Nintendo offers a deep dive into ARMS for Nintendo Switch

18th May 2017 – Nintendo premiered a new Nintendo Direct video presentation all about the upcoming ARMS for Nintendo Switch. ARMS is created primarily by many of the same team members that developed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, promising the same level of polish and competitive action as the hit racing game. The Nintendo Direct video detailed many new features about ARMS, including key characters, attributes and the game’s numerous multiplayer battle modes, as well as information about a free* ARMS Global Testpunch early access demo for the game that starts at the end of May. At the tail end of the video, a new Splatoon 2 trailer was also unveiled, offering a first look at the upcoming sequel’s single-player mode. In addition, a new limited edition Splatoon 2 hardware bundle and a range of accessories was announced.

Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

ARMS

Combat customisation: After selecting a character, players will have the opportunity to equip two ARMS, one on the right and one on the left. These ARMS range from standard fists to things like boomerangs and missiles, offering a wide variety of close- and long-range attacks, as well as offensive and defensive options:

• Types – Dozens of ARMS can be selected in the game, each with its own special power and handling ability. Different types range from the Toaster, which unleashes a flaming punch, to the Tribolt, which shoots three bolts horizontally. Some ARMS even boost defence, like the Guardian, which can be used as a shield.
• Attributes – There are seven different ARMS attributes in the game, each with its own specialty: Fire, Electricity, Wind, Ice, Stun, Explosion and Blind. Different ARMS have different attributes, so it’s a good idea to mix and match for massive strategic advantage.
• Weight – When equipping the many different types of ARMS, weight is an important factor in determining performance. Weight affects momentum, so players have to keep this in mind when selecting ARMS. Stronger ARMS are more powerful but slower, while multi-hit ARMS are quick but have lower individual power. Punches can even run into each other while fighting, with the heavier ARMS knocking the lighter one away.
• Upgrade ARMS – As players fight through ARMS, they'll rack up hard-earned in-game currency for use at the ARM Getter, where players can use their skills to earn new ARMS and the ability to upgrade previously owned ones.

Versus Mode: ARMS is filled to the brim with fun modes that offer a variety of ways to challenge other fighters:

• Fight – In this main multiplayer** mode, two fighters battle against each other one-on-one to claim victory. During the fight, bombs and other healing items drop in, adding some strategic options to the proceedings.
• Team Fight – In this mode, two players are attached by strings and must team up to battle another team of two. Attacks can hit allies, so watch out for friendly punches!
• V-Ball – Similar to volleyball, V-Ball is a sport that involves knocking an explosive ball into the opponent’s court.

• Hoops – Grab opponents and shoot them into the net (or even dunk them for extra satisfaction) in this hardcore game of ARMS-style basketball.
• Skillshot – Break as many targets as possible using the versatile powers of ARMS.
• 1-on-100 – Defeat 100 enemies in a row, one at a time, in this progressive battle mode.
• ARMS Test & Training – In ARMS Test, players can try out randomised ARMS combinations, while Training lets them practise a number of varied drills.

Multiplayer** gaming: Playing with friends, either locally or online***, is easy when using one of the various multiplayer modes in ARMS:

• Grand Prix – Win 10 straight matches in Grand Prix and players will face a final opponent to be crowned the ARMS champion. (This mode is played locally with one or two players.)

• Party Match – By connecting their Nintendo Switch console to the internet***, players can battle with up to three other ARMS players at a time who are in the same lobby as them. One lobby can hold up to 10 consoles, and with up to two players per consoles, 20 players can potentially get together in the same lobby.
• Ranked Match – In this time-honoured coliseum, players compete online*** in 1-v-1 battles. By winning a match, a player’s rank goes up, while conversely, losing will make that rank go down. While waiting to play a Ranked Match online, players can participate in any other mode to pass the time (and tighten up their skills).
• Local Wireless mode: When playing in Local Wireless mode, up to eight players with eight separate consoles in the same room can gather in an in-game lobby and battle up to three other players at a time, like in Party Match.

ARMS updates: In the future, multiple free* software updates will add new fighters, stages and ARMS to the game. These free* updates will occur after the game launches, so watch for additional details!

ARMS Global Testpunch early access demo: Like Splatoon 2 before it, ARMS is offering free* trial periods to try out the game and get a taste of what it’s like before launch. The first time slots will be held in the weekend of May 27th and 28th, and the second slots will be held on June 3rd and 4th. To participate, simply download the free* ARMS Global Testpunch demo in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch before the trials begin.*** Stay tuned for information about specific timing.

Characters: During the presentation, the 10 key playable fighters and their standard ARMS were revealed. These standard ARMS are not exclusive to each character, but are recommended to amplify a character’s strengths. The dozens of ARMS available in the game can be used with any character.

• Spring Man – This passionate fighter’s bouncy hairstyle might look fake, but his passion for fighting is definitely real.
• Ninjara – Using his nimble movements and ancient ninjutsu, Ninjara can disappear and warp somewhere else even in mid-air or when guarding.
• Master Mummy – As the only character that can restore health while guarding, Master Mummy is a force to be reckoned with.
• Min Min – With her ramen noodle arms, Min Min’s spin kick and throws are deliciously powerful.
• Kid Cobra – A fan of selfie sticks and livestreaming, this hip fighter pounces on opponents with a charged-up dash.
• Ribbon Girl – Possessing next-level jumping skills, Ribbon Girl overcomes the laws of physics with her unbeatable power.
• Helix – Who is Helix? He’s an experiment gone wrong, that’s who. His springy body lets him move in unpredictable ways.
• Mechanica – This mechanical genius dons a homemade power suit that can hover above the competition.
• Byte & Barq – Two fighters in one! This robot fighter and his robot canine companion battle together to unleash devastating combo attacks.
• Twintelle – As an A-list actress, Twintelle uses her celebrity status to render her opponents utterly star struck as she walks the red carpet to victory.

Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 single-player mode: At the end of the Nintendo Direct presentation, a new trailer for Splatoon 2 debuted, showing off the game’s single-player mode. Callie – of Squid Sisters fame – has gone missing and Marie tasks the player with finding her. Players can use different weapons in the single-player mode to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies and take down towering bosses – weapons like the Splat Roller, Slosher, Splatling or the new Splat Dualies. The single-player mode is designed to teach players tips and tricks that they can then use in multiplayer.

Splatoon 2 bundle and accessories: Nintendo also announced the following Splatoon 2 products:

• Nintendo Switch console (neon blue/neon red) with Splatoon 2 download code, launching 21st July
• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Splatoon 2 Edition, with neon pink and neon green grips and an ink-splat design, launching 21st July
• Nintendo Switch Carrying Case (Splatoon 2 Edition) & Screen Protector, decked out with in-game iconography and neon pink and neon green zips, launching 21st July
• Joy-Con Pair (Neon Green/Neon Pink), launching autumn 2017

ARMS launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on 16th June, while Splatoon 2 follows on 21st July.

*Broadband internet connection required. The registration and linkage of Nintendo Account and acceptance of the Nintendo Account Agreement and Privacy Policy are required.

**Additional accessories, games and/or systems may be required for multiplayer mode, sold separately.

***Internet connection required during online play. The registration and linkage of Nintendo Account and acceptance of the Nintendo Account Agreement and Privacy Policy are required. Online services require a Nintendo Account. Starting this spring, some online services will also require a paid subscription. Paid online service availability may be limited based on location.

For further details:

Nintendo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nintendo

Nintendo Switch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoSwitch