Here's a Switch game we thought would get a little boost on Switch 2 — Splatoon 3! While it wasn't part of the initial free update line-up, Nintendo (via the Nintendo Today! app) has announced that the game will be receiving a Switch 2 update later this week, on 12th June.
That's not all, though — 30 new weapons in the form of the Splatlands Collection (based on older weapons), a raise on freshness caps, new badges to earn, and a new stat in Anarchy Battle which will help with matchmaking.
Urchin Under, a classic Splatoon 1 stage, is also making a return later this week. All of these additions are coming to the game regardless of whether you're playing on Switch 1 or 2.
On the Switch 2 side of things, Splatoon 3 is getting a performance boost, with smoother framerates in particular areas and more detailed visuals. We assume that Squid Roll bug will also be fixed. (Update: Confirmed via OatmealDome's translation of the Japanese Splatoon X ).
Strangely, no Mouse Mode (though this isn't a Switch 2 Edition), but at least you'll be able to play with friends online regardless of whether they're on Switch 1 or 2.
Well, that was a handy reminder to get the Nintendo Today! on your phone, wasn't it? Alongside the Splatoon 3 update, we're also getting a Switch 2-exclusive spin-off in the form of Splatoon Raiders.
Are you excited to dive into Splatoon 3 on Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.
[source youtu.be]
Comments 54
Congratulations, third kit believers. I had lost hope, but you held out hope and it paid off.
Also URCHIN UNDER? Hello???
This is a hint that Splatoon 4 is probably still a little while away, and since I skipped out on 3, looks like this is as good of an excuse as any to dip in.
Cries in wallet.
30 new weapons. I hope one of them is the Heavy Splatling Remix! Specifically with that name too, it's too good not to use again.
I’m sooooooo happy right now! F* yeah.
This is absolutely just a one-off thing to coincide with both the series' 10th anniversary and the announcement of Raiders but holy s*** dude I don't care, 30+ new weapons AND Urchin Under!?
Splatoon 3 is an amazing game! And GOOD LUCK to those who will have to complete the very last secret stage for the first time. You gonna need some patience and efforts!
Happy for those playing Splatoon 3 (I'll eventually get to it myself but not for the multiplayer, for the single-player modes - even more so now that they've announced Raiders)!
"Strangely, no Mouse Mode (though this isn't a Switch 2 Edition), but at least you'll be able to play with friends online regardless of whether they're on Switch 1 or 2."
I mean that would be a very heavy disadvantage for Switch players if Switch 2 players could use mouse controls
I played Splatoon 1 and never bought one again. Wanted to play the third with the kids but read that matchmaking is not favorable no newbies. Can you (community) confirm this?
This is kind of a big deal, as it shows Splatoon 3 still has some gas (ink?) in the tank.
Also, this now being the 13th Switch 1 game to get a free Switch 2 update feeds into the hopes that we'll see more updates roll out for other titles sooner than later. Would love Xenonlade 2 to be on the docket...
Welp, looks like I might have to start playing my Switch 2 portably now and messing with its poor battery life. I’m impressed Nintendo is doing this after all. Sure, I was open to the possibility of an update, but not new content like this. I’m more surprised this isn’t a full-blown edition.
Does this mean we’re getting more Splatfest and Big Runs? Does this mean Splatoon 4 is farther away than we thought?
ok, i'm dipping in. only 37.99 at argos at the moment as well, its a no brainer.
It's cool they are updating the visuals for NS2. Here's hoping the frame rate on SR holds up because it's been really good, as of NS2's launch.
Also, Urchin Under returning is a massive W.
@tsim21
You won't regrett it!
I’m really happy to see Urchin Under return. While it’s a good Mario Kart battle arena, it’s much better as a Splatoon stage. Hopefully Saltspray Rig is next as that’s the only Splatoon 1 map that’s not playable on Switch.
@tsim21 There's a lot of game there. And Splatoon 3's Salmon Run is splendid.
Neat, that's awesome!
Looking at the pictures released, we have:
Barazushi:
Emberz:
That's all 30, and I think I got them all correct, based on their models. Sadly no Heavy Splatling Remix for me then if this is correct, but they've historically done two waves of new weapons, so maybe we'll get another wave. There are 66 weapons in the game, not counting variants (but counting scoped variants for the Chargers), so I could see a second wave of third kits coming later for all the other weapons. Though the previous two games also didn't have third kits for every weapon, so... who knows, at this point!
I am hoping the Zapper Prototype will be included in the update.
Nice! Proper Switch 2 woohoo 🥳
This and Splatoon Raiders??? YES!!!
I sold my copy of Splatoon 3 because I expected that Splatoon 4 would be released around the switch 2 launch... Guess I was wrong.
That's so cool that Nintendo is working on making switch 1 core titles even better on switch 2. Love these free upgrades I mean... How can we complain?
