Nintendo is heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 this July with a weekend packed full of early hands-on play, and we are so here for it (not physically, just for clarity). Attendees will be among the first people in the U.S. to try the newly announced Nintendo Switch Sports Resort for Nintendo Switch 2 and to step into the treasure-hunting action-adventure of Splatoon Raiders. Beyond the games themselves, Nintendo is filling the convention center and downtown San Diego with friendly competitions, solo challenges, and surprise activities to keep the fun rolling all weekend.
What can you play at the Nintendo booth?
The headline attraction is Splatoon Raiders, which Nintendo is celebrating on the SDCC showroom floor from July 23 to 26. Whether you are a first-time Splatoon player or a longtime fan, you can drop by the Nintendo booth in Hall A, booth #235 to fend off Salmonid foes, raid for treasure, and splash a whole lot of ink in this new Nintendo Switch 2 game.
In this action-shooter, you choose a tank and gadgets to suit your splatting style as you adventure across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Nintendo is offering three approaches to play:
Power Tank - smash Salmonids with brute force
Speed Tank - lean into mobility and finesse
Tactical Tank - control the battlefield
You will take on the adventure alongside Deep Cut, the mischievous trio of swashbuckling musicians.
How do you try Nintendo Switch Sports Resort early?
From July 23 to 26, starting at 9:30 a.m. PT inside The Pointe at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, guests can get the first U.S. hands-on with Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, the next active game in the Nintendo Switch Sports series and one playable exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. It is stuffed with intuitive motion-control sports games the whole family can play together, and at the show guests can try out 4 of its 12 different sports.
Access works on a first come, first served queue, so you will want to line up for your shot. Meanwhile, out on The Promenade, visitors can watch live Nintendo Switch Sports Resort gameplay broadcasting locally on screens while joining in on family-friendly sports activities hosted by event staff.
Who is The Rizzler and how can you compete?
Here is where it gets spicy. On July 23, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. PT in The Promenade at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, visitors who have already played Nintendo Switch Sports Resort will have the chance to put their new skills to the test on stage against social media creator The Rizzler. Interested participants will be randomly selected by Nintendo event staff, and prizing will not be included as part of the experience.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a trolley decked out in Splatoon Raiders graphics rolling through the area to help attendees get around town in style.
The official word
Nintendo is bringing new games and new ways to play to this year's San Diego Comic-Con, where attendees will be among the first in the U.S. to try the newly announced active game Nintendo Switch Sports Resort for the Nintendo Switch 2 system and step into the treasure-hunting action-adventure game Splatoon Raiders. Together, these experiences invite guests to move, explore colorful worlds, and have fun playing together. Throughout the convention center and downtown San Diego, Nintendo will also host friendly competitions, solo challenges, and surprise activities, giving attendees even more opportunities to join the fun.
Get ready to play, San Diego!
A quick note from Nintendo for anyone getting their motion controls going: be aware of your surroundings, wear wrist straps, and allow adequate room around you during gameplay.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort launches October 22 on Nintendo Switch 2. Are you making the trip to San Diego Comic-Con 2026, and which game are you most excited to get your hands on? Let us know in the comments.
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