Nintendo has confirmed the release date for Splatoon Raiders, the series' first-ever spin-off, and revealed platform and pre-launch activities ahead of its worldwide launch.
The single-player focused adventure will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026, available at retail and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
Background and premise
Splatoon Raiders departs from the franchise's multiplayer roots to deliver a story-driven experience that casts players as an Inkling mechanic exploring the Spirhalite Islands.
Players will team up with Deep Cut's musicians — Shiver, Frye and Big Man — on a treasure-hunting campaign.
Nintendo has said one member of Deep Cut will even accompany players piloting a powerful Exploration Bot during raids.
Gameplay overview
In its announcement, Nintendo described a focus on customization and gadget-based combat.
Players will be able to customize their Inkling mechanic, equip mechanical gadgets and use ink-splattering weapons to battle "scores of enemies called Salmonids," conquer raids and salvage loot across the game's unique Splatoon universe.
The developer framed these systems as central to the single-player progression loop.
Pre-launch events and tie-ins
Nintendo also confirmed a number of tie-in activities leading into the launch.
Starting Tuesday 23 June 2026, free official daily comics will be published exclusively through the Nintendo Today! app for smart devices to set up the game's story.
Additionally, Splatoon 3 will host a Splatfest themed around Splatoon Raiders from Saturday 11 to Monday 13 July 2026.
Release details and availability
Splatoon Raiders will be released worldwide on 23 July 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2.
The game will be available both physically at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo's announcement positions the title as a marquee first-party release for the Switch 2 hardware.
Author note
This coverage is based on Nintendo's official release information.
Original reporting on the announcement was provided by Alex Seedhouse, a long-time Nintendo specialist whose work has covered multiple console generations and major industry events.
The single-player focused adventure will arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026, available at retail and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
Background and premise
Splatoon Raiders departs from the franchise's multiplayer roots to deliver a story-driven experience that casts players as an Inkling mechanic exploring the Spirhalite Islands.
Players will team up with Deep Cut's musicians — Shiver, Frye and Big Man — on a treasure-hunting campaign.
Nintendo has said one member of Deep Cut will even accompany players piloting a powerful Exploration Bot during raids.
Gameplay overview
In its announcement, Nintendo described a focus on customization and gadget-based combat.
Players will be able to customize their Inkling mechanic, equip mechanical gadgets and use ink-splattering weapons to battle "scores of enemies called Salmonids," conquer raids and salvage loot across the game's unique Splatoon universe.
The developer framed these systems as central to the single-player progression loop.
Pre-launch events and tie-ins
Nintendo also confirmed a number of tie-in activities leading into the launch.
Starting Tuesday 23 June 2026, free official daily comics will be published exclusively through the Nintendo Today! app for smart devices to set up the game's story.
Additionally, Splatoon 3 will host a Splatfest themed around Splatoon Raiders from Saturday 11 to Monday 13 July 2026.
Release details and availability
Splatoon Raiders will be released worldwide on 23 July 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2.
The game will be available both physically at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo's announcement positions the title as a marquee first-party release for the Switch 2 hardware.
Author note
This coverage is based on Nintendo's official release information.
Original reporting on the announcement was provided by Alex Seedhouse, a long-time Nintendo specialist whose work has covered multiple console generations and major industry events.