Nintendo's announcement that regular updates for Splatoon 3 are ending has reignited speculation about a potential Splatoon 4. While support isn't completely ending—holiday events and balance patches will continue—the news has fans buzzing.
Nintendo Ends Splatoon 3 Updates
The End of an Era, But What's Next?
Nintendo's official Twitter (X) announcement confirmed the end of regular content updates for Splatoon 3 after two years. However, Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights will return, and weapon adjustments and balance patches will be released as needed. Monthly challenges and Big Run events will also continue for now.
This announcement followed Splatoon 3's Grand Festival event on September 16th, celebrated with a video retrospective of past Splatfests. The video, featuring Deep Cut, concluded with a heartfelt "Thanks for holding down the Splatlands with us! It's been a blast!"With active development winding down, rumors of a Splatoon 4 sequel have intensified. Some players believe they spotted potential easter eggs or even spoilers in the Grand Festival event hinting at a new city for the next game. However, others have dismissed these as simply existing game assets.
Speculation around Splatoon 4 has been building for months, with reports suggesting Nintendo has begun development on a Switch sequel. The Grand Festival being Splatoon 3's final major Splatfest has further fueled this belief. Past Splatoon Final Fests have influenced subsequent sequels, leading some to predict a "Past, Present, or Future" theme for Splatoon 4, based on the potential implications of the final Splatfest.
While no official announcements regarding Splatoon 4 have been made, the quiet ending of Splatoon 3's regular updates, coupled with the ongoing speculation, keeps the possibility of a new title very much alive. For now, though, fans will have to wait for official confirmation from Nintendo.
