With Nintendo announcing the end of regular updates for Splatoon 3, speculation about a Splatoon 4 release is reaching fever pitch.
Nintendo Ends Splatoon 3 Updates
Splatoon 4 Rumors Intensify After End of an Era
Nintendo has announced that regular content updates for Splatoon 3 will soon conclude. However, the game isn't being abandoned entirely. Holiday events like Splatoween and Frosty Fest will continue, along with monthly challenges, and weapon adjustments and balance patches will be released as needed.
"After 2 INK-credible years of Splatoon 3, regular updates will come to a close," the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) stated. "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."
This announcement followed the conclusion of *Splatoon 3*'s Grand Festival event on September 16th. Nintendo released a commemorative video showcasing past Splatfest events and featuring the Deep Cut trio. "Thanks for holding down the Splatlands with us," Nintendo said, "it's been a blast!"Splatoon 3 launched two years ago on September 9th. With Nintendo ending active development, rumors of a sequel, Splatoon 4, are gaining traction.
Some keen-eyed fans spotted potential easter eggs or spoilers during the Grand Festival, with some locations sparking speculation about a new city in a future Splatoon game. Responding to images of a metropolis-like location, one fan commented, "Doesn't look like Inkopolis. Perhaps the setting of Splatoon 4?" Others, however, believe these are simply existing assets. One fan pointed out, "The second one is just Splatsville, same model from the opening train cutscene," referring to Splatoon 3's hub.
While there's no official announcement regarding Splatoon 4, rumors have persisted for months, suggesting Nintendo has begun development on a new Splatoon title for the Switch. With the Grand Festival marking the final major Splatfest event for Splatoon 3, many fans believe Splatoon 4 is imminent.
Past Splatoon Final Fests have influenced subsequent sequels, and Splatoon 3's final event might hint at a "Past, Present, or Future" theme for Splatoon 4. However, for now, fans will have to wait for official confirmation from Nintendo.
