Side Order is the paid DLC (part of Expansion Pass – $24.99 USD, or bundled with Splatoon 3 in some regions).
What it is:
A roguelite single-player campaign starring Agent 8 (from Octo Expansion) in a monochrome “Spire of Order” – a palette-swapped Inkopolis Square.
Features:
Reception:
Score: 6.5/10 – Worth it on sale, not essential.
If you want the hottest Splatoon 3 NSP update + DLC today:
Remember: The true “hot” experience — online battles, Splatfests, and locker visits — requires a clean Switch and official copy.
Would you like a version focused only on technical steps to update Splatoon 3 NSP with DLC (e.g., using DBI or TinWoo), or a general FAQ about the scene instead?
As of early 2026, Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch is generally considered the most refined and feature-complete entry in the series, though it has reached a point where it is viewed more as a polished iteration than a revolutionary leap. Core Review Summary
Reviewers from sites like Nintendo Switch Report via Metacritic highlight the following pros and cons:
Refined Gameplay: New movement mechanics like the Squid Roll and Squid Surge add a rewarding layer of skill to encounters.
Solo Content: The base campaign ("Return of the Mammalians") and the Side Order DLC are praised as series highs for their creative and deep challenges.
Netcode Issues: A persistent criticism even in 2026 is the reliance on peer-to-peer netcode, leading to frequent "communication errors" and matchmaking frustrations.
Incremental Progress: For veterans of Splatoon 2, the game can feel like a massive "Version 2.0" rather than a bold new chapter. Update & DLC Status
Major Updates: The game has received significant post-launch support. The latest Version 11.0.0 update (January 2026) adjusted swim-form hitboxes to make them more consistent with kid-form hitboxes, preventing players from being hit while hiding behind corners. splatoon 3 switch nsp update dlc hot
Expansion Pass: The paid DLC includes two waves: Inkopolis (returning hub area) and Side Order (a replayable single-player roguelike experience). Side Order takes roughly 4.5 hours to beat the main path and about 23 hours for 100% completion.
Switch 2 Enhancements: Recent patches (like version 10.0.0) have added exclusive graphical updates for players on the newer Switch hardware, enabling 4K at 60fps in docked mode and smoother movement in hubs like Splatsville. Purchasing Information
Base Game & DLC Bundle: Nintendo has released a physical package that includes the base game and Expansion Pass on a single cartridge, which often includes a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Digital Access: You can purchase the Expansion Pass directly through the Nintendo eShop to access all current DLC content immediately.
Note: The term "nsp" in your query typically refers to a file format used in unofficial or pirated contexts. It is recommended to use official Nintendo Support channels to ensure game stability and access to online multiplayer. Splatoon 3 - All Switch 2 UPDATES Revealed!
🔍 Understanding the Search Terms Splatoon 3 : The highly successful third-person shooter developed and published by Nintendo.
NSP: This stands for Nintendo Submission Package. It is a file format used by Nintendo for digital game packages on the Switch eShop. In the modding and homebrew community, NSP files are commonly associated with backups and pirated game installs.
Update & DLC: Refers to the regular balance patches released by Nintendo, as well as the paid Inkopolis & Side Order expansion pass. ⚠️ Important Risks & Warnings
Using or downloading unofficial NSP files, pirated DLC, or game updates from third-party websites outside of the official Nintendo eShop carries massive risks:
Console Banning: Nintendo actively detects modified consoles and unauthorized software. Connecting to Nintendo servers with pirated NSPs or hacked profiles frequently results in a permanent hardware ban.
Online Play Restriction: Because Splatoon 3 is heavily reliant on internet connectivity for its main multiplayer modes, getting banned essentially renders the game useless for standard competitive play.
Malware and Bricking: Unverified game files (NSPs) downloaded from the internet can contain malicious code capable of corrupting your Nintendo Switch's internal NAND memory, leading to a "bricked" and permanently broken console. 🦑 Legitimate Ways to Access Content
To ensure your console remains safe and your online profile active, always obtain your updates and expansions directly through official channels: 1. Game Updates
Nintendo continuously rolls out patches for Splatoon 3. To update legitimately without risk: Ensure your Switch is connected to the internet. Hover over the Splatoon 3 icon on your home menu. Press the + or - button on your controller. Select Software Update > Via the Internet. 2. DLC (Expansion Pass) Side Order is the paid DLC (part of
To play the official "Inkopolis" and "Side Order" expansions safely: Open the Nintendo eShop from your Switch home screen. Search for the official Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass.
