Play Splatoon 2 Splatfest & Meet New Squid Idols in Free Demo Next Week

Starting next weekend, you can access a Splatoon 2 multiplayer demo for free. In it, you can participate in the game’s first Splatfest, a recurring online competition mode. The demo, which goes live July 15th, can be downloaded from the eShop now in preparation for the event.

In a recent Nintendo Direct, the company revealed the multiplayer demo and the return of Splatfest. In this online mode, players vote to join one of two themed teams, under the musical guidance of Callie and Marie, the first Splatoon’s most prominent characters. The Squid Sisters have since gone they’re separate ways, so two new Inkopolis idols are stepping in.

Meet Pearl and Marina, Splatoon 2’s new pop duo called Off The Hook. You’ll notice that Marina is actually an Octoling instead of Inkling, which is strange since Octolings are the main enemies in Splatoon. I’m sure we’ll learn the story of this unlikely union in the game’s story or future Splatfests.

Pearl and Marina will host Splatoon 2’s Splatfests, including the first one in the upcoming demo. Like before, each character will represent one side of the voting. According to Nintendo, the first Splatfest will be themed around cake and ice cream. Players will vote for which preference — or which character — they like more and then divide into teams with others who chose the same.

The demo doesn’t go live until July 15th from 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. PT, but you can download the app to your Nintendo Switch now from the eShop. The full game launches shortly after on July 21st.

Are you Team Cake or Team Ice Cream? Team Pearl or Team Marina? Let us know in the comments below!