Nintendo has finally confirmed a release date for Bayonetta 3 on Nintendo Switch and it is October 28, 2022.
In Bayonetta 3, Nintendo says you’ll “fight through the streets of Tokyo, the mountains of China, and many other locations” encountering “a virtual coven of Bayonettas, each more fabulous than the last” along the way.
You’ll also get the chance to use Bayonetta’s new Demon Masquerade skill, which “channels the demon attached to your weapon, allowing for some exciting action options, not to mention some hair-raising combos.” As you play, you’ll even step into the shoes of a new playable character named Viola, who is described as “a feisty witch-in-training who fights with a sword and a capricious companion, the Cheshire demon.”
Alongside the long-awaited announcement, Nintendo released a new trailer, which showcases over three minutes of chaotic and magical gameplay. You can watch below and get a look at Bayonetta, Demon Masquerade, Viola, and more in action.
This release date announcement has been a long time coming for Bayonetta fans. Bayonetta 3 was first announced in 2017 and there was a fairly long period of silence until it reappeared in September 2021, with a first look at gameplay and a release window in 2022.
When Bayonetta 3 launches on October 28, it will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive, coming to the original Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED and change lite.
Not quite out of the blue
This release date announcement doesn’t come as a huge surprise after Bayonetta 3 officially received its M rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board on July 12 (via VGC (opens in new tab)), which is usually a good sign that a release date is just around the corner.
The rating warned against violence, gore and gore, partial nudity and strong language. If you’ve delved into the world of Bayonetta before, you’ll likely be well aware that this is all pretty standard fare.
Speaking of partial nudity though, after the release date was announced, developer Platinum Games tweeted to say that the game will include something called “Naive Angel Mode”.
According to the developer, this mode was added “so that more people can fully enjoy” the game. In the tweet, the developer explains that “by turning it on, you can play games in the living room without having to worry about what’s on your screen… The tweet is accompanied by a video that shows the switchable mode in action, making things a little less risky.
Relax, the witch is back and sexier than ever🌙We’ve added the revolutionary “Naive Angel Mode” to Bayonetta 3 so that more people can fully enjoy it👍By turning it on, you can play right in the room without having to worry about what’s on the screen… we thought😅#Bayonetta3 pic.twitter.com/SEs3vqrdYcJuly 13, 2022