When Nintendo first announced in September 2024 that Splatoon 3 would no longer be receiving regular updates, the fanbase was understandably disappointed. After all, the vibrant ink-splatting franchise had built a reputation on continuous content additions and seasonal changes. That announcement marked what many thought was the end of the line for one of the Switch’s most colorful multiplayer experiences.
But in a surprise twist that no one saw coming, Nintendo has breathed new life into the game with the release of a massive version 10.0.0 update, which rolled out in early June 2025. Coming almost a year after that supposed final update and just days after the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the patch appears to mark a bold new direction for Splatoon 3.
Here’s a deep dive into what this major update brings and what it means for both veteran players and newcomers alike.
A Second Wind for a Beloved Franchise
This latest update doesn’t just tweak a few bugs or add minor fixes — it represents a significant shift for the third installment in Nintendo’s hit shooter series. Splatoon 3 has now officially entered its version 10.0.0, a milestone that typically indicates sweeping changes, major content expansions, or deep technical overhauls.
Nintendo has stayed mostly quiet about why the game is getting such a comprehensive update despite last year’s end-of-support notice. However, the timing — aligned perfectly with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 — suggests a strategic pivot. Rather than launching a new Splatoon title to showcase the power of the upgraded hardware, Nintendo seems to be using Splatoon 3 as a flagship experience to test and showcase next-gen improvements.
The move signals a continued commitment to the Splatoon franchise, which has consistently been one of Nintendo’s strongest online multiplayer IPs since its debut in 2015.
Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2: A Visual and Performance Upgrade
A significant focus of the version 10.0.0 update is the optimization for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s newly launched next-gen console. Though still backward compatible, the Switch 2 offers a considerable leap in processing power, GPU capability, and memory bandwidth — all of which Splatoon 3 now taps into more effectively.
Players on the new hardware will notice several visual and performance improvements:
- Smoother animations: Character movement, paint effects, and transitions between maps have become more fluid, enhancing the fast-paced nature of the game.
- Increased frame rates: Although official numbers haven’t been released, players report a consistently stable 60 FPS during both online matches and solo missions.
- Faster load times: Matches load more quickly, menus respond more snappily, and transitions between multiplayer lobbies and game modes feel seamless.
- Enhanced graphical fidelity: Splashes of ink now have more detail, environments have improved lighting and shadows, and character models appear sharper.
It’s clear that this update wasn’t just a quick adaptation; it was carefully crafted to utilize the technical potential of the Switch 2, making Splatoon 3 feel refreshed and even more immersive.
Support for the Original Switch Lives On
Importantly, Nintendo hasn’t left original Switch owners behind. The update includes several performance improvements specifically tailored to ensure the game still runs smoothly on first-generation hardware.
To accommodate the more limited specs of the original console, developers made subtle but meaningful changes:
- Reduced on-screen clutter: Some non-essential background elements and effects have been minimized, especially in intense multiplayer matches.
- Smarter resource management: The game now prioritizes key animations and UI interactions, helping maintain a consistent frame rate even during chaotic paint battles.
- Improved multiplayer balance: Matchmaking and server-side calculations have been optimized to avoid penalizing players who are not using the latest hardware.
These efforts show that Nintendo is aiming to maintain cross-generational multiplayer parity, ensuring that Splatoon 3 remains a fair and enjoyable experience for all players — no matter which Switch version they’re using.
A Trove of New Content: 30 Weapons and a Fresh Stage
Arguably the biggest surprise of this update is the addition of 30 new weapons and one completely new stage — a move no one expected, considering Nintendo’s previous commitment to ending content additions back in 2024.
These new weapons introduce a wide array of playstyles and strategies, providing something for every type of player. From rapid-fire rollers and long-range snipers to quirky paint-launching gadgets, the new arsenal injects fresh energy into multiplayer combat. Each weapon comes with its own strengths, weaknesses, and customization options, encouraging players to experiment and adapt.
However, there’s a catch: these weapons aren’t handed out for free. Players will need to purchase them via in-game shops, using earned currency or special tokens. While this monetization method might raise eyebrows, it’s consistent with the game’s long-standing economic model, which blends progression with optional purchases.
The newly added stage, meanwhile, brings with it a dynamic layout, vertical challenges, and multiple inkable surfaces that promise to shake up the competitive meta. Nintendo has not yet confirmed whether more maps are on the way, but the unexpected arrival of this one offers a glimmer of hope that additional surprises may be in store.
Balancing Tweaks and Multiplayer Refinements
In addition to new content, version 10.0.0 includes a series of important balancing changes. These adjustments target both old and new weapons, with the goal of improving gameplay fairness and diversity in strategy.
Here’s what’s included:
- Damage adjustments: Some weapons now deal slightly less or more damage, depending on their usage frequency and win rates in ranked matches.
- Ink efficiency tweaks: Certain weapons consume more or less ink per shot, which can impact movement and aggressiveness.
- Ability reworks: A few character abilities and gear perks have been rebalanced to promote a wider variety of loadouts.
- Respawn and cooldown adjustments: Cooldown times for special moves have been subtly modified to prevent overuse.
In competitive and casual matches alike, these changes should help level the playing field and address long-standing concerns from the player base regarding overpowered gear or unfair advantage loops.
Multiplayer performance has also received some backend refinements. Matchmaking is quicker and more responsive, especially during peak hours, and stability during ranked and turf war sessions appears to be more reliable post-update.
Bug Fixes, Control Improvements, and UI Enhancements
No major update is complete without a solid list of bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements, and version 10.0.0 delivers on that front as well.
Some of the most notable fixes include:
- Resolved connectivity issues that previously caused dropped matches or desync during multiplayer battles.
- Controller input latency has been reduced, especially for motion control users.
- Improved menu navigation with clearer icons, better sorting options for gear and weapons, and streamlined match summary screens.
Together, these changes make the game feel more polished, responsive, and accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers.
What This Update Means for the Future of Splatoon
The release of version 10.0.0 is more than just a patch — it’s a statement from Nintendo. Despite its previous announcement to end regular content updates, the company has clearly seen value in giving Splatoon 3 a second wind on new hardware. Whether this is the beginning of a new wave of post-launch support or just a one-off upgrade remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that the game’s community has been reenergized. Social media is abuzz with players sharing new weapon loadouts, strategies, and match highlights. Online lobbies are more active than they’ve been in months, and speculation is already swirling about the potential for future content drops or crossover events.
In a gaming landscape where live-service titles often struggle to maintain player interest, Splatoon 3’s unexpected resurgence offers a lesson in timing, surprise, and the importance of listening to community demand.
Final Thoughts
With version 10.0.0, Splatoon 3 proves it’s not done yet. The update delivers meaningful enhancements across the board — from technical upgrades and cross-generational performance improvements to a surprising injection of new content. For players old and new, the game now feels fresher, faster, and more fun.
Whether you’re picking up a new weapon, testing the game on the Nintendo Switch 2, or just diving back in for nostalgic fun, there’s never been a better time to return to the world of Splatoon 3.
For full patch notes and technical details, you can visit Nintendo’s official support site.
