Nintendo has released a significant update for Splatoon 3 that enhances the game’s performance and visual quality on the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. This free upgrade transforms the experience with improvements that mark a clear leap over the original Nintendo Switch version, offering players a much sharper and smoother presentation.
One of the most notable changes brought by the update is support for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second through the use of DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). The game now renders natively at 1440p before being upscaled to 4K via DLSS, which results in a clearer and more detailed image quality. This is a marked improvement over the first Switch version, which ran at a dynamic resolution of 1080p and could drop to as low as 820p during demanding scenes.
The handheld mode also benefits greatly from the new hardware and update. On Nintendo Switch 2, Splatoon 3 now runs at a native 1080p resolution with DLSS enabled, maintaining a stable 60 frames per second. In contrast, the handheld mode on the original Nintendo Switch was limited to a dynamic 720p resolution, which often resulted in a softer image. These enhancements mean that players on Switch 2 can expect a much crisper and more responsive gameplay experience, whether docked or on the go.
Beyond the visual and performance improvements, Nintendo has shared the full list of optimizations introduced specifically for Nintendo Switch 2 users:
Nintendo Switch 2 Enhancements:
- Increased screen detail rendering, delivering sharper environments and characters.
- Smoother on-screen movement in key areas such as:
- Splatsville
- Inkopolis
- Inkopolis Square
- Grand Festival Grounds
- Improved Salmonid animations during Salmon Run, even when many enemies populate the screen.
- Refined animations for certain non-playable characters, such as jellyfish, providing more natural movement.
- Adjusted scene transition animations for smoother switching between gameplay and menus.
- Boosted resolution for screenshots captured via the Nintendo Switch 2 Album in Photo Mode or with the Capture Button, offering higher-quality images for sharing and saving.
In addition to these system-specific upgrades, the update includes new content and gameplay features that apply to all versions of the game:
New Gameplay Features and Additions:
- Introduction of new weapons and a new battle stage.
- Increase in the maximum Freshness level, allowing players to progress further.
- Implementation of a Series Weapon feature for Anarchy Battle (Series) mode.
- Added a Call Sign feature for X Battles to enhance player identity and customization.
- General optimization for better overall game operation on Nintendo Switch 2.
The enhanced version of Splatoon 3 demonstrates the Nintendo Switch 2’s graphical prowess while delivering meaningful gameplay improvements and new content. The upgrade offers smoother performance in both docked and handheld modes, providing returning players with a noticeably refreshed experience.
While the game remains cross-compatible with both Switch consoles, the latest update ensures Switch 2 owners enjoy the definitive edition – complete with visual enhancements and performance optimizations that fully utilize the new hardware’s capabilities.
