Tag: ‘splatoon
Splatoon 3 is getting a Zelda-themed Splatfest ahead of Tears of the Kingdom’s launch
To help celebrate the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Splatoon 3 is hosting a special Zelda-themed Splatfest.
Tears of the Kingdom is only less than a month out for release, and now that Splatoon has those special tricolour matches, what better a Splatfest to hold than one that is themed around Zelda and the Triforce? Nintendo announced the Splatfest on its official Twitter account, with this one asking you to choose between the three aspects of the Triforce, power, wisdom, or courage – but really it’s about choosing Ganondorf, Zelda, or Link.
The Splatfest is being held from May 6 to May 8, starting at 1am and ending at 1am UK time on both days. Interestingly, this event is also getting a unique stage that is triangle shaped just for tricolour battles. You guessed it, it’s the Triforce, and it appears to be made up of other smaller Triforces too. It’s cute! Though it looks quite small, so expect some intense matches if you’re planning on diving into this particular Splatfest next month.
Nintendo takes Wii U games ‘Mario Kart 8’ and ‘Splatoon’ offline over security issues
Nintendo has taken Wii U titles Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon offline indefinitely while it attempts to resolve security issues. “This network service is currently unavailable due to urgent maintenance required to fix a vulnerability related to online play,” reads a message posted to Nintendo’s website at 11:30PM ET on Thursday. “We do not yet have information on when network services can be restored. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
As VGC notes, the vulnerability could be related to an exploit that allows an attacker to take control of a victim’s system simply by way of being matched with them in an online multiplayer game. Dataminer OatmealDome suggested the issue is “almost certainly” due to ENLBufferPwn.
Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS was previously vulnerable to that exploit. Several Switch games apparently were too, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo Switch Sports and Splatoon 2 and 3. Nintendo has seemingly patched all of those titles to protect them against the exploit.
A video posted by YouTuber PabloMK7 in December shows ENLBufferPwn in action on Mario Kart 7. It’s used to inject custom firmware onto the targeted console. PabloMK7 wrote on GitHub that “it would be theoretically possible” to steal an account or credit card information and to record a victim using the 3DS’ mic and cameras.
With nearly 8.5 million copies sold, Mario Kart 8 was the biggest-selling game on the Wii U. The original Splatoon sold almost 5 million. Those who are still playing the games on the discontinued system might be disappointed that the online features are currently unavailable, but it seems Nintendo was left with little choice but to take them offline for now.
The issue emerged only a few weeks before Nintendo shuts down the Wii U and 3DS eShops. After March 27th, owners of the systems won’t be able to make purchases on the digital storefronts, but they’ll still be able to download titles they previously bought. Meanwhile, Nintendo just revealed the latest courses that are coming to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch next week as part of the Booster Course Pass.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-takes-wii-u-games-mario-kart-8-and-splatoon-offline-over-security-issues-183052954.html?src=rss
Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon on the Wii U go offline due to vulnerability
Nintendo has taken down the online features of the Wii U versions of Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon today due to an unspecified security vulnerability. VGC reports that the games were taken offline at 11:30PM ET last night and that the company suggests the fix could take days (via IGN). The Nintendo Switch versions of the games are not affected.
At time of writing, Nintendo’s server operational status page currently has this message posted:
Splatoon , Mario Kart 8 — This network service is currently unavailable due to urgent maintenance required to fix a vulnerability related to online play. We do not yet have information on when network services can be restored. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. (Error Code: 106-0811)
As VGC notes,…
Splatoon 3’s First Big Run Event Begins On December 9
Splatoon 3 entered Chill Season, the first major update, on December 1. And with it comes a modified Salmon Run called Big Run, scheduled to start on December 9 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET. The limited event will run over the weekend and end on Sunday, December 11 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET.
Big Run will feature waves of Salmonids invading the amusement park Wahoo World stage, and players will need to team up against the invaders. This is the very first Big Run, and it will be a recurring event.
All players who fight in Wahoo World will get a locker decoration, as well as increased Catalog Points and Bonus Rewards. Final rewards will be based on the player’s rankings, so those who score more will earn more. Players’ points will be tallied after Big Run ends.
Splatoon 3 Discounted To Best Price Yet For Cyber Monday
The Nintendo Switch had yet another big year for exclusive games, and none were bigger for multiplayer than Splatoon 3. The charming and thoroughly engaging third-person shooter released in September to critical acclaim. If you haven’t picked it up yet or you want to buy it for someone on your shopping list, now’s your chance. Splatoon 3 is discounted to just $45 at Amazon for Cyber Monday. It’s worth noting that Amazon already sold out of this deal once, so you may want to hurry.
Splatoon 3 continues the ink-blasting chaos of the first two installments. You’ll venture across the Splatlands and fight against a variety of new enemies in the solo campaign, or you can dive into chaotic multiplayer matches that see you inking up the opposition. The cooperative Salmon Run mode is also included, so there’s a lot of variety to be found in Splatoon 3.
