Splatoon 2 to launch with LAN support and spectator mode

Nintendo has confirmed that Splatoon 2 will feature LAN support and a spectator mode in an attempt to make it as easy as possible for people to run tournaments. 

Up to 10 docked Switch consoles can be put on the same LAN network to allow for offline play, however observers will also be counted in this number, hinting that LAN events may feature 4 vs 4 competition with up to two casters or observers. 

Private Battle Spectator View is Splatoon 2’s observer mode, and will allow anyone to jump into a private lobby and spectate the game. With external streaming equipment it can also be used to broadcast the game online. 

Alongside these announcements was the news of the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event. This event will give Switch owners a chance to try the game in March, well before its projected summer release date. Six hour long tests will run between March 24th and 26th. 

“Two years have passed since the original Splatoon and since then, the weapons, maps and characters in that world have evolved,” said Splatoon series producer Hisashi Nogami. “Through the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event this March, players will be able to get a taste of that. There will be more new features to Splatoon 2, so please look forward to more reveals in the future.”