Nintendo Announces Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2 and Major Splatoon 3 Update

Nintendo has officially revealed Splatoon Raiders, signaling the next evolution in the Splatoon franchise and marking a new era for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The announcement, made through the latest Squid Research Lab presentation, establishes Splatoon Raiders as an action-packed spin-off that differentiates itself from the main series while leveraging the power of Nintendo's next-generation hardware. Splatoon Raiders is set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering an experience where players, aided by the vibrant idol group Deep Cut, explore mysterious islands teeming with peril and discovery.

As an innovative departure from the series' traditional competitive multiplayer focus, this title places exploration and cooperative elements front and center.

While the exact release date is yet to be confirmed, Splatoon Raiders stands poised to capture attention as a signature launch title for the Switch 2. Alongside this major reveal, Nintendo is preparing to roll out the substantial Version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3, scheduled for release on June 12.

This free update will be available for both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring that fans across both generations remain connected.

Among the most anticipated features is the long-requested cross-play functionality, enabling seamless multiplayer interactions between users on both hardware platforms. The Splatoon 3 Version 10.0.0 update introduces the Splatlands collection, a new arsenal of weapons from the Barazushi and Emberz brands.

Building upon existing weapon designs, these additions offer fresh aesthetics and unique combinations of sub and special weapons.

In total, 30 brand-new weapon kits will enrich the already diverse armory.

Competitive players can look forward to the reintegration of Urchin Underpass—a beloved stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U—further expanding the game's tournament stage rotation. Additionally, the update introduces several quality-of-life improvements.

The Freshness cap on all weapons will be increased, providing dedicated players with new in-game Badges to earn as rewards for their continued engagement.

A novel statistical feature, Series Weapon Power, will now track players' efficiency with particular weapons in Anarchy Battle (Series) mode, facilitating fairer matching and encouraging weapon experimentation. Nintendo also confirmed significant graphical enhancements for Splatoon 3 on Switch 2.

Environments such as Splatsville and Grand Festival Grounds will benefit from more intricate visuals and smoother performance, optimizing the gameplay experience for the advanced hardware. With Splatoon Raiders heralding the next chapter for the franchise and Splatoon 3’s transformative update ensuring continued engagement, Nintendo’s commitment to the series and its community remains steadfast.

The cross-play compatibility, new content, and hardware synergy collectively highlight Nintendo's strategy for building lasting momentum on Switch 2 and supporting its vibrant, competitive gaming ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch 2 Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch 2 Switch Splatoon Raiders Deep Cut Squid Research Lab Barazushi Emberz Urchin Underpass Wii U Splatlands collection