Get a Discounted Nintendo Switch OLED with Splatoon 3 and 2nd Controller for Black Friday
As part of its Dell Black Friday, Dell has the Nintendo Switch OLED with White Joy-Cons, the recently released Splatoon 3 game, and a second wireless controller, all for only $399.99. We haven’t seen very many Switch OLED deals during Black Friday (and most of the deals originated for Dell), so any discount is welcome. Splatoon 3 hasn’t been discounted very much either, since the game came out very recently.
Nintendo Switch OLED with Splatoon 3 and 2nd Wireless Controller for $399.99
Splatoon 3 came out a few months ago, so it’s unlikely to get a big price drop. It’s an excellent game that’s familiy friendly, meaning everyone, including kids, can enjoy this game. It also has fun local and online multiplayer modes so everyone can get in on the action at the same time. The MGC Switchplate wireless controller is an aftermarket controller that normally retails for $39.99. It features two magnetic switchplate covers so you can choose black or white colors, dual rumble motors, adjustable analog sticks, and mappable back buttons. It’s compact and sized for smaller hands. Overall, it’s a welcome addition.
Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 and 3 Months of Switch Online Membership for $299.99
If you don’t think you want the excellent OLED upgrade, then the standard Nintendo Switch is still an excellent console. If this deal sounds familiar, that’s because we saw something very similar last Black Friday. Nintendo isn’t exactly an innovator when it comes to Black Friday deals, but this is still very much the best Switch console deal we’ve seen this month. For the price of the Nintendo Switch console, you’re getting a free copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as well as a 3 month Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Buy the Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Edition Console, Get a Bonus $35 Dell eGift Card
If you plan on using the gift card, then you’re essentially paying only $264.99 for the Nintendo Switch console. If you’re having trouble finding ways to spend that $35 gift card, then the simplest thing to do is to just buy some Nintendo Switch games or accessories. You might think that Dell only sells PCs, but they actually have a rather healthy lineup of popular Nintendo Switch games and gear.
Is the Switch OLED Worth it Over the Switch?
If you can afford the premium of the Switch OLED over the non-OLED model, then we think it’s definitely worth the upgrade. The biggest improvement, of course, is the display. The Nintendo Switch OLED features an OLED display that offers better image quality than the original LCD display. That includes deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and a better color gradient. The text is sharper and easier to read as well. The screen isn’t that much bigger (7″ on the OLED vs 6.2″ on the non-OLED), but it does feel a lot bigger thanks to a thinner bezel. Other upgrades worth mentioning are a new and improved kickstand, a hard-wired ethernet port on the docking station, and an exclusive white Switch shell and matching Joy-Cons.
Will there be more Black Friday Nintendo Switch OLED deals?
It’s hard to say. Dell is the only vendor so far who’s promoted any Switch OLED deals for Black Friday and it’s unlikely they’ll run two separate ones simultaneously. Outside of Black Friday, we haven’t really seen the Nintendo Switch OLED on sale at all unless you count imported models from the UK.
Looking for more discounts? Take a look at our guide to the best Black Friday deals and our best Nintendo Black Friday deals.
Splatoon 3’s Chill Season is giving us the cosy fits we need for the winter months
Nintendo’s put out a brand new Splatoon 3 trailer showing off the upcoming Chill Season, promising fresh fits, new weapons, and the return of an old favourite stage.
This Chill Season kicks off in Splatoon 3 on December 1, and looks like it should liven things up again since the game launched in September. So far we’ve had a couple of Splatfests, one of them just over the weekend which was a collaboration with Pokemon, but this upcoming update will add in a couple of news modes.
First up is the arrival of X Battles, a new mode for the series that’s more about your skill level than anything else. We’ve seen it in previous Splatoon 3 showcases, and you can only unlock it after reaching the elite rank in Anarchy Battles, so if you’re looking to play with the big fish, you better start putting the work in.
The Splatoon 3 Community Is Currently Losing It Over a Mysterious Mode Called ‘Big Run’
Splatoon 3’s next Splatfest will finally settle the best Pokémon starter-type debate
Splatoon 3’s next Splatfest is set to ask the age old question: which Pokémon starter type are you going to choose?
As announced on the official Nintendo UK Twitter account, the second Splatfest coming to the threequel is Pokémon themed, where you’ll either pick grass-, fire-, or water-type. This particular Splatfest is obviously coinciding with the release of Pokémon Violet and Scarlet, and kicks off at 1am UK time November 12, running until November 14, again at 1am, giving you a full 48 hours to splat your friends.
The announcement didn’t note which types will be assigned to which Deep Cut member, so hopefully your favourite type doesn’t get attached to your least favourite member (as if there it’s possible to have a least favourite). Artwork paired with the announcement shows the three types with a little silhouette of the new three starters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and best-duck Quaxly, too.