After purchasing, the content will securely download and bind directly to your legitimate Nintendo account.
To help tailor future information, are you looking for help resolving errors when loading game mods, or
How to Access Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass Content - Nintendo Support
As of April 2026, Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch has reached Version 11.1.0
. This latest update continues a series of "meta-shaking" patches released early this year, bringing significant gameplay overhauls and technical improvements even years after the game's initial launch. Latest Updates & Major Changes (2026)
The recent updates have introduced mechanics that fundamentally change competitive play: Version 11.1.0 (March 19, 2026) Matchmaking Overhaul
: Changed X Battle matchmaking to pair players based on "projected" final X Power rather than current power, aiming to reduce skill disparities in low-population regions. Weapon Tuning : Massive buffs to various weapons, including a 25% shot speed increase Splattershot Nova and damage buffs for the Bloblobber Version 11.0.0 (January 29, 2026)
: A new mechanic where players gain a temporary visual aura and stat boost (speed and ink resistance) after consecutive splats. Visible Health Bars
: For the first time, approximate health bars appear over opponents for 3 seconds after they take damage. Stealth Jump Adjustments
: Notable changes were made to this popular gear ability to rebalance the competitive meta. Expansion Pass & DLC Content Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass
consists of two distinct waves of content, both of which are now fully released and integrated into the latest NSP/digital versions: Wave 2: Side Order : A single-player mode where players control Agent 8 to ascend the Spire of Order
. It features "Color Chips" for run-specific upgrades and permanent "Pearl" upgrades for replayability. Wave 1: Inkopolis
: Allows players to return to the original Inkopolis Plaza from the first Reception:
game, serving as a functional alternative hub world with its own shops and characters. Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in late 2025, Splatoon 3 received a dedicated Boost Patch Splatoon 3 – Expansion pass - Inkopolis & Side Order DLC
Splatoon 3 continues to evolve with substantial content updates and DLC expansions, keeping the ink-splatting community highly engaged. From major roguelite additions like Side Order to critical balance patches, here is everything you need to know about the latest "hot" updates for the game. Latest Game Version: 11.1.0
The most recent major update, Version 11.1.0, was released on March 18, 2026. This update focus heavily on weapon balancing and multiplayer refinements to maintain competitive fairness.
Weapon Buffs: The Splattershot Nova received a 25% increase in shot speed, while the Flingza Roller saw its damage fall-off rate adjusted to deal higher damage at further distances.
Ink Efficiency: Brushes like the Octobrush and Octobrush Nouveau now consume approximately 10% less ink when swinging.
Special Weapon Tweaks: The Ultra Stamp's high-damage explosion radius was decreased by 10%, while points required for specials were increased for several popular weapons like the Sploosh-o-matic and Splash-o-matic. The Expansion Pass: Side Order DLC
Released on February 22, 2024, the Side Order DLC (Wave 2 of the Expansion Pass) remains the "hottest" single-player content available for Splatoon 3.
Roguelite Gameplay: Players control Agent 8 as they ascend the Spire of Order, a tower where floors are randomly generated and difficulty increases with every level.
Customization through Color Chips: As you progress, you collect color chips to enhance your abilities, such as firing speed or damage output. If you fail a run, these chips are converted into Prlz, a currency used to buy permanent upgrades.
New Hub: Completing the DLC unlocks Inkopolis Square as a visitable hub world. Legacy Updates: Sizzle Season & Version 8.0.0
For players catching up on updates from the 2024–2025 cycle, Version 8.0.0 was a landmark release that introduced Sizzle Season 2024.
What’s hot in the community now:
Online population (2026):
Lower than 2024, but you can find Turf War matches in 30–60 seconds during peak hours. Ranked (Anarchy) is slower – wait times 2–5 minutes.
Splatoon 3 continues to be one of Nintendo’s flagship online shooters, and for users in the console modification and backup scene, staying up to date with the latest NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) releases, updates, and DLC is essential.
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