Splatoon 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Splatoon 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The next Splatoon game needs to make this big change
This article discusses issues with Splatoon 3's three-team Splatfest system, which often led to imbalanced votes and mirror matches. It proposes that the next installment, Splatoon 4, should revert to a two-team format or potentially adopt a four-team structure to improve the event experience.
Famitsu software sales (8/17/26 – 8/23/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of August 17, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch topped the charts, followed by Splatoon Raiders and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch respectively. The data includes sales figures for various titles across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.
Splatoon 3 Summer Nights 2026 Splatfest results
The Splatoon 3 Summer Nights 2026 Splatfest has concluded, with Team Beach emerging as the victor. Players chose between a palace, theme park, or beach, with Team Beach ultimately securing 455 points. Team Theme Park followed with 265 points, and Team Palace received 150 points.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 22, 2026 – Tomodachi Life, Smash Bros., and Minecraft
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 22, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Minecraft follow in second and third place, respectively, with other popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pokemon FireRed also appearing on the charts.
Famitsu software sales (8/3/26 – 8/16/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released the Japanese software sales data for the weeks of August 3-9 and August 10-16, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove and Splatoon Raiders topped the charts for both weeks on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively. Several new titles debuted, including Beast of Reincarnation and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on PlayStation 5, and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2.
Review: Splatoon Raiders (Nintendo Switch 2)
Splatoon Raiders offers a fresh single-player experience for the franchise, expanding its lore with a new adventure on the Spirhalite Islands. The game features addictive exploration and upgrade loops, a variety of weapons and gadgets, and impressive graphics for the Nintendo Switch 2. While primarily a single-player title, it includes a satisfying online co-op feature for assisting other players.
Review – Splatoon Raiders (Switch 2)
Splatoon Raiders offers a fresh single-player and cooperative looter shooter experience for the Nintendo Switch, building upon the franchise's signature paint-based combat. While the narrative is light, the gameplay loop of collecting gear and upgrading characters is highly addictive, though boss fights can be a low point. The game features simplified yet deep RPG mechanics and a vibrant art style, but its music is a notable departure from the series' usual quality.
Splatoon 3 updating to Version 11.3.0 tomorrow (patch notes)
Splatoon 3 is receiving a Version 11.3.0 update on August 19th for the Nintendo Switch. This update adds the Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica reward for players with a Splatoon Raiders save file who have completed the main story.
Splatoon 3 11.3.0 update announced, patch notes
Nintendo has announced the release of the Splatoon 3 version 11.3.0 update, which includes a new weapon, the Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica, and various balance adjustments for multiplayer. The update also modifies points required for certain special weapons and aims to enhance weapon characteristics or improve ease of use.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 15, 2026 – Tomodachi Life still winning, The Lord of the Rings debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 15, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remaining in the top spot. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition debuted at number 16 overall and third in the download-only ranking.
Splatoon 3 update announced, adding Plastic-Bottle Splattershot Replica as part of Splatoon Raiders tie-in
Nintendo has announced an upcoming update for Splatoon 3, version 11.3.0, which will include a collaboration with Splatoon Raiders. Players who have Splatoon Raiders save data and have completed its main story will receive the Plastic-Bottle Splattershot Replica weapon. The update is set to release soon and may also include balance adjustments and bug fixes.
Splatoon 3 will soon add Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica from Splatoon Raiders for those who have cleared game
Nintendo has announced that Splatoon 3 will receive a new weapon, the Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica, which is inspired by Splatoon Raiders. This replica weapon will be obtainable in Splatoon 3 after players have completed the main story of Splatoon Raiders, and can be acquired from a terminal in the game's lobby.
Splatoon Raiders Review: A Single-Player Surprise
Splatoon Raiders offers a surprising and enjoyable single-player campaign that deviates from the series' usual PvP focus. The game successfully translates the fast-paced combat and vibrant world-building into a compelling experience, featuring expanded weapon systems and engaging customization options. Despite some frustrating optional challenge levels, the overall experience is highly positive, making it one of the year's standout titles.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling Switch 2 and Switch digital games for July 2026
Nintendo has released the best-selling digital games for the Japanese Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch eShops for July 2026. Splatoon 3 debuted at number one on the Switch 2 charts, while Rhythm Heaven Groove topped the Switch charts. The data includes a wide range of titles, from new releases like Village in the Shade and Digimon Story: Time Stranger to perennial sellers like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 8, 2026 – Tomodachi Life on top, Kynseed debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 8, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream maintaining its top position. New release Kynseed debuted at #11 overall and second on the download-only list. The charts also feature popular titles like Minecraft, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and various Mario and Pokemon games.
Famitsu software sales (7/27/26 – 8/2/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released the Japanese software sales data for the week of July 27, 2026, to August 2, 2026. Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2 led the charts, followed by Rhythm Heaven Groove and Village in the Shade. The data includes sales figures for various games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Splatoon Raiders amiibo
New amiibo figures featuring Shiver, Frye, and Big Man in their Splatoon Raiders outfits have been released. These figures are distinct from previous Splatoon 3 amiibo, offering a new collectible for fans of the series.
Splatoon Raiders Owes A Lot To Older Campaigns You Forgot About
This article argues that while Splatoon Raiders is a strong single-player experience, the campaigns in the original Splatoon, Splatoon 2, and Splatoon 3 were also significant and foundational. It highlights how Raiders draws inspiration from the lore, weapon variety, level design, and progression systems established in previous installments, emphasizing that the entire Splatoon series offers something special.
Summer Nights Splatfest taking place this month
Nintendo has announced a new Splatfest for Splatoon 3 called Summer Nights, taking place later this month. Players can choose between Team Palace, Team Theme Park, or Team Beach, with the theme revolving around what one would reserve for a day.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 1, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream still dominating
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for August 1, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, a recent release, has fallen to number 10. The charts detail the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only titles.
