Splatoon 3 Was Just Announced, But Splatoon 2 Isn't Done Just Yet

Soooo hyped for Sploon 3. Never got a chance to play the first two when they were relevant and 3 looks fresh enough to be a great start for me.

It's hard to believe that they simultaneously developed Splatoon 3 AND kept frequent updates coming at a constant rate in Splatoon 2. Very impressive.

I’m curious to see how this all works out. Nintendo is new to the world of iterative online exclusive multiplayer games, and having more than one Splatoon on a single platform divides the player base. Curious to see how it goes, especially since they’re still selling Splatoon 2 for $60.

I was just saying in another comment section I need to revisit it, I still haven't completed the single player missions, not even counting the Octo Expansion which I haven't picked up.

I wonder if Nintendo will see Splatoon as exactly the right IP to try a ‘seasons’ model for the first time. Cheaper game with a €9,99 season pass for a few months to keep the cash rolling in and move it towards a games as service franchise.

Just a thought.

@vyseofhr They won’t drop the price of the base game. No one else does that so why would Nintendo? I see it being more like COD only not annualised and without loot boxes and micro transactions.

I wonder how much longer the first Splatoon has left until they pull the cord. I may load it up tonight and see how active it is.

@SMW did that a few weeks ago, its not that slow to be honest. I just found the Gamepad way too chunky and obnoxious.

@stinky_t That is cool people still play it. Yea, I can imagine going back to the Gamepad for Splatoon would be difficult.

@RandomGamesAndStuff Splatoon 2 is still very relevant and a blast to play, I'd strongly encourage you to still grab it. There are great stages and even some great single player content.

@SMW I'll just leave this here again. As excited as I am in Splatoon 3 getting a release year, we'll have had all three entries of Splatoon will have released since one year AFTER Mario Kart 8 was released. And the last two mainline entries of Smash have released six months AFTER Mario Kart 8. If we can get a new entry on the same console we should be able to get a new Mario Kart.

will this game still be available online when splatoon 3 is out because l don't see a problem why they will shut it down if they do. Not everyone has the money for a new game.

@WiltonRoots Same. I have been saying to myself for some time that I should finish the single-player campaign. I really like Splatoon 2, but it’s so easy just to put it on the back burner. This year I will roll credits!

@FragRed The reason I wonder about a change in model is due to the short interval between sequels. Look at the time since we last got a Mario Kart, for example. And other developments in the industry since then, Fortnite, Apex, etc etc. The model is popular. The cheaper base product was a side point really, and I agree, is probably not so realistic.

But if there was no change in model in mind there, for me there is no reason for a sequel. The user engagement in Splatoon 2 is still high. Splatfests are still popular. It’s just a curious sequel to announce for me if they are not trying something different.

@thesilverbrick Clearly they know it will be a blockbuster or they wouldn't. Splatoon 3 will be the most popular one in the franchise, i can almost guarantee it. I don't think splintering the audience will be an issue at all

Also worth noting: the existence of BOTW2 and Splatoon 3 blasts the doors wide open for MK9 and a long lifespan for the switch. Like maybe 7-8 years.

@Nico07
The sooner that you accept that Mario Kart 9 will be a Switch 2 game (i.e. a 2023 launch or later), the better.

@Nico07 Honestly, I'm not in any real rush to get Mario Kart 9. I'd be perfectly fine if they instead chose to add more content to 8 Deluxe. I'm not sure what new mechanics they could add, but 8 Deluxe already plays so good that all I really want is some new characters, tracks and battle maps. Those could all be added to 8 Deluxe.

I'd take a new game, tho... especially if it brings all of the above as well as Tour's events.

Same as usual. Performance updates!

Maybe make splatoon 2 a greatest hits 20 dollar game now? Please

@Krull Tell me about it! I don't even know what's stopping me, the final battle in the first Splatoon was one almighty ride...so I can't imagine how mad is must be in Splatoon 2.

