It’s no secret that Bayonetta 3, one of the most famous and highly anticipated upcoming Switch games, has been developing for a long time. It’s the sequel to Bayonetta 2, so you know you’re in for another adventure as the badass Umbra Witch Bayonetta.
PlatinumGames, who created Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Astral Chain, The Wonderful 101, and Nier: Automata, among many others, are working on it. Since its announcement, Nintendo and PlatinumGames have been relatively quiet about Bayonetta 3’s development. However, a release window and gameplay footage for the upcoming action game was revealed in the September 2021 Nintendo Direct.
The game’s release date and a new trailer were announced in July 2022. Also, at PAX West 2022, Digital Trends got their hands on a preview build of Bayonetta 3, so we know a lot about it. Though we still have many unanswered questions, we have done extensive research online to gather as much relevant information as possible. Everything we know about Bayonetta 3 at this time, including the release date, trailers, gameplay, and more, is detailed below.
Only the Nintendo Switch
According to GamesRadar, fans of the series on other platforms will be disappointed to learn that the upcoming “Bayonetta 3” will only be available on the Nintendo Switch. The game is being developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo, just like the 2014 “Bayonetta 2,” ruling out a release on the Xbox One X, PlayStation 5, or PC.
Only the first Bayonetta game from 2009 was made available on other systems including the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and this was only feasible since Sega published the game instead of Nintendo.
Bayonetta 3 Plot
The upcoming game, like its predecessors, will chronicle the exploits of the deadly but stylish witch Bayonetta as she uses her hand and foot guns to battle, supernatural opponents. However, PlatinumGames has been mum on the specifics of the story, and the plot summary is rather vague and raises more questions than it answers.
In the game’s official synopsis, we learn that “mysterious life forms appearing to be neither angel nor demon attack amid the wrecked streets of the Shibuya region of Tokyo, where Bayonetta then makes her beautiful entrance.” When did this new foe arrive, and how extensive is its invasion? “
It seems that Bayonetta will be facing some new opponents in the form of Homunculi and Singularity, and the game’s rating from an Australian classification board discloses some interesting story information, including the introduction of a new locale that will presumably play a significant role in the game.
The board described Bayonetta 3 as an “action-adventure game in which human characters journey through several magical locations, battling demons called Homunculi and an evil being known as Singularity.”
‘Bayonetta 3’ Release Date
Bayonetta 3 will be released on October 28, 2022, after a long development period. In a tweet announcing the news, Nintendo included an exciting trailer. Its 2022 release window was confirmed in a September 2021 Nintendo Direct, and it looks like PlatinumGames will deliver in time for Halloween this year.
Bayonetta engages in a bewitching battle against the Homunculi, a feisty new witch named Viola enters the scene, and… is that another Bayonetta?
Find out more when #Bayonetta3 struts onto #NintendoSwitch on 10/28! Watch the latest trailer now: https://t.co/jBoWZH0EdQ pic.twitter.com/v2O6s4KMFA
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 13, 2022
Bayonetta 3 Trailer
First, watch the trailer announced by Bayonetta 3 at The Game Awards 2017 (shown above). It begins with a tight shot of the moon overlaid with the PlatinumGames logo and then cuts to a brief action sequence starring the witch. In the preview, Bayonetta appears to be sporting a long hairstyle again (which was a point of contention since she had short hair in Bayonetta 2).
With a few well-placed bullets, we learn that Bayonetta 3 is being developed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. Fans with sharp eyes have noticed that the reveal trailer for Bayonetta 3 is strikingly similar to the teaser trailers for the first two games in the series. Further, in an interview with Famitsu (reported on by DualShockers), PlatinumGames revealed that the first Bayonetta 3 trailer contains secret content.
Is Bayonetta 3 coming to Xbox or the PS4/PS5?
Can I Run Bayonetta: Find out how well your gaming PC performs. Over 8,500 games are tested for their PC system requirements every single month by the System Requirements Lab.
Consistent with the preceding answer, probably not. Nintendo has a reputation for being particularly protective of its intellectual property because it paid for the development of these games. The Wonderful 101’s cross-platform release was a one-off that required PlatinumGames to negotiate with Nintendo. Since Bayonetta is a highly prized IP for Nintendo, we can’t see the company allowing it to be ported to any other systems.
That’s all we know about Bayonetta 3 right now, but stay tuned because we’ll let you know as soon as we learn more about everyone’s favorite evil witch with a pistol for a foot! There is still some time until Bayonetta 3 is released, so in the meantime, why not check out our rundown of the greatest Switch adventure games and embark on a thrilling journey?
Here are the Bayonetta System Requirements (Minimum)
- CPU: Core i3 3220
- CPU Speed: Info
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 (8.1)/ 10
- Video Card: Radeon HD6950 / GeForce GTX 570 (VRAM 768MB)
- Pixel Shader: 5.0
- Vertex Shader: 5.0
- Free Disk Space: 20 GB
- Dedicated Video RAM: 768 MB
Bayonetta Recommended Requirements
- CPU: Core i5 4460
- CPU Speed: Info
- RAM: 8 GB
- OS: Windows 7 / 8 (8.1)/ 10
- Video Card: Radeon HD7870 / Geforce GTX 760 or more (VRAM 2GB or more)
- Pixel Shader: 5.0
- Vertex Shader: 5.0
- Free Disk Space: 20 GB
- Dedicated Video RAM: 2048 MB
Bayonetta 3 Gameplay
As expected, Bayonetta 3 will be a fast-paced action adventure with a lot of flair and style. Considering how long it takes to make a game, it’s likely that some new features will be added. The latest trailer suggests that the new installment will feature massive creature battles on a grand scale. To defend herself from an equally sized opponent, Bayonetta can summon a monster reminiscent of the Kaiju.
