Splatoon 3 Receives Separate PEGI Rating for Nintendo Switch 2 Ahead of Visual Upgrade

Nintendo continues to invest in its blockbuster shooter franchise as Splatoon 3 earns a separate age classification on the PEGI website for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

This update comes as Nintendo ramps up preparations for the next generation of its fan-favorite platform, keeping Splatoon 3 relevant well beyond its initial 2022 launch on Nintendo Switch. Splatoon 3, developed and published by Nintendo, solidified its place as one of the Nintendo Switch’s most popular online multiplayer titles, blending colorful turf wars with highly competitive team-based mechanics.

The game originally released in September 2022 and quickly surpassed 10 million global sales within its first three months.

Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware on the horizon, new PEGI ratings suggest that Splatoon 3 is set to reach an even broader audience with upgraded technical capabilities. Earlier in 2024, Nintendo released a substantive update for Splatoon 3, specifically aimed at enhancing the gameplay experience for Nintendo Switch 2 users.

The patch introduced sharper visuals and a smoother frame rate, making bustling hub areas such as Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds noticeably more vibrant and responsive.

In its summary of the update, Nintendo stated that these improvements "advance both the look and playability of Splatoon 3 on next-generation hardware," highlighting a commitment to maximizing the title's performance. This development mirrors recent activity around Pikmin 3, another key Nintendo property, which also received its own PEGI entry for Nintendo Switch 2.

These ratings serve as clear indicators that Nintendo is positioning its first-party catalog for a seamless transition to the next hardware cycle, prioritizing both tech upgrades and regulatory compliance. Looking ahead, the Splatoon franchise is set for further expansion.

At a June 2024 Nintendo Direct, the company officially announced Splatoon Raiders for Nintendo Switch 2, promising fans new gameplay experiences in 2026.

Since the initial reveal, Nintendo has been relatively quiet about additional details, but the dedicated community remains highly engaged. The recent series of updates—both technical and administrative—underscores Nintendo’s strategy of evolving its hottest IPs to leverage new hardware capabilities.

While players have already received a free visual and performance update for Splatoon 3 on Nintendo Switch 2 platforms, the separate PEGI rating hints at a potential distinct edition optimized for next-generation systems arriving in the near future. As Nintendo continues to support its franchises across hardware generations, fans can look forward to a deeper, more immersive Splatoon 3 experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, along with future content and innovations yet to be announced.