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: The Sequel Speculation Begins
Splatoon 4 Rumors Heat Up After the End of an Era
Nintendo has announced that regular content updates for Splatoon 3 will cease. However, the beloved shooter isn't being abandoned entirely. Holiday events like Splatoween and Frosty Fest will continue, along with monthly challenges and balance patches as needed.
"After 2 INK-credible years of Splatoon 3, regular updates will come to a close," the official Twitter (X) announcement 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 Splatfests, featuring the Deep Cut trio. "Thanks for holding down the Splatlands with us," Nintendo concluded, "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 intensifying.
Some eagle-eyed fans spotted potential easter eggs or hints within the Grand Festival event, with some locations sparking speculation about a new city in a future Splatoon game. Responding to images of a metropolis-like area, 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 circulated for months. Previous reports suggested Nintendo had begun development of a new Splatoon title for the Switch. With the Grand Festival marking the final major Splatfest, fans are increasingly convinced that Splatoon 4 is imminent.
Past Splatoon Final Fests have influenced subsequent sequels, leading to speculation that Splatoon 3's final event, possibly hinting at a "Past, Present, or Future" theme, could foreshadow Splatoon 4's direction. However, until Nintendo makes an official announcement, fans will have to remain patient.