This should result in some exciting and memorable moments. We know Bayonetta has always been a little out there, but we think this entry will push the envelope, especially regarding scope. The game will feature expansive environments, fluid action gameplay, and a zany story to draw players. It’s likely that the combo system, along with new power-ups, weapons, and more, will return in Bayonetta 3.
Bayonetta 3 will still have a linear core progression action game, but new features and mechanics will be added, PlatinumGames co-founder Atsushi Inaba said in an interview with Eurogamer. Because Platinum is aware that “fans expect crazier, better, tighter action games,” Bayonetta 3 is expected to improve over its predecessors significantly.
For Bayonetta 3, we can say that we learned enough from making the previous two games to change our process in a way that is different from what I just described,” PlatinumGames Studio Head Atsushi Inaba told VGC. I hope the players see this as well. And that’s the extent of the clues you get!
Again, it’s not clear how the new development process will affect the actual gameplay in the third installment, but there will probably be some changes. A description from the latest Bayonetta 3 trailer is as follows:
Bayonetta struts through multiple locations in an all-new, over-the-top climax action game. Sporting a wicked new ensemble and somehow familiar pigtails, the titular Umbra Witch must face a mysterious evil using her signature guns and time-slowing Witch Time ability. This time, invading manmade bioweapons called Homunculi find themselves in Bayonetta’s crosshairs.
The trailer released in July 2022 is notable for having a significantly more fluid frame rate than its predecessor. Throughout the streets of Tokyo and even Chinese locations, Bayonetta can be seen summoning Gomorrah, a demon that can be controlled to fight against massive enemies.
Our PAX West 2022 preview predicted that demons would be a significant part of Bayonetta 3, and that’s exactly what happened. The demo had two demons, Madama Butterfly and Gomorrah, and they each had their distinct sound. Compared to Gomorrah, which feels like a tank, Madama Butterfly is swifter and more agile. These atrocities, some of which are the size of buildings, are more than a match for the game’s bioweapons.
Bayonetta 3 Multiplayer
The original Wii U version of Bayonetta 2 included an engaging cooperative multiplayer mode called Tag Climax, in which players worked together to take on waves of enemies. One of the most well-liked features, that mode has been brought over to the Switch edition. With this in mind, Bayonetta 3 may feature a multiplayer mode, though this has not been confirmed.
Bayonetta 3’s release date is rapidly approaching, so it’s doubtful that PlatinumGames is still working on a robust online component. It’s interesting to note that the official Bayonetta 3 Nintendo page mentions online support, though it’s not specified how this will work.
The multiplayer component may be cut from the upcoming release to spend more time on the single-player campaign. This has happened in other sequels, like BioShock Infinite and The Last of Us Part II. Since there has been no official word on multiplayer, we can only speculate, but we certainly hope it makes a return after how much fun Tag Climax was in Bayonetta 2.
In the original Wii U release of Bayonetta 2, a fun cooperative multiplayer mode called Tag Climax allowed players to work together to take on waves of enemies. This mode, which was so well received, was included in the Switch port. Thus, there is a possible precedent for a multiplayer mode in Bayonetta 3, though this has not been confirmed. In light of Bayonetta 3’s impending release, it seems unlikely that PlatinumGames is working on a robust online component. The official Nintendo page for Bayonetta 3 confirms that it will have Online support, though it’s unclear how this will work in practice.
The upcoming release may prioritize the single-player mode over multiplayer. Similar things have happened in other sequels, such as BioShock Infinite and The Last of Us Part II. We can’t say if multiplayer will return, but we hope so, especially since Tag Climax was such a blast in Bayonetta 2.
In conclusion, you may be considering whether or not to pre-order Bayonetta 3. This game can be pre-ordered now from the Nintendo eShop and other retailers.
Pre-order Here
There’s also an expensive edition called the Trinity Masquerade Edition that you might prefer. This is what’s included:
- Physical copy of Bayonetta 3
- Alternate art covers
- 200-page art book
There is no pre-order option for the Trinity Masquerade Edition at this time; however, we will let you know as soon as it becomes available.
Pre-order bonuses are possible, but given experience. We wouldn’t put too much stock in them. If you pre-ordered Bayonetta 2 from Amazon in Japan, you got a microfiber cleaning cloth, but that was about it for the extras. Pre-order bonuses for the next installment may be more generous in light of the series’s increased popularity, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.
Trinity Masquerade Edition
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little ritzier, the Trinity Masquerade Edition might be more your speed. List of what’s included below:
- Physical copy of Bayonetta 3
- Alternate art covers
- 200-page art book
We will update this post as soon as the Trinity Masquerade Edition is ready for pre-order.
Pre-order bonuses are possible, but given experience. We wouldn’t put too much stock in them. Those who pre-ordered Bayonetta 2 on Amazon Japan received a microfiber cleaning cloth, but that was about it for the extras. Pre-order bonuses for the next installment may be more generous in light of the series’s increased popularity, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.
Final Words
A third installment in the Bayonetta series is currently in development by PlatinumGames for the Nintendo Switch. On October 28, 2022, it will be made available to the public. After Bayonetta (2009) and Bayonetta 2, this is the third game in the Bayonetta series (2014).