Splatoon 2 ’s new Salmon Run game mode was the emphasis of Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct, but that’s not the only piece of multiplayer news for the summer’s Nintendo Switch exclusive. Eagle-eyed redditors recently noticed something on the game’s official page that rules out split-screen play of any kind.
Taking a look at the fine print of the site, the first asterisk reads “additional games and systems required for multiplayer mode.” For comparison’s sake, the page for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a game with confirmed split-screen features, reads “additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode.”
Read: Splatoon 2 Getting New Ability Reroll Feature
The key difference here is the differentiation between “systems” and “accessories.” A game that mandates extra systems for multiplayer can’t have split-screen, while a call for accessories, like an additional controller, signals split-screen.
The fact that Splatoon 2 doesn’t have split-screen multiplayer isn’t exactly a shocking development, but it’s interesting nonetheless. After all, the original Splatoon did include a 1v1 balloon-popping mode called Battle Dojo. It was accessible offline and split two players between a TV screen and the Wii U GamePad. If the fine print above is any indication, Splatoon 2 won’t have that option at all.
We imagine the split-screen exclusion boils down to a desire to maintain smooth 60 fps online action. Last month's Global Testfire ran at 720p when docked and just 514p in portable mode. By using that sub-standard pixel quality, the demo’s framerate was able to stay rock solid. Having a second player on screen would only cause more strain.
That being said, for those who have lots of Switch hardware to go around, it’s possible to connect up to 10 consoles locally to create a private lobby. This equates to eight participants and two spectators. Under that arrangement, everyone gets their own screen.
Splatoon 2 comes to Nintendo Switch July 21.
Are you disappointed Splatoon 2 doesn’t have split-screen multiplayer? Is its exclusion a performance tradeoff? Tell us in the comments section!
