Nintendo has officially unveiled Splatoon Raiders, marking the first-ever spinoff in the beloved Splatoon series, exclusively for the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. This exciting announcement comes just days after the Switch 2's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the popular open-world racer Mario Kart World, signaling a fresh chapter for fans of Nintendo's ink-shooting franchise.
Set in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands, Splatoon Raiders invites players to step into the shoes of a mechanic embarking on an adventurous journey alongside the splat-tacular Deep Cut trio—Frye, Shiver, and Big Man. The trio, familiar to fans from Splatoon 3, will accompany players as they explore this enigmatic archipelago. The debut trailer showcases a helicopter crash-landing on the remote island, with scenes of exploration, fishing, and the usual ink-splattering antics, hinting at a survival-style gameplay where building bases and scavenging for food and supplies might be key components.
While Nintendo has yet to announce an official release date for Splatoon Raiders, the spinoff's announcement was made via Nintendo's Today app, a platform dedicated to delivering the latest news and updates on the company's gaming portfolio. This approach underscores Nintendo's commitment to engaging directly with its community and providing timely information.
In tandem with the Splatoon Raiders reveal, Nintendo also announced a significant free update for Splatoon 3, scheduled to launch on June 12, 2025. This update, version 10.0.0, brings a wealth of new content and enhancements to both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2, ensuring a seamless experience across generations.
The update introduces the Splatlands Collection, a fresh arsenal featuring 30 new weapon kits derived from the Barazushi and Emberz brands. These weapons are reimagined versions of classic armaments, boasting updated aesthetics alongside distinct sub-weapons and special abilities. Players can look forward to experimenting with these new kits, enhancing their tactical options in the vibrant battles that define the Splatoon experience.
Adding a nostalgic touch, the update reintroduces Urchin Underpass, a fan-favorite stage from the original Splatoon game on Wii U, expanding the rotation and bringing classic map design back into the competitive fray. This move not only celebrates the series' roots but also enriches the gameplay variety for veterans and newcomers alike.
Nintendo is also raising the weapon Freshness caps, allowing players to push their gear further and unlock additional perks. Alongside this, new in-game Badges will be available, providing fresh goals and achievements for the community to strive toward.
A notable addition is the new Series Weapon Power stat for Anarchy Battle (Series) mode. This innovative metric tracks a player's effectiveness with each weapon based on their win-loss ratio, enabling the matchmaking system to pair players with opponents of similar skill levels. This thoughtful feature encourages experimentation with new weapons without the fear of being at a disadvantage, fostering a more balanced and engaging competitive environment.
Performance and visual enhancements are a key highlight for Switch 2 owners. The update promises more detailed visuals and smoother appearances in iconic locations such as Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds. These improvements leverage the Switch 2's advanced hardware capabilities to deliver a richer, more immersive gaming experience.
Crucially, Nintendo has confirmed cross-generation compatibility for Splatoon 3, allowing players on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 to compete and cooperate seamlessly. This inclusive approach ensures that the player base remains unified, maintaining the vibrant community that has been a hallmark of the series.
Splatoon 3, initially released in 2022, has been praised for its engaging multiplayer and colorful world, with Eurogamer noting it as "the best Nintendo's spectacular series has been to date." The new update and upcoming spinoff promise to build on this solid foundation, expanding the universe and offering fresh ways to enjoy the ink-splatting action.
Meanwhile, the Switch 2 itself has been well received since its launch, with reviewers like Donlan expressing enthusiasm: "I love this console a little bit. I'm glad it's here." The arrival of Splatoon Raiders and the Splatoon 3 update shortly after the console's debut highlights Nintendo's strategic rollout of content to keep players engaged.
As the Splatoon community eagerly awaits further details and the eventual release date for Splatoon Raiders, the June 12 update for Splatoon 3 stands as an immediate treat, promising new weapons, stages, and gameplay enhancements that will invigorate battles across both Switch platforms.
With these announcements, Nintendo is clearly doubling down on the Splatoon franchise, blending nostalgia, innovation, and cross-platform connectivity to deliver an exciting future for ink-shooting enthusiasts worldwide.
