Most Recent: Switch

The Arms Global Testpunch begins later this week, and Nintendo has finally released a full schedule for the online demo sessions through the game’s official website. Here’s when you’ll get to try out Arms before it launches next month:

Friday, May 26 || Friday, June 2
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Saturday, May 27 || Saturday, June 3
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Eastern Time)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Sunday, May 28 || Sunday, June 4
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Eastern Time)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Arms will be available for the Nintendo Switch on June 21, but you can download the Arms Global Testpunch demo through the Nintendo eShop right now. And in case you missed it, Nintendo hosted an Arms-focused Nintendo Direct presentation last week.

With the launch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the rearview window, Nintendo is turning their focus to the Switch’s next big new release… Arms. The consolemaker hosted another Nintendo Direct presentation for the bizarro boxing game earlier this week, and gave fans a look at several new characters and the option-filled Versus Mode.

After a brief detour to describe the basics of Arms combat (Should that be “Arms-ed” combat?), Nintendo added a trio of new characters to the Arms universe, including the snakelike Kid Cobra, robotic lawmen Byte & Barq, and “A-List Actress” Twintelle:

New Characters

• Kid Cobra – A fan of selfie sticks and livestreaming, this hip fighter pounces on opponents with a charged-up dash.
• 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.

After building an amazing Battle Mode for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo wants to add a similar bevy of bonus modes to Arms. And the second half of this week’s “Arms Direct” focused on more than a half-dozen minigames that players will get to compete in:

Versus Modes

• 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, but much more awesome. 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 Test mode, players can try out randomized Arms combinations, while Training lets them practice a number of varied drills.

Finally, Nintendo confirmed that Switch owners will get the chance to test out Arms before its released during a special Global Testpunch event. Like Splatoon 2‘s Global Testfire, players will be able to download the Global Testpunch demo from the Nintendo eShop and log in to play multiplayer matches during scheduled times. The first Global Testpunch will be available during May 26-28, while the second is scheduled for June 2-4.

Arms will be released for the Nintendo Switch on June 16. A series of free updates featuring new fighters, stages, and arm types are planned for after release.