Splatoon 2 Soundtrack Update: Nintendo Removes Hidden Tracks from Music App

Nintendo has adjusted the availability of certain Splatoon 2 soundtrack selections on the Nintendo Music app this week, following the unexpected appearance of several previously unreleased tracks.

Splatoon 2, the acclaimed ink-based shooter for Nintendo Switch, is well-known for its energetic music and robust soundtrack, which has become a fan favorite since its initial release in July 2017. Earlier this week, fans noticed a surprise influx of Splatoon 2 music in the Nintendo Music app, including a handful of tracks that were not previously part of standard playlists.

These included notable pieces such as 'A Brighter Future Awaits! (Grizzco recruitment video)', 'January 2017 trailer', 'Bonus Track (After Octo)', 'Splatocalypse (Final Splatfest Trailer)', and 'Inkopolis Memorial Mixtape.' According to community tracker OatmealDome, these specific tracks were initially exclusive to the Japanese edition of the official soundtrack CD and were not intended for release on international streaming platforms. These 'hidden' tracks could only be located using the search function in the Nintendo Music app and did not appear in the standard 'All Tracks' playlist.

However, users quickly realized their brief availability and shared news of the inadvertent addition across social media platforms. Shortly after their discovery, Nintendo removed the five tracks from the app, confirming the change in a notice posted within the Music app's 'Notices' tab.

Paraphrasing Nintendo's message, the company explained that some Splatoon 2 tracks not scheduled for official release became temporarily accessible via search.

Nintendo stated that these tracks have now been disabled and thanked users for their understanding regarding the update. Interestingly, a technical quirk has allowed some fans to retain access to the removed music if they had previously added the tracks to their own playlists and downloaded them.

This behavior appears to be an unintended consequence of the app's design rather than an official feature for continued access. At present, there has been no indication from Nintendo as to whether these unique Splatoon 2 tracks—originally exclusive to the Japanese soundtrack—will see an official release on digital platforms or return to the Music app.

The careful phrasing in Nintendo's notice, referring to tracks "not scheduled to be released," leaves open the possibility of future availability.

For now, fans can continue to enjoy the broad selection of Splatoon 2 music, alongside the game's enduring legacy on the Nintendo Switch, through the Nintendo Music app and official soundtrack releases. Splatoon 2 continues to be one of Nintendo's most successful multiplayer titles on Switch, praised for its vibrant world, innovative gameplay, and memorable music.

As always, updates to the game's digital content are closely watched by fans and the broader gaming community.

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