Nintendo has dropped a surprise announcement Splatoon Raiders, the franchise’s inaugural spinoff, is under development exclusively for the freshly launched Nintendo Switch 2 .
A short teaser showcases a mechanic played by the user crash‑landing on the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside the beloved Deep Cut trio (Frye, Shiver, and Big Man). The trailer hints at survival‑style gameplay: island exploration, resource gathering, and even base‑building, diverging significantly from the series’ traditional turf‑war multiplayer.
Nintendo’s announcement suggests Splatoon Raiders is primarily a single-player experience, offering a fresh narrative amidst the ink‑splattered lands known from previous titles. Designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, the game is anticipated to deliver more immersive environments and significantly improved visuals, although specific details have yet to be revealed. No release window has been provided.
Nintendo has also announced a free update for Splatoon 3, which will be available on June 12 for the Nintendo Switch and the future Switch 2 in addition to the spinoff announcement. Key inclusions:
- 30 new weapon kits, part of the “Splatlands” collection from Barazushi and Emberz brands
- Return of the fan-favorite Urchin Underpass map from the Wii U era
- Enhanced freshness caps, new in‑game Badges, and a Series Weapon Power stat to improve matchmaking
- On the Switch 2, players can expect enhanced visuals and smoother performance in areas such as Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds, all while enjoying seamless cross-play functionality.
Game Informer’s Wesley LeBlanc notes it’s “the first game announced for Switch 2 since the console’s debut,” highlighting its exploratory focus and mystery-driven plot. On Reddit, enthusiasm is palpable:
“Splatoon raiders really looks like raft in my opinion… interesting take on the franchise!”
Others echo the sentiment: fans anticipate gathering resources, crafting upgrades, and forging a base reminiscent of survival gameplay with classic Splatoon flair.
- What’s exciting: For the first time, Splatoon breaks from its competitive multiplayer roots, delivering a solo adventure with deeper gameplay mechanics.
- What’s uncertain: Release timeline, story depth, mechanics, and how Switch 2 hardware will amplify the experience remain unknown.
- What to mark on your calendar:
- Splatoon 3 update June 12
- Splatoon Raiders (release TBD)
Nintendo’s move hot on the heels of the Switch 2 launch (June 5) signals a new era: more diverse gaming experiences, a revitalized direct-to-player communication strategy, and a deeper integration of franchise worlds.
