Nintendo has announced that Splatoon 3, the Switch-exclusive title, will no longer receive regular updates.
However, in a tweet addressing the end of these updates, Nintendo reassured fans that the game will continue to be available online.
Seasonal events like Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights will return annually, suggesting that players can expect four Splatfests per year moving forward.
Weapon adjustments will still be made “as needed,” and events such as Big Run, Eggstra Work, and Monthly Challenges will persist “for the time being.”
This news comes two years after the release of Splatoon 3, the third-person, ink-based team shooter, which launched on the Nintendo Switch.
As of March 2024, the game had achieved significant success, selling an impressive 11.96 million copies.
The conclusion of regular updates for Splatoon 3 coincides with anticipation surrounding Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Although the company has not provided any concrete details, the community refers to it as the Switch 2, with its release anticipated no earlier than April 2025.
Given the popularity of the Splatoon series, it seems likely that a new installment will be released in the future.
While specifics about the Switch 2 remain under wraps, Nintendo has promised ample stock at launch, which should help counter scalping.
Rumors circulating about the new console’s capabilities include magnetic Joy-Cons and the possibility of backwards compatibility with older controllers.
If these leaks are accurate, players may also be able to enjoy both physical and digital games from the current Switch, including Splatoon 3, on the new system.
