Nintendo has officially unveiled Splatoon Raiders, marking the first-ever spinoff in the Splatoon franchise, and it will be exclusive to the new Nintendo Switch 2 console.
A New Adventure in Spirhalite Islands
The game casts players in the role of a mechanic who crash-lands on the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands alongside the familiar faces of the Deep Cut trio—Frye, Shiver, and Big Man. The teaser trailer shows the group exploring diverse island environments, hinting at survival-style gameplay that may involve gathering resources, fishing, and constructing a base.
A Shift from Multiplayer to Single-Player Exploration
While Splatoon’s core titles are known for their fast-paced multiplayer Turf Wars, Splatoon Raiders appears to take a different path—centered on solo adventure. Though Nintendo hasn’t provided in-depth gameplay details or a release date, the game’s survival and exploration tone is clear.
Continued Support for Splatoon 3
Nintendo also announced a sizable update for Splatoon 3 arriving on June 12. This version 10.0 update introduces 30 new weapons from the Barazushi and Emberz brands, and brings back the fan-favorite Urchin Underpass stage from the original game. The patch will benefit both original Switch and Switch 2 players, offering enhanced visuals and smoother performance on the newer hardware. Cross-platform play between systems will continue.
Why It Matters
This launch signals Nintendo’s expansion of the Splatoon universe beyond its competitive roots. While preserving the vibrant ink-filled world fans love, Splatoon Raiders offers a fresh, narrative-driven experience exclusive to the more powerful and capable Switch 2 system.
Nintendo’s official announcement can be found here on the Splatoon website, offering a first look at the game and what’s to come for fans of the franchise.
