Switch eShop Round-Up: Splatoon 3 Date, New Sales, and 11 Releases Worth Scanning

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Nintendo's Switch had a busy April 22, 2022. Splatoon 3 locked in a global release date for September 9, three Genesis games joined the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and the eShop saw a slate of new releases ranging from cheap pixel-art platformers to a $19.99 Korean folktale-inspired Metroidvania. There were also sales worth flagging.

Key facts

• Splatoon 3 launches worldwide on September 9 for Nintendo Switch.
• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion is free to Expansion Pack subscribers right now.
• Three Genesis games joined the Expansion Pack: Space Harrier II, Shining Force II, Sonic Spinball.
• The eShop saw new releases including Bit Orchard, The Wizard Mike, Castle Formers, and more.
• Sales and expiring discounts were also listed.

Splatoon 3 lands in September

Splatoon 3 launches on September 9 worldwide for Switch. With Xenoblade Chronicles 3 moving into the July-to-September window, the Splatoon slot opened up, and Nintendo slotted the ink shooter in.

Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can download Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion right now at no extra cost. The trailer also showed off new weapons, new maps, and what appears to be a new Salmon Run mode variant.

Three Genesis games hit the service

Three new Genesis games have been added to the Expansion Pack: Space Harrier II, Shining Force II, and Sonic Spinball. All three are first-time SEGA titles on the service.

These additions mark a rare multi-game drop for the SEGA catalog, which has seen sporadic, single-title additions to the service.

New eShop releases worth scanning

• Bit Orchard: Animal Valley ($6.99) – A simple Game Boy-style life sim.
• The Wizard Mike ($6.99) – A puzzle game about directing a wizard's magic to eliminate enemies through indirect chain reactions.
• Castle Formers ($4.99) – A platform and castle defense hybrid with day-and-night cycles.
• My Brother Ate My Pudding! ($4.99) – A hide-and-seek style puzzle game for fans of Hidden My Game By Mom.
• Pixel Game Maker Series Messiah End Refrain ($4.99) – A short action-platformer with exploration elements.
• 8 Doors: Arum's Adventure After Death ($19.99) – A Korean folktale-inspired game with Metroidvania leanings.
• Racing Derby: Xtreme Driver ($9.99) – A demolition-derby racer with arenas and a monster truck.
• Ludo Game: Just Relax! ($4.99) – A single-player Ludo variant.
• Space Genesis ($14.99) – A top-down shooter from TROOOZE.
• Chickens on the Go ($0.99) – A simple truck-and-chickens arcade game.
• Shoots ($4.99) – A Galaga-inspired shooter.

Who should care

Our analysis

The Splatoon 3 September date is the headline, but the real story for service subscribers is the Octo Expansion freebie. It's a low-cost retention move—give players a taste of the franchise ahead of the sequel.

For new releases, the value picture is uneven. Castle Formers delivers genre-mixing depth at $4.99, while 8 Doors asks $19.99 for a shorter, level-based experience. At that price, it competes with established Metroidvanias, which may limit its audience. Racing Derby and Space Genesis both feel overpriced relative to comparable eShop alternatives.

The Genesis additions are notable for being a triple-drop rather than the usual single title. Whether this signals a more aggressive SEGA rotation or a one-time event remains unclear—but subscribers with broad retro tastes win either way.

The takeaway: Expansion Pack subscribers should prioritize the free Octo Expansion and Shining Force II. Full-price buyers should target Castle Formers for budget depth and consider waiting for a sale on 8 Doors.

What to watch next

Watch for Splatoon 3 pre-load details closer to September. Also keep an eye on whether the Expansion Pack maintains this three-per-drop rhythm for SEGA titles—if so, the catalog could become genuinely compelling for retro fans over the next year.