Nintendo has lifted the ink-splattered curtain on Splatoon Raiders, a brand new single player spin-off title launching exclusively for the recently released Nintendo Switch 2. Announced via the Nintendo Today app, Splatoon Raiders signals a bold new direction for the colourful franchise focusing on exploration, survival, and mechanics over the familiar multiplayer chaos.

A New Frontier: Spirhalite Islands

Set in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands, Splatoon Raiders casts players as a gear-savvy Inkling who teams up with fan favourite trio Deep Cut Shiver, Frye, and Big Man for an off the grid adventure far removed from the urban energy of Splatsville. Details are still emerging, but early descriptions point to a game built around scavenging, crafting, and puzzle-solving, wrapped in Splatoon’s unmistakable aesthetic and lore-rich world.

Unlike the core series’ multiplayer focus, Raiders appears to be a narrative-driven experience, fleshing out characters and exploring the aftermath of Splatoon 3‘s Splatlands saga. While the title doesn’t yet have a firm release date, it’s confirmed to be in active development for Nintendo Switch 2 and is expected to leverage the console’s improved visuals and processing power for a smoother and more immersive experience.

Splatoon 3 Version 10.0.0 – A Massive Update

In tandem with the reveal of Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo also announced Splatoon 3 Version 10.0.0 its biggest update yet set to roll out on June 12. This update delivers a treasure trove of new content and key performance enhancements, particularly for players upgrading to the Switch 2.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new in Version 10.0.0:

• 30 New Weapons: The Splatlands Collection is growing with 30 new weapons featuring eye-catching designs from Splatoon’s fictional Barazushi and Emberz brands.
• Map Revival – Urchin Underpass: The fan favourite map from the original Splatoon makes a comeback with a fresh coat of ink and updated geometry to suit modern gameplay.
• Switch 2 Enhancements: Those playing on Nintendo Switch 2 will enjoy upgraded visuals, improved frame rates, and enhanced load times.
• Cross-Platform Play: Nintendo confirms cross-platform matchmaking between original Switch and Switch 2 users, ensuring the player base remains unified across both consoles.

A New Era for Splatoon

The reveal of Splatoon Raiders marks a notable evolution for the series. It’s the first major Splatoon project since Splatoon 3 launched in 2022, and it looks to expand the brand into new genres while remaining rooted in the ink-soaked charm that made it a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Splatoon 3‘s continued support with major content drops keeps its competitive scene alive and well.

With Splatoon Raiders and the Switch 2 now officially in players’ hands, Nintendo seems poised to ink a bold new chapter in the franchise’s history.

---

Are you ready to raid the Spirhalite Islands or dive back into the splattlefield? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments below.