Tried the no man sky patch applied to my physical version of the switch 1 cartridge, works perfectly and looks generationally better now than the switch 1 version.
Just a performance boost no resolution boost?
Oh Nintendo, never stop being yourselves.
Nice to see this game still showing life on Switch 2, maybe we could even get new Splatfests thereafter like the the second entry.
I'll be interesting to see how it'll compare to Switch 1, and it looks slick and nice enough to finally be comparable to those high-quality screenshots they showed ever since Splatoon 2
I wonder if this means we will receive updates for other games too, such as Animal Crossing and Luigi’s Mansion 3
@Grumblevolcano man, Saltspray Rig was so good! Newer Splatoon fans should be able to play it Nintendo!
I've just used my last switch voucher and decided against splatoon 3 thinking it wouldnt be worth getting at this stage🤦♂️
@1UP-HUSKY Yeah. That was a bad mistake. Never assume anything with Nintendo.
@Gohanjin secret stage? Please explain
@Otoemetry It isn't really secret but it requires finishing the main story first. It is a very long and hard stage that will test all your knowledge of the game's mechanics. Pretty sure many gave up.
Sameboat @Varkster played a ton of 2 but did not find an excuse for 3, maybe now is the time...
@Desy64 I played the original Splatoon on Wii U when it came out but casually, picked up Splatoon 3 to play with my brother (skilled at Splatoon 1) and friend (never touched a Splatoon game and I would say is less than skilled at most games) and we definitely got rocked in multiplayer at first.
However, after about 50-60 hours of playing (hard to tell because I played all of the single player + DLC content) we are fairly good now and just the other day had a 15 game win streak in the non-ranked match type.
My friend that never played Splatoon before? Yea, he consistently ranks at the top each match for points; so it is definitely doable to overcome the skill barrier needed to beat the expert players online (non-ranked) but it takes time and diligence.
I can't speak for children though, if they are old enough then they would may be fine if they played a lot to get better loadouts but a young child will completely get destroyed online.
@Desy64 I've barely dipped my toes into Splatoon, but I watched the announcement, and it looks like they're using your win/loss ratio with a given weapon to match you up against "similar players", so hopefully that means if you keep losing, they will match you up against other less skilled players, and if you dominate, you will get matched with other highly skilled players. It also might encourage you to try out different weapons and play styles, since each one has its own rating independent of others.
@burndive thanks for the fast replies. Yeah, it might be too much for my kids. It's a pitty, though
Give us mouse !
I’m actually torn about whether I really want Splatoon 3 on Switch 2. I play Splatoon best in handheld and I do NOT want to deal with Switch 2’s terrible battery life, at least not right now. Visual touches are always good but Splatoon 3 looks good enough to me, especially on the portable OLED screen. The new content is coming to both systems.
I’m grateful Nintendo isn’t shafting Switch 1 players!
I didn’t notice much of a “detail” increase in the footage so I suspect that line was referring to a resolution increase, probably to 1440p
As a Big Swig main since it dropped, another chance at a good kit is exhilarating!
Shoutout to my Dread Wringer stans, too--y'all have been waiting for a good kit for a fair bit now, as well!
Okay, I'll be eating my own hat here. I never expected 3rd kits to be coming to Splatoon 3. But Kudos to a Switch 2 free update. Give me a little push to get back into the game again. ^^
Does this free update include mouse for Switch 2 s?
@MoldyPasta no because then Switch 1 players would be at a disadvantage, since they're matched together with Switch 2 players
@Sylamp
OK, thanks 4 clearing that up.
@SpacedDuck I’m pretty sure they mentioned enhanced visuals (ie resolution boost)
@DTFaux I'm really holding out hope for a Xenoblade 2 update as well!
They need to make it so if someone loses their Internet connection or just leaves the game, the match keeps going, like Splatoon 2.
@Grumblevolcano I love Saltspray, but I fear it is forever trapped in Splatoon 1 because it is broken.
@1UP-HUSKY It was 5 years between Splatoon 2 and 3. I don't think we will see Splatoon 4 until 2027. But hey, they're giving us this spinoff to tide us over, so it's all good.
@Varkster Wallets in Cry.
@Gohanjin I don't this but it's been a long time since I finished the single player campaign, I'll have to go back and check. Oh thinking about it actually it's the stage that appears near the start isn't it, yes I've done that but I don't it being terribly difficult. Not like the final secret levels in Mario games anyway, that one in 3D World was horrific!
@TheSaneInsanity I bought Splatoon 3 the moment I woke up and I hate myself.
That's awesome! haven't played Splatoon in ages!
Urchin Under is cool, but I was REALLY hoping they would bring back Arowana Mall, Port Mackerel, or Walleye Warehouse. The third game is severely lacking in narrow stages which I always enjoyed. I would also choose Camp Triggerfish over this one. It's always nice for a new stage though, but just a little disappointed. But the update definitely makes me say I'll get a Switch 2 now.
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