Splatoon 3 Updates End, Fans Await Splatoon 4 Release

With Nintendo announcing the end of regular updates for Splatoon 3, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation and speculation about the potential release of Splatoon 4.

Nintendo Ends Updates for Splatoon 3

Splatoon 4 Release Rumors Swirl Amid End of an Era

Nintendo has officially announced that regular content updates for the beloved shooter game, Splatoon 3, will soon cease. However, this doesn't mean the end of the road for Splatoon 3 enthusiasts. Fans can still look forward to holiday events, ensuring that the game remains lively and engaging. Support for Splatoon 3 will continue, with seasonal events like Splatoween and Frosty Fest still in the pipeline. Monthly challenges will persist, and weapon adjustments and balance patches will be rolled out as needed.

"After 2 INK-credible years of Splatoon 3, regular updates will come to a close," Nintendo shared on Twitter (X). "Don't worry! Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights will continue with some returning themes! Updates for weapon adjustments will be released as needed. Big Run, Eggstra Work, and Monthly Challenges will continue for the time being."

The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of Splatoon 3's Grand Festival event on September 16. To celebrate this milestone, Nintendo released a nostalgic video revisiting past Splatfest events. These special events see players divided into teams, competing in themed battle scenarios. The video also showcased the idol trio Deep Cut performing at the Grand Festival stage. "Thanks for holding down the Splatlands with us," Nintendo expressed, "it's been a blast!"

Splatoon 3, launched on September 9 two years ago, has now seen Nintendo shift its focus away from active development. This shift has reignited rumors and speculation about the development of Splatoon 4.

During the recent Grand Festival event, some fans noticed what they believe to be hidden easter eggs or potential spoilers within the game. Certain in-game locations sparked theories about a new city setting for the next Splatoon title.

Replying to a post featuring in-game screenshots of a metropolis-like area shared under Nintendo's announcement, one fan speculated, "Doesn't look like Inkopolis. Perhaps the setting of Splatoon 4?" However, not all fans agree, with some suggesting that the location is simply Splatsville, the hub setting of Splatoon 3, as seen in the opening train cutscene.

While there hasn't been an official announcement regarding Splatoon 4, rumors have been circulating for months. Reports from earlier this year hinted that Nintendo has begun developing the next Splatoon title for the Switch. With the Grand Festival event marking the final major Splatfest for Splatoon 3, many fans believe that Splatoon 4 might be on the horizon.

Historically, the Final Fests of past Splatoon games have influenced the themes of their sequels. Splatoon 3's last Splatfest, themed around "Past, Present or Future," could hint at what to expect from Splatoon 4. However, until Nintendo makes an official announcement, fans will have to keep their excitement in check and continue enjoying the ongoing events in Splatoon 3.