Nintendo Dives Deeper with Splatoon Raiders – A Fresh Ink-splashed Adventure Begins!
Hold onto your ink tanks, because Nintendo just flipped the script on everything we thought we knew about Splatoon. On June 10, 2025, in a surprise announcement that had fans buzzing worldwide, Nintendo unveiled “Splatoon Raiders” — the first-ever standalone spinoff in the Splatoon series. And there’s more: it’s dropping exclusively for the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2.
This isn’t just another turf war. Splatoon Raiders promises something totally different — a bold, story-driven adventure that trades ink-soaked arenas for the uncharted wilderness of the Spirhalite Islands. With fan-favorite trio Shiver, Frye, and Big Man from Deep Cut by your side, this is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most exciting detours in recent memory.
What’s Splatoon Raiders All About?
While Nintendo is still playing coy with the finer details, the debut trailer paints a compelling picture. After a mysterious crash-landing on the Spirhalite Islands, you take on the role of a resourceful mechanic who must explore, survive, and uncover the secrets behind a mysterious light beam — all while keeping Deep Cut safe.
The game retains the signature Splatoon charm and vivid aesthetic, but this time with a survival twist. From makeshift gear to wild island landscapes, it’s clear we’re in for a very different kind of ink-splattering experience. Expect action, mystery, and plenty of off-the-wall humor — all tied together in a single-player format that welcomes longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
Splatoon 3 Still Going Strong: Massive Update Coming June 12
Even with the spotlight on Raiders, Splatoon 3 isn’t fading into the background. Nintendo also announced a major free update, coming to both the original Switch and Switch 2 on June 12, 2025. Here’s what’s in store:
- 30 New Weapon Kits: Featuring brand-new sub and special weapons from two new in-game brands — Barazushi and Emberz.
- Return of a Classic: The beloved Urchin Underpass from the original Splatoon on Wii U makes a comeback.
- Freshness Upgrades: Higher weapon freshness caps and new collectible badges will give players more ways to show off their style and commitment.
- Series Weapon Power: A new competitive stat that tracks weapon win rates in Anarchy Battle (Series), designed to encourage weapon diversity and fairer matchups.
- Visual Boosts on Switch 2: If you’re playing on the new console, expect sharper visuals and improved environments in areas like Splatsville and Grand Festival Grounds.
- Cross-Platform Play: Yes, players across both Switch generations can still battle together.
The Switch 2 Era Begins with Ink and Impact
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching just days earlier on June 5, Splatoon Raiders stands out as one of the console’s first must-have exclusives. It not only shows off what the new hardware can do, but it also hints at where the Splatoon series might be heading next — beyond turf wars and into deeper, more adventurous waters.
While there’s no official word on Splatoon 4 yet, Raiders feels like a meaningful evolution — a fresh layer of lore and gameplay that expands the universe in ways fans didn’t expect. It’s clear the Squid Research Lab isn’t done innovating, and we’re all here for the ride.
Final Ink-sights
Splatoon Raiders is more than just a side story — it’s a bold leap into new territory for one of Nintendo’s most colorful and creative franchises. With its mix of survival mechanics, narrative focus, and the trusty chaos of Deep Cut by your side, this spinoff is set to ink its own place in Nintendo history.
Whether you’re an OG turf warrior or a curious Switch 2 newcomer, Splatoon Raiders looks like a wild splash of something truly special.
Stay tuned — the Spirhalite Islands are calling.
