Splatoon 4 Release Date Speculation Rises After Splatoon 3 Update

With Nintendo announcing that it will cease regular updates for Splatoon 3, speculation of a forthcoming sequel, aka Splatoon 4, resurfaces.

Nintendo Halts Updates for Splatoon 3Splatoon 4 Release Speculation Intensifies Following End of Regular Support

Nintendo has announced that routine content updates for its acclaimed shooter game, Splatoon 3, will soon conclude. However, it's not a complete farewell for Splatoon 3 as fans can still anticipate holiday events; support for the game will persist for the present!

Nintendo declared that seasonal events such as Splatoween, and Frosty Fest, among others, will still arrive in Splatoon 3. Monthly challenges will remain playable for the time being, and weapon adjustment updates along with balance patches will be issued "as needed."

"After 2 INK-credible years of Splatoon 3, regular updates will conclude," read the announcement 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 issued as needed. Big Run, Eggstra Work, and Monthly Challenges will continue for the time being."

The update from Nintendo followed the conclusion of Splatoon 3's Grand Festival event this week on September 16. Nintendo also released a celebratory video reviewing past Splatfest events, special events in Splatoon 3 where players join teams to compete in themed battles. The video also showed idol trio Deep Cut performing on the Grand Festival stage. "Thanks for supporting the Splatlands with us," Nintendo stated, "it's been fantastic!"

Splatoon 3 launched two years ago on September 9, and with Nintendo ceasing active development, rumors of a sequel are resurfacing. Specifically, speculation about Splatoon 4.

While players enjoyed the recent Grand Festival event, some observant fans spotted potential easter eggs—or spoilers—in the game. Some fans speculated that certain locations could hint at a new city in the next Splatoon game.

Replying to a post showing in-game screenshots of a city-like location shared with Nintendo's announcement, one fan guessed, "Doesn't look like Inkopolis. Perhaps the setting for Splatoon 4?" While others think it's insignificant. One fan suggested, "The second one is just Splatsville, same model from the opening train scene," referring to Splatoon 3's hub.

While nothing official about Splatoon 4 exists, rumors have circulated for months this year. Reports from previous months suggested Nintendo started development of the next Splatoon game for the Switch. Furthermore, with this month's Grand Festival being Splatoon 3's final major Splatfest, fans believe Splatoon 4 is imminent.

As with past Splatoon games, Final Fests have influenced sequels—and Splatoon 3's could suggest a "Past, Present or Future" theme for Splatoon 4. But for now, fans await Nintendo's announcement regarding a new Splatoon game.