Nintendo Unveils Splatoon Raiders as First Spinoff for Nintendo Switch 2, Alongside Major Splatoon 3 Update

Nintendo Unveils Splatoon Raiders as First Spinoff for Nintendo Switch 2, Alongside Major Splatoon 3 Update Nintendo continues to expand its popular third-person shooter franchise with the surprise announcement of Splatoon Raiders, the series’ first-ever spinoff, set to launch exclusively for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The new title, revealed today in a fresh official trailer, marks a significant development in the Splatoon universe and further cements the series’ status as a mainstay in Nintendo’s lineup. Splatoon Raiders invites players to step into the shoes of a mechanic, embarking on a vibrant adventure through the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.

Accompanying the protagonist is Deep Cut, the fan-favorite trio previously introduced in Splatoon 3, adding another layer of charm and familiarity for returning fans.

While additional details about Splatoon Raiders remain under wraps, Nintendo has assured that more information will be shared in the coming months, suggesting an exciting future for both the series and Switch 2 owners. In tandem with the new spinoff announcement, Nintendo also detailed a comprehensive free content update for Splatoon 3, arriving on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms on June 12.

This update introduces the Splatlands Collection, a robust assortment of new weapon kits inspired by the Barazushi and Emberz brands.

Each of the 30 weapon kits offers distinct sub and special weapons, promising an expanded arsenal and fresh tactical possibilities for competitive play. Another major highlight is the return of Urchin Underpass, a popular stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U.

Its reintroduction will bring a wave of nostalgia to veteran Inklings while enriching stage rotation for newer players.

Weapon Freshness caps are set to be raised with this update, enabling players to further showcase their expertise and unlock exclusive new badges. Competitive balance sees improvement as well, with the addition of the Series Weapon Power stat for Anarchy Battle (Series).

This new metric gauges a player’s performance with each weapon based on their win/loss ratio, allowing matchmaking to pair users with similarly skilled opponents per weapon.

This encourages experimentation and mastery of different loadouts without risking competitive disadvantage. In terms of technical enhancements, Splatoon 3 will take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware capabilities, delivering crisper visuals and smoother in-game performance in vibrant hubs like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds.

Notably, Nintendo has confirmed that Splatoon 3 players will be able to engage in cross-platform play between both Switch generations, ensuring a seamless and united community. With strong momentum and continued innovation, Nintendo’s latest announcements demonstrate a sustained commitment to enriching the Splatoon franchise.

Both the launch of Splatoon Raiders and the major Splatoon 3 update highlight the company’s dedication to player engagement and its focus on delivering fresh, high-quality content to the rapidly growing Nintendo Switch 2 ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Splatoon 3 Switch 2 Switch Splatoon Raiders Deep Cut Barazushi Emberz Urchin Underpass