Will There Be a Splatoon 4? Yes — Development Status, Evidence & Release Window
Will There Be a Splatoon 4? The Short Answer
Yes. Every credible signal says the next mainline Splatoon game is already in development. Nintendo has not put out a formal reveal with a logo or a trailer yet, but the series is one of the company's most reliable sellers, and reporting from major outlets points to the next entry being worked on right now.
The clearest piece of evidence came in July 2026, when Nintendo Life reported that Nintendo has "all but confirmed" Splatoon 4 is in development. That wording matters — it's the closest thing to an official confirmation we've had without a Nintendo Direct reveal.
Why We Know Splatoon 4 Is Coming
A few separate things make a fourth mainline Splatoon game near-certain:
- The series sells. Splatoon 3 (2022) moved over 10 million copies. Nintendo doesn't quietly retire a franchise that performs this consistently.
- Splatoon Raiders paved the way. The July 23, 2026 Switch 2 exclusive spin-off kept the series in the spotlight and primed the audience for the next mainline title.
- Nintendo Life's July 2026 report. The outlet said Nintendo has all but confirmed the game is in development — the strongest public signal to date.
- No series-ending statements. Nintendo has never suggested Splatoon 3 was the end of the mainline series.
What's the Release Window?
The honest answer is that no one outside Nintendo knows. There is no announced Splatoon 4 release date yet. Community speculation centers on late 2026 or early 2027, and that timeline fits the series' pattern.
The gap between mainline games has been growing. Splatoon (2015) to Splatoon 2 (2017) was two years, then Splatoon 2 to Splatoon 3 (2022) was five. A late 2026 or 2027 window would land Splatoon 4 roughly four to five years after Splatoon 3, consistent with a bigger technical jump onto the Switch 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Splatoon 4 come out?
Nintendo has not announced a release date. Based on the July 2026 reporting and the series' release cadence, late 2026 to early 2027 is the most likely window, but nothing is confirmed until an official announcement.
Will Splatoon 4 be on Switch 2?
All signs point to yes. Splatoon Raiders already launched as a Switch 2 exclusive in July 2026, and Splatoon 4 is expected to follow as a Switch 2 title. Nintendo has not formally confirmed platform details.
Is Splatoon Raiders the same as Splatoon 4?
No. Splatoon Raiders is a separate spin-off. Splatoon 4 is the next mainline entry, still in development with no announced release date.
The Bottom Line
If you're asking "will there be a Splatoon 4," the answer is yes — it's a matter of when, not if. The July 2026 reporting on development, the Splatoon Raiders bridge title, and the series' sales history all point the same way. Bookmark this page and check back, because we update it whenever Nintendo makes an official statement.