It's one of my favorite games, but after hundreds of hours playing, I'm burned out on it. It's one of my most played games ever. I replayed single player like 6 times for fun and the hero weapons, Played Octo Expansion 3 times. But the bulk of my time was playing online - mostly turf war and some Salmon Run.

I'm wondering if I should pick up Splatoon 2 and enjoy that in the meantime. I passed on it because it felt too soon after the first game and my friends we're as into it as I had hoped. Still seems fun though.

@Mr_Persona I believe they would keep Splat 2 online, I don't see why they wouldn't continue to support it. Plus, there's still a huge fan base for the game... Nintendo wouldn't pull the plug on them.

@westman98 I've settled into that realization, and will be pleasantly surprised if it does release at this point. But with Nintendo stating that the Switch has another four years, hopefully, just maybe, possibly, Mario Kart 9 is in the mix.

My point being it's been a long time since we've had a fresh Mario Kart game. A lot of fans assumed that Splatoon wouldn't see another entry on Switch (myself included), with many saying because it would divide the player base. Well this just proves that is not a reason for Nintendo. The Switch deserves it's own Mario Kart, but yes, there is a possibility that Nintendo isn't interested in developing it right now.

@SpectralDynamite Same. I'd love a new entry, especially as it would offer more content. Mario Kart 8 had already had DLC packs back on the Wii U, and then the Deluxe adding actual battle courses they forgot to add in the first game (a huge oversight in my opinion). I don't believe with Mario Kart 9 Nintendo would have to re-invent the wheel like the did with 8 in adding anti-gravity. They could simply do as they've done in creating new cups, possibly with other Nintendo franchises like Metroid, more Zelda, even adding water stages and boats from WaveRace, or Diddy Kong Racing. Adding more retro courses (Wario Stadium 64, Wario Colosseum NGC, DK Mountain NGC, etc) would also be welcome. But I would also welcome some more DLC packs for MK8D if Nintendo opts to wait for a "Switch 2", it would just be the first mainline console (or even handheld) to not get it's own unique Mario Kart entry.

I like Mario Kart Tour, but I absolutely hate the gambling mechanic loot boxes that it uses to unlock characters. It's a bad tactic used by others like EA and I hate that Nintendo opted to do it, even though it's making them a fortune. For this, and the simple gameplay mechanics I gave up on Mario Kart Tour long ago and don't plan on revisiting it anytime soon. I've already wasted over $60 in the game and got nothing of any consequence for my investment. I should have just kept it free.

@Nico07
Mario Kart 8 will still be selling insanely well years from now. Releasing Mario Kart 9 - even if in the later half of the Switch lifecycle - will cut its legs and split the Mario Kart community over two largely similar games. It also sorta deprives the Switch 2 of a major Year 1 exclusive.

Of course, one could also make this argument over Splatoon 3, but Splatoon 2 is nowhere near as successful as Mario Kart and doesn't have anywhere near the legs (i.e. in 2020, Splatoon 2 sold ~2 million copies while Mario Kart 8 DX sold 10+ million copies).

The Splatoon community is largely ready to move on to the next game. The Mario Kart community? Not at all.

Been playing 2 quite a bit lately. No other game compares to the mechanics of Splatoon. Outstanding game all around...1, 2, or (I'm certain)...#3.

@RandomGamesAndStuff Don't let a games relevance stop you from experiencing it, or you will miss out on so many amazing games!

Take a look at the new screenshots they provided for splat3 the level of detail and fidelity are pretty high.
If there's such a thing as a switch pro, that game is gonna run on it.

I enjoyed Splatoon 2 and still play multiplayer every now and then. Will be getting Splat 3. This series would have been my main competitive multiplayer game if Overwatch didn't come to the Switch. Played tons of it on PC and am so thankful for the Switch version.

I’ve had Splatoon 2 since launch and still have only dipped my toe into it. Seems great, but I don’t online game. I have enjoyed the bit of the single player / expansion I’ve done, though. And the gameplay / world design is brilliant. Really should give it more of a go.