intriguing crossover for the inky multiplayer shooter. This Splatfest aims to settle the age-old Pokemon question of whether Grass, Water, or Fire starters are best, and it looks like there will be some in-game and real-life merch to grab as well.
Over on Twitter, Nintendo revealed the Splatfest, which begins on November 11th at 4pm Pacific (that's 7pm Eastern). It revolves around a debate that, according to Nintendo, has "perplexed our great philosophers for ages": Grass-type, Water-type, or Fire-type. Seems like a solid way to make use of Splatoon 3's new three-way team battles.
According to prominent leaker Stealth on Twitter, the Splatoon 3 Pokemon Splatfest won't just have in-game merchandise to earn, although there are three shirts up for grabs with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starter silhouettes on them. It looks like there will also be real-life shirts to buy, which is some pretty shrewd timing given that this Splatfest begins just a week before Scarlet and Violet's launch.
The official Nintendo Splatoon 3 website also adds that you can expect the Splatsville hub to get some snazzy new decor as a result of the upcoming Splatfest. We don't know what that'll look like just yet, but expect some Pokemon-themed fun. Everyone gets in-game goodies at the end of the Splatfest, but the side that won gets more stuff, so you better hope you choose well.
What you need to take part in this Splatfest
It's pretty simple to take part in this Splatoon 3 Splatfest. All you need to do is grab a copy of the game (obviously) and a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Unfortunately, you won't be able to participate in the Splatfest if you're not a Switch Online member.
Once you've got that stuff, make a choice regarding which side to champion when the Splatfest starts, then start taking part in Splatfest Battles. Just like with regular Splatoon 3 battles, the goal is to ink the stage without getting splatted. That's really all there is to it!
Splatoon 3 is out right now on Switch, and the Splatoon 3 Pokemon Splatfest begins on November 11th. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are also being released just a week after that, on November 18th. They'll allow you to make your own TMs, picnic with your Pokemon, and much more.
