Switch 2 Gives Splatoon 3 a Fantastic Fresh Look

Splatoon 3 has already showcased phenomenal graphics on the original Nintendo Switch, exceeding expectations regarding the console's hardware capabilities. The vibrant, paint-filled visual style was bright and appealing, while the chaotic battles demonstrated how well the Switch could run optimized software. What was particularly impressive was that Splatoon 3 has been consistently updated since its release in 2022, adding new clothing, weapons, maps, and DLC. The game felt perfect on the original Switch, and a continuation seemed like a logical step ahead of the Switch 2's launch. However, an unexpected update made it smoother and more modern on the new console. Although the improvements were not dramatic, they allowed Splatoon 3 to feel like a strong contender compared to other games, such as Fortnite. The maximum frame rate during battles has always been 60fps, but after the update, this high frame rate became noticeable in most locations where players control their Inklings. Previously, places like Splatsville, Inkopolis, or Grand Festival Grounds didn't look bad, but character animations and environmental movements remained a bit stiff due to the original Switch's limitations. After the update for Switch 2, which also increased the game's resolution, everything in Inkopolis moved more smoothly and vibrantly. The movements of the Inklings and their idle positions became more graceful, allowing for a closer look at the players' avatars. While the character models remained similar, new details were visible in the stylish clothing and light reflections on the skin. Enhanced NPC detail in the lobby—an important part of the gameplay in Splatoon, as most characters are avatars of other players—showcases community support and player dedication. It was nice to see many high-quality characters sharing the experience of the update. It was also noticeable that the Switch 2 has more power—the game loads faster before matches. During battles, smoother animations of background elements, such as spectator jellyfish, can be observed. Nintendo likely did not make drastic changes to the combat mechanics to avoid creating unfair conditions for players on the original Switch, so some background elements were removed for optimization. Even in Salmon Run mode, when crowds of enemies attack, the animations became much smoother, making it easier to navigate the chaos of battle. While team coordination remains challenging, such issues may be addressed in future games with voice chat communication on Switch 2. The update added new weapon options—this is a hallmark of Splatoon that allows players to use their favorite tools in new ways and experiment with play styles. For longtime fans, this is a reminder of how fun it is to play Splatoon 3. At the same time, Nintendo aims to attract more players ahead of the launch of Splatoon Raiders. Although there is no new game for Switch 2 yet, it is nice to see that the company supports all versions of the Switch, making the game better for everyone.