Splatoon Gets a Spinoff Game: Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally in people’s hands, many of whom are currently enjoying Mario Kart World, us included. While we still don’t have very many brand new Switch 2 titles to play just yet, Nintendo has announced something to look forward to. The first-ever Splatoon spinoff game, Splatoon Raiders, will be coming exclusively to the Switch 2 sometime in the future. The surprise announcement actually premiered in the Nintendo Today! app and sees the return of the Deep Cut trio. Nintendo is being shy on details, but did say players will take on the role of a mechanic and will go on an adventure in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.

While it doesn’t appear we’ll be getting a Splatoon 4 announcement anytime soon, Splatoon 3 is getting a free update for both Switch and Switch 2 on June 12. The update features the Splatlands collection, 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands, along with the return of Urchin Underpass, a popular stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U. It will also raise all weapon Freshness caps and introduce a new stat called Series Weapon Power for Anarchy Battle (Series). The Series Weapon Power tracks a player’s effectiveness per weapon, based on their win/loss ratio. This metric will actually be used for matchmaking, which allows players to try new weapons without being at a disadvantage. There will also be new in-game Badges to earn.

For Switch 2 owners, the Splatoon 3 update will bring more detailed visuals and a smoother appearance in certain locations, including Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds. Players across both generations of Switch will be able to play together, and it will be interesting if Nintendo eventually adds mouse support for Switch 2 owners, since that could be seen as an advantage.

Research Report from Squid Research Lab Video (Splatoon Raiders Trailer)