The much-awaited Shibarium blockchain is all set to release its beta version for the layer 2 network this week, Shiba Inu developers said early on Wednesday.

A beta testnet is a blockchain that mimics real-world functioning. Layer 2 refers to a set of off-chain solutions (separate blockchains) built on top of layer 1s that reduce bottlenecks with scaling and data.

These bundle multiple off-chain transactions into a single layer 1 transaction, which helps reduce the data load and fees.

As CoinDesk previously reported, Shiba Inu developers said Shibarium would have a focus on metaverse and gaming applications especially as the NFT sector is expected to heat up in the coming years, apart from Shibarium’s use as a cheap settlement for decentralized applications (dapps) built on the network.

The launch could contribute to strong fundamentals for shiba inu, formed in the previous bull market as a Shiba Inu-themed meme coin that has since tried to position itself as a serious project with its own blockchain network and dApp ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Shiba Inu ecosystem tokens jumped on Wednesday following the confirmation of the beta version launch.

CoinGecko data shows bone (BONE) jumped as much as 8.8%, while leash (LEASH) rose 4.4% in the past 24 hours, with much of the gains coming in the early hours of Wednesday. Both these tokens will feature extensively in the Shibarium ecosystem.

Shiba Inu’s native shib (SHIB) tokens fell 3.3% however, paring gains from an initial price bump at time of writing.


All writers’ opinions are their own and do not constitute financial advice in any way whatsoever. Nothing published by CoinDesk constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or Content published by CoinDesk be relied upon for any investment activities. CoinDesk strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualified investment professional before making any financial decisions.

Recommended content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Price Forecast: DOGE and SHIB show early signs of a bullish breakout

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu Price Forecast: DOGE and SHIB show early signs of a bullish breakout

Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) show early signs of a potential rally as both meme coins stabilize at key support levels. On-chain metrics for dog-themed meme coins show positive funding rates and dormant activity, reinforcing bullish sentiment. The technical outlook also supports the case for double-digit gains.

Top 3 Price Prediction: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple: BTC inches toward all-time high, ETH and XRP defend key support levels

Top 3 Price Prediction: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple: BTC inches toward all-time high, ETH and XRP defend key support levels

Bitcoin (BTC) price stabilizes at around $106,400 at the time of writing on Wednesday, just 3% shy of its record peak. Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) hold strong above their key support levels. 

US lawmakers question SEC Chair Atkins over President Trump's meme coin ties with Justin Sun

US lawmakers question SEC Chair Atkins over President Trump's meme coin ties with Justin Sun

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins sat with House of Representatives members at Tuesday's House Appropriations Committee hearing to discuss the agency's stance on President Donald Trump's affiliated meme coin launches and the Trump family ties with Justin Sun.

Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH holds steady at $2,500 despite increasing selling pressure

Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH holds steady at $2,500 despite increasing selling pressure

Ethereum (ETH) held steady above $2,500 on Tuesday despite investors stepping up their selling pressure with high profit-taking and loss realization activity. Ethereum saw another round of rising selling activity on Tuesday, following a decline across the Mean Coin Age metric of short-term holders (STHs) and long-term holders (LTHs).

Bitcoin: BTC stabilizes near $103,000 amid trade optimism, rising institutional demand

Bitcoin: BTC stabilizes near $103,000 amid trade optimism, rising institutional demand

Bitcoin (BTC) price stabilizes at around $103,000 when writing on Friday, after facing multiple rejections at the key $105,000 resistance level throughout the week.

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.

BTC

ETH

XRP