The only way I can think why they are doing it, is because every weapon has it's advantages and disadvantages given the map layout. So, in order to not change the weapons and gear depending on each map all the time you have to choose one for both maps for the next 2 hours. 

On Mario Kart, you still don't know which map will be played next, so it makes more sense to be able to choose the kart and character during the lobby. 

I still haven't got to the game myself.

'First weekend in August' they said, so I think it's next weekend.

To solve that problem, they should rotate between 4 maps every hour instead of 2 every 2 hours. Since it's selected randomly it would be hard to guess an overall strategy. What is a bummer is that if you want to alternate between weapons (like I like to do), you have to quit your lobby even though you have found a perfect balance of players. It's especially frustrating when you're playing with a friend.

I fully understand that this can be totally frustrating, and somehow I think so, too. I like to unlock every skill on the gear I buy and have to leave the lobby everytime I want to change it.  

I think it was the right decision to lower the change to 2 hours instead of 4. Looking at the current amount of maps this can't be done right now. I hope the will increase the map in a cycle, when they have released more. 

You can also check on the switch app what the map cycle looks like and which maps will be coming next. 

It's not that frustrating, it's just an irritation, that's all. It's not convenient like in Mario Kart or ARMS. Nintendo has just so many approaches to online I kinda feel lost in the intuitivity. I wish they had the same standards for every game, and hopefully they will in the future now they have merged all knowledge and expertise into EPD.

My best friend is a game designer and it's kinda hard to listen to everything he points out as flawed in the online xD He rants about ARMS matches being locked into a single lobby and no worldwide matchmaking, about not being able to switch gear between Splatoon games, or the latency in Mario Kart. MK's the closest to perfection though.

He's not a total asshole though He aknowledges Zelda's progression as the best one he's seen in his life.

If I'm remember right Salmon Run should be available tonight..Still stupid to have it locked off in some cases for days.

Am I reading it right?!?!?! The splatfest will be on for 24hrs???

Oh and I really hate the boxes and the fountain modes on Salmon run. And fuck this set of weapoms is the hardest one so far! 

Yeah 2pm Sat to 2pm Sun here. 

This could change a lot of things