Nintendo's Quirky New Shooter Getting Free Demo Starting Tomorrow

Nintendo has announced its upcoming team-based shooter Splatoon will receive a free demo weekend, allowing Wii U owners to download and sample the game before its official release.

Announced during the Splatoon-themed Nintendo Direct, the demo version of the game is now available to download from the Wii U store. During specific hours over the coming three days players will be able to play what Nintendo is called the "testfire."

These periods are are split into one hour blocks, with the first scheduled for May 8 from 8 PM to 9 PM PST, and the second on May 9 from 4 AM to 5 AM PST. The final slot will be on May 9, starting at Noon and ending at 1 PM PST.

For participants in the UK, the demo will be playable on May 9 from 4 AM to 5 AM BST, noon to 1 PM BST, and 8 PM to 9 PM BST.

During the free weekend members of the Nintendo Treehouse staff will be playing and streaming the game on Twitch. These players will be identifiable in-game by the white lab coat their characters will be wearing.

Those that download the demo will also be able to claim a 10 percent discount off the full game when it is purchased from the eShop. The offer will begin on May 29 and last until June 4.

Splatoon launches exclusively for Wii U on May 29. For more on Splatoon read GameSpot's interview with the game's director, in which the project's origins and its eSports potential are discussed.

Nintendo returned to an annual profit for the first time in four year, announcing on Thursday that the company made a ¥41 billion ($350 million) profit for the fiscal year ending March 31.

As part of the earnings report the company also updated its launch schedule for upcoming Wii U games. Although it was previously expected to be available by the end of 2015, The Legend of Zelda for Wii U is now listed as "TBD."