Some Splatoon 3 players using modified versions of the long-awaited upcoming Nintendo title are facing console and NSO bans. The colorful and fast-paced third-person shooter Splatoon has quickly become a beloved Nintendo franchise. However, Splatoon 2 had some frustrating problems fans are hoping the upcoming title will fix.The Inklings and Octolings in Splatoon 3's post-apocalyptic world will participate in Turf War with a variety of new mechanics and maps. Unlike other popular multiplayer shooters, the most popular mode of Splatoon involves shooting ink that paints the map, with the team who paints the most taking the win. That along with the quirky character design has attracted a relatively large playerbase. Splatoon 3 is set to make some serious improvements to its multiplayer modes, and is set to be one of the strongest multiplayer titles available on Nintendo Switch, so much so that a free Nintendo Switch Online trial came with Splatoon 3's demo.As reported by Nintendo Life, some players attempting to enter Splatoon 3's testing range early are receiving bans from Nintendo. Twitter user OatmealDome posted that Nintendo is issuing console bans and possible bans from Nintendo Switch Online to any players attempting to play modified versions of Splatoon 3. OatmealDome also notes that Splatoon 2's anti-cheat was also able to detect similar patches, so they are "Not sure why people thought this was OK to try".
Nintendo Has Banned Splatoon 3 Cheaters Before Its Release
A complete ban from Nintendo Switch Online is a serious punishment, as the subscription is the only way players have access to multiplayer on Nintendo Switch titles. It's not noted how widespread the cheating issue is, or if total Nintendo Switch Online bans are being received by players, however. The Splatoon 3 demo is available as of August 27, so players using cheats to access Turf War didn't have very long to be patient.
While news of players already finding ways to cheat in Splatoon 3 might come as discouraging news, Nintendo's response is pretty emphatic. NSO bans can be highly disruptive to cheaters, and while hopping into the testing area early may seem like a minor offense, it should provide encouragement that Nintendo will be equally prompt when it comes to graver cheats. Hopefully, cheats won't be too much of an issue after the full release. Splatoon 3 officially launches on September 9, and a special edition Splatoon Nintendo Switch is currently available as well.
Sources: Nintendo Life, OatmealDome