The Nintendo Switch-exclusive 3D fighting game ARMS has received its first update since 2018. ARMS was one of the Nintendo Switch's early success stories, a new IP that became a top-seller for the platform as fans were still questioning if the handheld device was just another Wii U. Yet after that surge of post-launch success, Nintendo has left ARMS to flounder in most regards. The lack of an update for over four years should make that clear.
The last update for ARMS, version 5.4.0, was delivered by Nintendo in September 2018. The update included balance adjustments for nearly the entire roster, as well as support for the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. The last content update for ARMS was delivered December 21, 2017, and included Dr. Coyle as a new fighter, as well as the Lokjaw, Parabola, and Brrchuk ARMs. The lack of updates since has led to ARMS fading into memory.
ARMS' latest update is, unfortunately, nothing substantial enough to reinvigorate its playerbase. The only note that Nintendo has to share about the update is that it addresses several issues to "improve the gameplay experience." Perhaps ARMS fans will be able to notice any material changes to the game, or a dataminer can investigate for less obvious changes. More likely than not, however, ARMS players may not notice a single change to the game.
What makes the update schedule for ARMS so odd is that, prior to September 2018, Nintendo aggressively supported the game. In 2017, Nintendo issued nearly 10 substantial updates for ARMS, many with robust content additions. While content updates ended in 2017, even through 2018 Nintendo delivered multiple robust balance updates. With ARMS even being given a character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with "The Ramen Bomber" Min Min added as DLC in Fighters Pass Vol. 2, something may have gone wrong.
Nintendo has spent the Switch generation figuring out how to do post-launch support for many of its games. ARMS was a part of that initial wave. Nintendo released five different characters as DLC and while it's unclear how successful the DLC was, Nintendo's decision not to release more could be indicative of disappointing adoption, but that's just speculation at this time.
It's difficult not to see today's update for ARMS as anything more than ensuring the game continues to work and run well on Switch. It's highly unlikely that it's indicative of any further support, considering how long it has been since the last patch. ARMS' initial sales were strong, though, so some hope for future ARMS releases remains. Fans probably shouldn't hold their breath, though.
ARMS is available now on Switch.
Source: Nintendo