Summary

• Leak suggests Splatoon 4 is in development for Switch 2.
• The Splatoon franchise's success is attributed to unique gameplay, aesthetics, and the beloved Splatfests.
• Reports indicate other big-name Nintendo franchises could also have entries in development for Switch 2.

Multiple big-name Nintendo franchises have been getting reports and leaks lately regarding which ones are headed to the Switch 2. The latest one points to the next entry in the Splatoon franchise being in production right now for the new system; if so, Nintendo may be banking on the growing franchise to move units for its console.

The leak was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by gaming insider Midori. They have been posting many pieces of Nintendo news recently, and on June 2, they noted that a Nintendo project called Spiral was in the works. Based on some digging, they believe that it will be Splatoon 4.

If so, Nintendo will improve upon the previous entry so that it can be even more anticipated at launch. When Splatoon 3 launched in 2022, Nintendo reported on its corporate site that it had the biggest launch ever in Japan, selling 3.45 million units in just three days.

Splatoon's Growing Success Could Be Huge For Switch 2

From New IP To Key Nintendo Series

The Splatoon franchise was birthed as a Wii U game and instantly became one of the company's more unique IPs. It took the basics of team shooters that were already on the market and then just twisted them around so that they could be more colorful, fun, and not as violent as other games. The unique aesthetic, mixed with fun gameplay, wonderful music tracks, and beyond, made it an instant hit and one of the best-selling games on the Wii U. So much so that Nintendo rushed to make the sequel for the Switch's launch year.

Splatoon 2 remains the best-selling entry in the franchise, but in 2022, Splatoon 3 continued the series dominance both in sales and critical reception. One of the reasons the games are able to latch onto people so thoroughly isn't just the numerous modes, including the campaign mode that acts as a tutorial and the card game that was added in the third entry; it's the Splatfests. These monthly events bring people together to fight over what they feel is the best choice for a topic, and it helps give the game longevity.

While Splatoon, based solely on its sales, if not this latest leak, seems destined for the Switch 2, there are many other questions about what the next Nintendo console will bring. Leaks from Midori and others indicate that other entries in series like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Mario Party, and more may already be in development for the new system. Only time will tell which of these leaks prove to be accurate.

Sources: Midori/X, Nintendo