Nintendo Switch OLED Splatoon 3: Unboxing & Review

Hey gamers, are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of Splatoon 3? Well, if you're like me, you're probably already hyped about the Nintendo Switch OLED Splatoon 3 Special Edition! This isn't just any ordinary console; it's a splash of color, a celebration of ink-based chaos, and a must-have for any Splatoon fan. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into everything this special edition has to offer, from the stunning design to the enhanced OLED screen, and of course, the Splatoon 3 game itself. So, grab your virtual ink, and let's get started!

Unboxing the Splatoon 3 Special Edition: First Impressions

Alright, let's kick things off with the unboxing experience. The packaging itself is a work of art. The Splatoon 3 Special Edition box bursts with the game's signature style. You'll immediately notice the bold and energetic design featuring the iconic Splatoon characters and vibrant splashes of ink. It's an instant visual treat that sets the stage for what's inside. As you open the box, you're greeted by the sleek Nintendo Switch OLED console, which is the star of the show. The console is adorned with unique Splatoon-themed artwork, making it immediately stand out from the standard models. The joy-cons are a masterpiece, each with its own distinct color scheme inspired by the game. One joy-con features a cool blue and purple color scheme, while the other goes for a striking yellow and green, perfectly complementing the Splatoon 3 aesthetic. The dock also gets the Splatoon treatment with a sleek design. The dock, console, and joy-cons are the most important things in the box, however, the dock comes with a lan port. Guys, this is very important because the dock has a LAN port that allows a more stable internet connection which is very useful if you are a competitive player and need a constant connection to avoid the annoying lags.

The design choices are clearly well thought out, capturing the spirit of Splatoon 3. Beyond the console itself, the box includes all the usual accessories: the AC adapter, a joy-con grip, joy-con straps, and the necessary documentation. But what makes this special edition truly shine is the attention to detail. The themed joy-cons, the unique dock design, and the overall color scheme are more than just cosmetic changes; they elevate the entire gaming experience. Opening this box is like receiving a gift from the Inklings and Octolings themselves. As you handle each component, you can feel the premium quality. The joy-cons have a satisfying click when attached to the console, and the dock is solid and well-built. The overall presentation makes you feel like you've received something truly special. For those looking to upgrade their Nintendo Switch, this is a great purchase!

The Nintendo Switch OLED: What Makes It Special?

So, what's all the fuss about the Nintendo Switch OLED? Well, the main upgrade is, of course, the vibrant 7-inch OLED screen. If you've ever played on a standard Nintendo Switch, you'll immediately notice the difference. The OLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and a higher contrast ratio. This means your games will look more visually stunning, whether you're playing in handheld mode or tabletop mode. The colors pop off the screen, making the inky battles of Splatoon 3 even more immersive. The OLED screen is a game changer, the new screen gives you better and vivid colors, and you will see the black color in a different way, which is very useful in dark games. In Splatoon 3, this is particularly noticeable, with the neon colors of the ink and the vibrant environments looking absolutely incredible. Trust me, once you go OLED, it's hard to go back. Apart from the screen, the OLED model also features a wider adjustable stand for tabletop mode. This is a small but significant improvement, providing more stability and flexibility when playing with friends. The built-in storage has been doubled to 64GB, giving you more space to store your digital games and content. This is a huge plus, especially if you, like me, prefer to have a large library of games downloaded and ready to go. The audio quality has also been improved, with enhanced speakers that deliver clearer and more immersive sound. This is great for enjoying the game's music and sound effects. Furthermore, the dock included with the OLED model has a built-in LAN port, which provides a more stable and reliable internet connection for online play. This is a massive advantage for competitive gamers who need every edge they can get. When you play using the dock and the LAN port, you will experience a lag-free game which is very important for a high-level gameplay experience.

The overall build quality of the Nintendo Switch OLED feels premium. The materials are high-quality, and the console feels sturdy and well-designed. The joy-cons are responsive and comfortable to hold, even during extended gaming sessions. If you are looking for an upgrade, this is a very good choice for you.

Diving into Splatoon 3: Gameplay and Experience

Now, let's talk about the main attraction: Splatoon 3. This installment of the ink-splattering franchise takes everything we love about Splatoon and dials it up to eleven. The core gameplay remains the same: two teams of four compete to cover the arena with their ink color. But Splatoon 3 introduces a host of new features, weapons, and customization options that make it the best Splatoon game yet. From a gameplay perspective, Splatoon 3 is incredibly polished. The controls are responsive, the movement is fluid, and the combat is incredibly satisfying. The game introduces several new weapons, including the Stringer, a bow-like weapon that fires ink horizontally, and the Splatana, a sword-like weapon that allows for both close-range and long-range attacks. These new weapons add a new layer of strategy to the game and help to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Returning weapons have been tweaked and balanced, ensuring that no weapon feels overpowered. The maps are cleverly designed, with a variety of different layouts that cater to different playstyles. Each map has its own unique features and strategic points, encouraging players to experiment with different approaches and strategies. Whether you prefer to be an aggressive attacker or a supportive defender, there's a weapon and playstyle that suits you. The multiplayer experience is as addictive as ever. The matches are fast-paced, intense, and incredibly fun. The matchmaking system is generally very good, matching you with players of a similar skill level. The new Salmon Run mode is another highlight, where players team up to defeat waves of Salmonids and collect golden eggs. The Salmon Run mode is a great way to earn rewards and test your teamwork skills.

The single-player campaign,