Splatoon 3 Version 9.3.0 Update: Weapon Adjustments, Splatfest Tweaks, and Bug Fixes Arrive on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has officially deployed the first major Splatoon 3 update of 2025, bringing the game to Version 9.3.0 on the Nintendo Switch.

This latest patch, released on March 13, 2025, continues Nintendo’s regular commitment to iterative adjustments, striking a balance between competitive integrity and accessible, enjoyable gameplay for the Splatoon community.

The new update follows the previous Version 9.2.0, which was released in November 2024 and featured notable changes to amiibo integration and numerous bug fixes. Version 9.3.0 arrives with a comprehensive suite of weapon adjustments, targeted Splatfest alterations, and a host of bug fixes, all detailed in Nintendo’s official support documentation.

According to Nintendo, these changes result from an ongoing, data-driven analysis of in-game battles and player performance trends. Key Weapon Balancing and Gameplay Changes The Version 9.3.0 update introduces balancing tweaks to several primary and special weapons, aiming to improve the overall multiplayer experience: - **Main weapon enhancements:** The Sploosh-o-matic, Splattershot Jr., Aerospray MG, and Dapple Dualies families now enjoy a 3% increase in shot speed and greater flight distance.

Weapons like the N-ZAP ‘85 and Splattershot Nova benefit from reduced shot scatter and faster firing movement. - **Splatlings and Dualies:** Mini and Heavy Splatling variants require less charge time and feature longer firing durations.

Splat Dualies and Enperry Splat Dualies see expanded collision detection, improving their hit reliability. - **Special weapons:** Adjustments include a powerful explosion buff for the Ultra Stamp, a wider inking radius for Triple Splashdown, and Trizooka’s damage being revised to make it easier to counter, especially for players taking evasive action. - **Weapon point requirements:** Scoring requirements for certain specials have been rebalanced, with some weapons now requiring fewer points to activate, while others have increased thresholds. Splatfest and Stage Updates Splatfests, Splatoon 3’s signature in-game events, also see meaningful tweaks to enhance fairness in Tricolor Turf War.

Key maps such as Eeltail Alley, Hammerhead Bridge, and Bluefin Depot feature modified terrain, adjusted spawn points, and newly added obstacles to address imbalances evident in previous data.

These changes aim to provide opportunities for both attacking and defending teams to perform more competitively during these limited-time events. Nintendo’s development team elaborates that these refinements reflect "long-term analysis of battle data," striving to bolster weapon traits and mitigate persistent weaknesses.

As a result, shot distances for some underperforming weapons have been extended, while the effectiveness of certain long-range options like the Snipewriter 5H and Decavitator lines have been slightly reduced to offer players wielding shorter-range weapons better counterplay opportunities. Bug Fixes and Quality-of-Life Improvements Addressing persistent bugs, the patch corrects several issues tied to player controls and multiplayer interactions.

Notable fixes include the elimination of unintended armor protection during Super Jump landings, more consistent visual and functional behavior for weapons like the Luna Blaster and Bloblobber in online matches, and the resolution of certain map exploits in stages such as Bluefin Depot and Lemuria Hub.

These fixes aim to enhance fairness and stability, directly impacting player satisfaction. What’s Next for Splatoon 3 Nintendo confirms that future updates will focus further on balancing, with ongoing refinements grounded in "long-term analysis of battle data." This steady commitment showcases the developer’s dedication to maintaining a thriving, competitive ecosystem across Splatoon 3’s global player base. Splatoon 3 continues to be a flagship multiplayer title for the Nintendo Switch, consistently supported with free updates since its original release.

Players eager to experience the latest changes can download Version 9.3.0 now via the Nintendo eShop or through automatic update prompts on their console.

Full official patch notes and details are available via Nintendo’s online support portal.

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