The Nintendo Switch hardware has impressed a lot of people since the console's launch, but many gamers are still worried that there won't be enough software to justify the purchase. Nintendo is trying to help relieve those fears by steadily releasing a string of first-party titles throughout 2017. Breath of the Wild has been a wildly successful launch title and today's Nintendo Direct confirmed that Arms and Splatoon 2 will both be joining the lineup of games by mid-summer.

During the Nintendo Direct event, the company finally got a little more specific about Splatoon 2's release date. The game had been locked into the calendar for summer 2017 since the Switch reveal event in January, but now gamers can officially mark July 21 on the calendar. After a successful first Global Testfire, the game seems like it is on track to bring new weapons, characters, and maps to the Splatoon universe mid-summer.

In addition to the release date, Nintendo also revealed three Splatoon 2 amiibo that will be available this summer. The new set of amiibo also releases on July 21 and is a three pack that includes new versions of an Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, and a Squid. Nintendo also confirmed that Splatoon 2 will be compatible with previously released Splatoon amiibo.

splatoon-2-amiibo-pack

The original Splatoon was a much needed hit for the Wii U during a period of time when the console was experiencing a serious software drought. The unique spin on the FPS genre has since grown in popularity and developed a real cult following. Early signs from the testfire indicate that the sequel doesn't mess with the winning formula and only adds fun new features without disturbing the basic mechanics of the game. The new PvE game mode will be a welcome change of pace for players who are intimidated by the PvP options, so Splatoon 2 may have an even broader appeal (though that depends on how many consumers own a Switch).

Will you be picking up Splatoon 2 on July 21? How about the new amiibo? Let us know in the comments.

Splatoon 2 releases July 21 for the Nintendo Switch.