Here’s something strange that has Splatoon fans scratching their heads. Pan European Game Information (PEGI) just rated Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 31, 2025, but the game already received a free Switch 2 upgrade back in June. So what’s going on here?
Wait, Didn’t This Already Happen?
You’re not losing your mind. Splatoon 3 did indeed get a major Switch 2 update on June 12, 2025, alongside the surprise announcement of Splatoon Raiders, the franchise’s first-ever spinoff game. That update brought some serious improvements for Switch 2 players, including enhanced visuals and smoother performance in locations like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds, which were previously locked at 30fps on the original Switch.
The June update also added 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands as part of the Splatlands Collection, plus the return of Urchin Underpass, a beloved stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U. Most importantly, the update maintained cross-platform play between Switch 1 and Switch 2 players, so nobody gets left behind.
So What’s This New Rating About?
The most likely explanation is that Nintendo is preparing to release a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Splatoon 3, which would be a separate physical or digital release rather than just a free update. This theory gains weight when you look at what happened with Pikmin 3 Deluxe, which also received a Switch 2 rating from PEGI just days before on December 28, 2025.
According to sources tracking PEGI listings, games that receive free Switch 2 updates typically don’t get separate ratings. They remain listed as Switch 1 games. However, dedicated Switch 2 Editions like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild do get their own separate PEGI ratings. That’s exactly what seems to be happening here with Splatoon 3.
What Would a Switch 2 Edition Include?
If Nintendo does release a physical Switch 2 Edition of Splatoon 3, it would likely bundle all the existing content the game has received since its September 2022 launch. That includes both paid DLC expansions and all the free updates that were rolled out during the game’s two-year content support period, which officially ended in late 2024.
A Switch 2 Edition could also include exclusive enhancements beyond what the free June update provided. Think higher resolution textures, improved lighting effects, or even additional content that takes advantage of the Switch 2’s increased processing power. Some fans are speculating about potential new features like mouse control support, though nothing has been confirmed.
The Timing Is Curious
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Splatoon 3 Original Release | September 9, 2022 |
| Content Updates End | Late 2024 |
| Switch 2 Free Update | June 12, 2025 |
| Splatoon Raiders Announced | June 10, 2025 |
| Switch 2 PEGI Rating | December 31, 2025 |
The December 31 date is particularly interesting because it’s the last day of the year. Some industry watchers believe this could be a placeholder date or simply the result of PEGI catching up with their backlog of ratings. However, the fact that it’s a completely separate listing from the original Switch version suggests something more deliberate is happening.
Why Splatoon 3 and Not Splatoon 4?
With over 11.96 million copies sold as of March 2024, Splatoon 3 has been a massive success for Nintendo. The game’s community remains incredibly active even after official content support ended, making it a prime candidate for a next-gen refresh. Plus, rumors have been circulating that Splatoon 4 is already in development, so a Switch 2 Edition of Splatoon 3 could serve as a bridge to keep fans engaged while they wait for the next mainline entry.
Nintendo has been aggressively updating its first-party catalog for Switch 2, with enhanced versions of Super Mario Odyssey, both Zelda games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and even the Super Mario Galaxy titles. Given Splatoon 3’s popularity and ongoing player base, it makes perfect sense for Nintendo to give the game a proper Switch 2 release.
What About Splatoon Raiders?
Adding another layer to this story is Splatoon Raiders, the franchise’s first spinoff game announced exclusively for Switch 2. In Raiders, players take on the role of a mechanic with a mysterious background, joining the Deep Cut idol trio to explore the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands. Nintendo hasn’t announced a release date yet, but the spinoff could arrive sometime in 2026.
Having both a refreshed Splatoon 3 and a brand-new spinoff on Switch 2 would give Nintendo a powerful one-two punch for the platform. It would keep the competitive multiplayer community thriving while also offering something fresh for players who want a different experience from the traditional Splatoon formula.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
If you already own Splatoon 3 on Switch and have access to a Switch 2, you’re all set. The free June update already gives you enhanced performance and visuals, plus all the new content that came with it. However, if you’ve been waiting to jump into Splatoon 3, it might be worth holding off to see if Nintendo announces a Switch 2 Edition.
A dedicated Switch 2 Edition would likely come with all DLC included, potentially at a lower price point than buying everything separately. Plus, if Nintendo adds any Switch 2-exclusive features or content, physical collectors would want that special edition for their shelves.
FAQs
When was Splatoon 3 rated for Switch 2?
PEGI rated Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 31, 2025, several months after the game received a free Switch 2 update in June 2025.
Is this a new version of Splatoon 3?
It appears to be a separate Nintendo Switch 2 Edition rather than just the free update from June. The separate PEGI rating suggests a dedicated physical or digital release is planned.
What did the June 2025 Splatoon 3 update include?
The June update brought improved visuals and 60fps performance in areas like Splatsville, 30 new weapon kits, the return of Urchin Underpass stage, and cross-platform play between Switch 1 and Switch 2.
Will I have to buy Splatoon 3 again for Switch 2?
If you already own Splatoon 3, you can play it on Switch 2 with the free enhancements from the June update. A potential Switch 2 Edition would likely be marketed toward new players or collectors.
What is Splatoon Raiders?
Splatoon Raiders is the first-ever Splatoon spinoff game, announced exclusively for Switch 2 in June 2025. Players take on the role of a mechanic exploring the Spirhalite Islands with the Deep Cut trio. No release date has been announced yet.
Is Pikmin 3 Deluxe also getting a Switch 2 Edition?
Yes, Pikmin 3 Deluxe received a similar PEGI rating for Switch 2 on December 28, 2025, suggesting Nintendo is preparing Switch 2 Editions for multiple first-party titles.
Can Switch 1 and Switch 2 players play Splatoon 3 together?
Yes, the June 2025 update confirmed full cross-platform play between Switch 1 and Switch 2 players, so you can team up or compete regardless of which console you’re using.
When did Splatoon 3 stop getting updates?
Regular content updates for Splatoon 3 ended in late 2024, about two years after the game’s September 2022 launch. However, Nintendo surprised fans with the Switch 2 update in June 2025.
Conclusion
The PEGI rating for Splatoon 3 on Switch 2 is definitely intriguing, especially considering the game already received Switch 2 enhancements months ago. Whether this turns into a full Switch 2 Edition with additional content or it’s simply bureaucratic housekeeping remains to be seen. Either way, it’s clear Nintendo isn’t done with Splatoon 3 just yet. With Splatoon Raiders on the horizon and a still-thriving player community, the colorful world of ink-based warfare continues to be a major part of Nintendo’s strategy for Switch 2. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements in early 2026.