Nintendo Patches Splatoon 3, New Features In Version 11.0.0 Update

Nintendo has confirmed that Splatoon 3 will soon welcome a new free update, bringing a bunch of battle balances to the Splatlands.

Mark your calendars for 29 January, because that’s when Splatoon 3’s Version 11.0.0 is set to land, delivering the next wave of improvements and keeping the Splatoon 3 competitive scene as chaotic and colorful as ever.

No patch notes are yet available for Version 11.0.0, but Nintendo has teased what we can expect on Twitter/X.

“As well as balance updates, there'll also be some new features added to battles. Stay tuned for more deets,” it wrote.

“Please note: there will be no new weapon kits included in this update.”

Splatoon 3 Update Will Welcome New Features

Splatoon 3, Credit / Nintendo

How mysterious! Unfortunately, we have absolutely no idea what those features are at this point in time.

I really thought this could've been the Splatoon 3 new-gen Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, which has been rated by PEGI. But nothing on that just yet.

I'd love to see mouse controls, because I personally can't get on with the motion controls as they stand. Sorry to all Splatoon competitive fans, I know that would be likely to cause issues within the competitive game. Unlocking the console’s mouse controls could make for an unfair advantage if playing against base Switch players.

By all accounts though, this sounds like a standard update that’ll be made available to everyone, regardless of whether you’re new or outgoing gen.

At this point in time, the player consensus seems to feature a lot of disappointment about the lack of new weapon kits, which I understand.

I will say that it’s interesting that Splatoon 3 continues to be supported after launch, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons now rejoining the ranks.

The Splatoon series was produced by Hisashi Nogami, who is the current Deputy General Manager at Nintendo and producer of Animal Crossing and Splatoon. I love the Splatoon crossover items you can get in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and the Splatoon villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Perhaps, when the 15 January, Animal Crossing: New Horizons free 3.0 update drops, you could build a Splatoon island on your new second island - Slumber Island? That might scratch that Splatoon 4 itch.

I personally had Splatoon 4 and a new Animal Crossing down as easy Switch 2 predictions but now, I’m not so sure.