Nintendo has officially revealed the next Splatfest event for Splatoon 3, scheduled to begin on July 11, 2025. This summer-themed competition, titled "Summer Nights Splatfest," will challenge players to choose their preferred vacation transportation method: Land, Sea, or Air.

The 48-hour event marks another installment in Splatoon 3's tradition of three-team battles, a departure from the two-team format of previous games. Players can expect intense Turf War matches as they compete for supremacy while representing their chosen travel style.

Event Schedule and Special Features

The Summer Nights Splatfest will run from:

• Start: July 11, 2025, at 3 PM EST / 12 PM PST
• End: July 13, 2025, at 3 PM EST / 12 PM PST

Nintendo is bringing back four popular headgear items from Splatoon 2 as part of the event:

1. Hivemind Antenna glasses
2. Eye of Justice helmet
3. Jetflame Crest helmet
4. Fierce Fishskull helmet

These items, originally released for the Chaos vs. Order Splatfest in 2019, will be available through the Splatoon 3 News channel on Nintendo Switch.

Technical Updates and Platform Differences

This Splatfest follows significant technical changes to Splatoon 3. With the Nintendo Switch 2 now available, developers have optimized the game differently for each platform:

• Original Switch: Minor graphical downgrades to maintain performance
• Switch 2: Enhanced capabilities with consistent frame rates

These adjustments ensure smooth cross-platform multiplayer between both console versions, though some visual differences may be noticeable to returning players.

Splatfest History and Cultural Impact

Splatfests have become a beloved tradition since the original Splatoon, featuring lighthearted competitions about everyday preferences. Past themes have included:

• Cats vs. Dogs
• Ketchup vs. Mayo
• Pokémon Red vs. Blue
• The inaugural Japanese Splatfest: Rice vs. Bread (winner: Rice)

The Summer Nights Splatfest continues this tradition while incorporating Splatoon 3's three-team format for more dynamic competition.

Players can prepare for the event by checking the latest game updates and deciding which travel team to join when the Splatfest begins in July.