In a surprising, yet very Nintendo fashion, Nintendo has announced Splatoon Raiders via their new Nintendo Today! app. Since its release, we have seen more significant content being announced on the platform, but this is by far the biggest.
Splatoon Raiders is a fresh spin-off title launching exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. A significant update for Splatoon 3 was announced and is set to release on June 12, 2025. This dual announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Switch 2 with one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises finally making its mark.
Splatoon Raiders: A Fresh Spin for Nintendo Switch 2
Splatoon Raiders represents a bold new direction for the Splatoon series, designed to harness the Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware. This spin-off is seemingly a narrative-driven adventure that diverges from the competitive multiplayer focus of previous titles. This could be an exceptional gateway for non-competitive players to immerse themselves in the vibrant, post-apocalyptic universe of Splatoon, offering a fresh and engaging entry point into its dynamic world.
The game centers around a mysterious mechanic character, embarking on a journey with the Deep Cut trio to the uncharted Spirhalite Islands. While specific details about gameplay remain under wraps, I can’t shake the feeling that this may be a survival game, although that is just my speculation. Regardless of its eventual genre, the anticipation for a fresh take on the Splatoon universe is extremely high.
Splatoon 3 10.0.0 Update: Free Upgrade and Major Fresh Content
Splatoon 3 10.0.0 is a comprehensive update that prepares the game for the Switch 2 and enriches the experience for all players. This free upgrade includes significant visual and performance improvements, ensuring that the game runs smoothly with heightened detail on the new console.
The addition of 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands introduces a wealth of strategic options, catering to both veteran players and newcomers. We will also see the nostalgic return of “Urchin Underpass,” a beloved map from the original Splatoon. Furthermore, a new stat tracking option enhances the competitive aspect, offering deeper insights into your performance with each weapon.
If you were worried about the separation between the 2 console bases, you will still be able to seamlessly play with Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2 users, thus maintaining the game’s vibrant community across generations.
Final Thoughts
The early arrival of Splatoon Raiders on the Nintendo Switch 2’s lifecycle is thrilling for fans of the franchise. It signals Nintendo‘s intent to establish a strong presence for the new console with a beloved series, ensuring that players can dive into fresh Splatoon content out of the gate. This move is huge for regions like Japan, where Splatoon dominates, but it also reinforces the franchise’s role as a cornerstone of Nintendo‘s catalog. With the reveal of Splatoon Raiders and the Splatoon 3 10.0.0, the franchise is setting up an exciting new chapter for both new and returning players.
