Splatoon 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Splatoon 3 across the outlets.
Nintendo Download: Definitively Feeling It!Nintendo's latest download update features Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, and new game bundles. Several demos are available, including for Star Fox, and pre-orders are open for ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Minecraft Dungeons II, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and Orbitals. The update also highlights new music playlists, in-game events for Donkey Kong Bananza, and ongoing eShop sales.- Splatoon 3 Splatoon Raiders-themed Splatfest will have new Splashtags & TitlesNintendo announced a special Splatoon Raiders-themed Splatfest for Splatoon 3. Players will have the opportunity to earn new Splashtags and titles through this in-game event. Further details will be shared via a Splatoon 3 news article.
Splatoon 3 Ver. 11.2.0 Update Launches This Week, Here Are The Full Patch NotesNintendo is releasing the Version 11.2.0 update for Splatoon 3 this week, introducing weapon adjustments and changes to X Battles. The update focuses on multiplayer balance, including modifications to weapon specifications and special weapons, as well as adjustments to matchmaking systems. Further balance changes are already planned for a subsequent update.
Splatoon 3 Version 11.2.0 Update Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch NotesNintendo has released update Version 11.2.0 for Splatoon 3, bringing adjustments to multiplayer, including weapon specifications and X Battles. The update also shortens the period considered 'immediately after the start of a battle' for certain modes when a player disconnects. Nintendo has indicated that another update focusing on multiplayer balance is already in development.
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo update out now, adds support for Donkey Kong BananzaNintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo has received an update adding support for Donkey Kong Country Returns: Donkey Kong Bananza, including seven new alarm types from the game and its DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC. Users need a Nintendo Account to download the update. This follows previous updates for games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Super Mario Odyssey.
Splatoon 3 11.2.0 update announced, patch notesNintendo has announced the Splatoon 3 version 11.2.0 update, scheduled for release on June 10/11. This update focuses on multiplayer balance and matchmaking adjustments, including changes to various weapons and special weapons, as well as modifications to X Battles team division. A future update will also address multiplayer balance.
All Announcements from the Nintendo Direct on June 9, 2026 - NintendoFuseThe Nintendo Direct on June 9, 2026, showcased over 50 minutes of upcoming games primarily for the Nintendo Switch 2, with some titles also releasing on the original Nintendo Switch. Major announcements included a new Xenoblade game, Kingdom Hearts IV, and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, alongside numerous third-party titles and DLC for existing games like Pokémon Pokopia.
Splatoon Raiders is getting special Joy-Cons and Splatoon Raiders DirectNintendo announced a dedicated "Splatoon Raiders Direct" for June 30th to reveal more information about the upcoming single-player spin-off game. The company also revealed new custom Joy-Cons and a special Splatfest for Splatoon 3.
Splatoon Raiders – Nintendo Direct: June 2026 trailer and screenshots; Splatoon Raiders Direct set for June 30Nintendo has announced Splatoon Raiders, a new single-player focused Splatoon adventure for the Nintendo Switch, set to release on July 23. The game will feature treasure hunting on the Spirhalite Islands with customizable characters and upgradeable gadgets. A Splatoon Raiders Direct will be streamed on June 30, and a themed Splatfest will be held in Splatoon 3 from July 10-12.
Splatoon Raiders Gameplay, Player Hub and Allies Showcased in New TrailerNintendo revealed new gameplay details for Splatoon Raiders during a recent Direct presentation. The trailer showcased the Hideout Ship player hub, allies like Deep Cut, and combat against Salmonids using paint-based weaponry. The game will feature a progression system with leveling, stat improvements, and gadget customization, alongside boss fights. A special Splatfest in Splatoon 3 will also be themed around Splatoon Raiders.
Predictions for a potential June 2026 Nintendo DirectSpeculation is high for a Nintendo Direct in June 2026, following a period of infrequent announcements. Rumors suggest potential remakes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Kirby: Planet Robobot, alongside new content for Pikmin 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Third-party titles like Minecraft and Monster Hunter Wilds are also rumored for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Famitsu software sales (5/25/26 – 5/31/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of May 25-31. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch topped the charts, followed by 007 First Light and Pokemon Pokopia on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively. The data includes sales figures for the top 30 best-selling games across various platforms.
Famitsu software sales (5/18/26 – 5/24/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its weekly Japanese software sales data for the period of May 18-24. Nintendo Switch titles dominated the charts, with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream leading sales. Several new releases, including Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition, appeared in the top rankings.- Cozy Co-Op Night: 6 Couples Games Without Fights | TAGThis guide recommends six video games designed for couples seeking a conflict-free co-op experience, focusing on collaborative and forgiving gameplay. Titles like Stardew Valley, A Short Hike, and Unravel Two are highlighted for their ability to foster shared enjoyment without causing arguments, with advice also provided on creating a cozy gaming ritual and identifying when gaming might be causing relationship friction.
Famitsu software sales (5/11/26 – 5/17/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of May 11-17, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch topped the charts with over 98,000 units sold. Several Nintendo Switch 2 titles also appeared in the top 30, including Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World.
Mailbox: Tomodachi Teachings, 'Mainline' Mario, The Artist Formerly Known As Waluigi - Nintendo Life LettersThis month's Nintendo Life Mailbox features discussions on the inspirational nature of Tomodachi Life, the untapped potential of Waluigi for a dedicated game, and the classification of 'mainline' Mario titles. Readers also share their thoughts on Nintendo's GameShare feature and express desires for specific game remakes and ports.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – May 16, 2026 – Tomodachi Life on a strong runThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of May 16, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Several other popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also feature prominently in the all-games list, while download-only games like Pokemon FireRed and Nine Sols are highlighted.
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it in 2026? Our verdictThis analysis evaluates the value of Nintendo Switch Online in 2026, considering its evolution since its 2018 launch. While initial online play faced criticism, the service now offers a robust library of retro games from NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and more, alongside features like cloud saves and free DLC for Expansion Pack members. Despite some drawbacks like limited drip-feeding of new retro titles and certain game exclusions from cloud save functionality, the subscription is deemed a worthwhile investment due to its expanded benefits and competitive pricing, especially with family plans.- Famitsu software sales (4/27/26 – 5/10/26) – Top 30Famitsu has released Japanese video game sales data for the weeks of April 27 - May 3 and May 4 - May 10. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Pokemon Pokopia were the top-selling titles on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively. The data includes sales figures for a variety of games across multiple platforms.
Nintendo Faced a Bomb Threat in JapanNintendo's headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, received a bomb threat, leading to the arrest of a 27-year-old unemployed man for obstructing business. The suspect admitted to sending a letter claiming bombs were planted, though no suspicious objects were found. This incident follows a series of 39 threat messages received by Nintendo in late 2023, which caused the cancellation of Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo and postponements of Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournaments.