Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSplatoon 3 is a strong choice if you want a colorful Nintendo Switch shooter with competitive multiplayer, a single-player campaign, and cooperative play. Reviews were favorable overall, but not unanimous: GameSpot scored it 7/10, while its page displays a Metacritic score of 83. The main reservation for returning players is that the sequel’s refinements and extra content may not feel like a major leap from Splatoon 2.
What do Splatoon 3 reviews say?
Critics praised the campaign and improvements to the series, while some questioned how much the game changes the online experience for returning players. GameSpot’s review page gives the game 7/10 and displays a Metacritic score of 83. Metacritic’s Nintendo Switch page lists 115 critic reviews. These are figures reported by those pages, not sales, player-count, or player-satisfaction statistics.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch [New Video Game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VL+lL0kCL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch [New Video Game] | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Nintendo Splatoon 3 Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zHPKJCuyL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo Splatoon 3 Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Splatoon™ Raiders | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The review range is useful context: a newcomer can find a varied package in the multiplayer, campaign, and co-op, while a Splatoon veteran may focus on whether the sequel adds enough to justify another entry. Metacritic’s excerpts include praise for clever, varied solo levels and the campaign’s refinements, alongside criticism that online play remains much the same and that the sequel adds little of significance.
Splatoon 3 launched for Nintendo Switch on September 9, 2022. GameSpot’s Splatoon 3 review page identifies its review score and displays the Metacritic figure; Metacritic’s Nintendo Switch page provides the critic-review count and range of views.
#1 Best Overall
- Splatoon 3
- New Video Game
What kind of game is Splatoon 3?
Nintendo describes three central modes: four-versus-four multiplayer, a single-player campaign, and Salmon Run cooperative play. That mix is central to the game’s appeal: it is not only a competitive online shooter, and players who prefer solo or co-op modes have alternatives. Nintendo’s launch announcement outlines those modes.
- Multiplayer: Four-versus-four matches are the core competitive mode. Reviewers’ most relevant debate for returning players is how fresh the online experience feels compared with the previous game.
- Campaign: The solo story offers another way to play, and critics highlighted its level variety and refinements.
- Salmon Run: Cooperative play gives groups a team-based option alongside competitive matches.
Is Splatoon 3 still worth playing?
The answer depends on what you want from it. The original review scores describe the game at launch, not every later balance change. Nintendo Support lists version 11.3.0, released August 19, 2026, as applying to both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch; its notes include multiplayer weapon and balance changes. That means launch-era judgments about balance should not automatically be treated as a description of the current build. Nintendo’s version history gives the update details.
Rank #2
- Ink it up with a new entry in the Splatoon series
- Discover the Splatlands, a new sun-soaked region with trendsetting inhabitants
- Experiment with new styles for Inklings and Octolings
- 4v4 Turf Wars* are back, with new stages, new maneuvers, and new weapons
- Join Agent 3 in a fight against the unruly Octarians in story mode
- Consider it if you are new to the series: The combination of multiplayer, a campaign, and co-op gives you several ways into the game.
- Consider it if you mainly want a new solo campaign: Reviews specifically praised the campaign’s variety and improvements.
- Be more cautious if you already played Splatoon 2: The central criticism is that the online experience and overall sequel changes may not feel substantial enough for every returning player.
These recommendations reflect the published review range and official mode descriptions, not a measured survey of players. The available sources do not establish current matchmaking conditions or player population.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the Expansion Pass add more single-player content?
Yes. Nintendo says the paid Expansion Pass includes two waves: Inkopolis, available February 28, 2023, and Side Order, a new single-player campaign available February 22, 2024. The waves are only available as part of the Expansion Pass, not for individual purchase, according to Nintendo Support. Side Order is the relevant addition if you want more solo play; it is paid DLC, not part of the base game. See Nintendo’s Expansion Pass content details.
Rank #3
- Splat scores of enemies and hunt for treasure in a single-player focused action shooter
How does Splatoon 3 compare with Splatoon 2?
The clearest distinction in the reviews is not a simple claim that one game is better: it is whether the newer entry’s refinements, campaign, and added content matter enough to a returning player. Reviewers praised the solo campaign and refinements, but some felt the online play changed little or that the sequel lacked a significant addition. For a first-time player, the whole package matters more than the size of the jump from Splatoon 2; for a veteran, that jump is the key question.
Should you buy Splatoon 3?
If you are looking for a Nintendo Switch game that combines competitive multiplayer with campaign and co-op modes, the reviews support considering Splatoon 3. If you already own and enjoy Splatoon 2, weigh the sequel’s campaign and refinements against the criticism that its core online experience is not a major departure. Include the paid Expansion Pass in your decision only if you want its extra hub and Side Order campaign; it is not included in the base game.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
