Nintendo ends support for one of its best games ahead of Switch 2 reveal
Nintendo has announced that there will no more regular updates to Splatoon 3
đŚ Nintendo is calling time on Splatoon 3
đ The game wonât receive any more regular updates moving forward
đ Themed events will still take place, as will weapon balancing adjustments
đ Itâs likely Nintendo is readying a new Splatoon for Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo is ending its regular support for Splatoon 3 after âtwo ink-credible yearsâ. The announcement was posted on X following the conclusion of the gameâs recent Grand Festival event.
Splatoon 3 launched on September 9, 2022, and was another big success for Nintendo. Itâs likely that weâll see the franchise return in some form for Nintendo Switch 2, and due to its popularity in Nintendoâs home nation of Japan, it wouldnât be a huge shock if Splatoon 4 released during the systemâs first year on sale.
Splatoon 3 players will be pleased to know that the game will still celebrate events like Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights with some returning themes. Updates for weapon adjustments will also be released as needed, and Big Run, Eggstra Work, and Monthly Challenges will continue for the time being.
Splatoon 3 received the same similar two-year window of post-launch content updates as its predecessor Splatoon 2, and it reviewed well, achieving the same Metacritic score of 83 as the first game.
Even though Nintendo has ended support for Splatoon 3, the game is still worth picking up. The game includes a single-player campaign, plenty of additional modes and a healthy player base. This isnât another Concord, basically.
Nintendo will want to ensure it has a compelling lineup of software when it launches the Switch 2. Itâll also need to encourage those who are happy with the current console with new games and experiences that canât be found anywhere else. Splatoon 4, or a variant of the franchise on Switch 2, would certainly help Nintendo make its case.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcutâs Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadarâs Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.