In an exciting new trailer released today, Nintendo unveiled Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever spinoff game in the Splatoon™ series, coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch™ 2 system. Alongside this announcement, a free update for Splatoon 3 was revealed, bringing new weapons, stages, gameplay enhancements, and visual upgrades for Nintendo Switch 2 players.
Splatoon Raiders: A Brand-New Adventure
A Fresh Spin on the Splatoon Universe
Splatoon Raiders takes players on a new kind of inky adventure, stepping away from the traditional Turf Wars and into a story-driven action-adventure experience.
- Play as a Mechanic: For the first time, players will take on the role of a customizable mechanic rather than an Inkling or Octoling.
- Deep Cut as Companions: The fan-favorite idol trio—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—will join players on their journey through the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.
- Exploration & Combat: The game blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and Splatoon’s signature ink-based combat in a fresh way.
Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2
As a next-gen Splatoon experience, Splatoon Raiders will leverage the enhanced power of the Nintendo Switch 2, offering:
- Higher-resolution visuals
- Smoother performance
- Expanded world design
Nintendo has promised more details in the future, including gameplay mechanics, story elements, and a release window.
Free Splatoon 3 Update: New Weapons, Stage, & More
Arriving on June 12, a major free update for Splatoon 3 will introduce new content for players on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Splatlands Collection: 30 New Weapon Kits
The update introduces 30 new weapon kits, featuring fresh takes on existing weapons with new sub and special weapons. Brands included:
- Barazushi (balanced, competitive-focused weapons)
- Emberz (aggressive, high-risk/high-reward playstyles)
Returning Stage: Urchin Underpass
A beloved stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U makes its return:
- Urchin Underpass – A compact, fast-paced map with tight corridors and open zones.
Gameplay Enhancements
- Freshness Caps Increased: Players can now earn higher Freshness ratings for their weapons.
- New Badges: Unlockable in-game achievements for dedicated players.
- Series Weapon Power (New Stat):
- Tracks a player’s performance per weapon in Anarchy Battle (Series).
- Matches players based on weapon proficiency, allowing fairer matchups when trying new weapons.
Nintendo Switch 2 Visual Upgrades
Players on Nintendo Switch 2 will enjoy:
- Enhanced details in Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds.
- Smoother performance with improved frame rates.
- Cross-Platform Play: Splatoon 3 remains cross-compatible, meaning Switch and Switch 2 players can battle together seamlessly.
Final Thoughts & How to Stay Updated
Today’s announcements bring big news for Splatoon fans:
- A brand-new spinoff (Splatoon Raiders) is coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
- A massive free update for Splatoon 3 arrives June 12, with new weapons, a returning stage, and gameplay improvements.
Where to Get More Info
- Follow the official Splatoon North American X (Twitter) account for updates.
- Visit the Splatoon 3 website for full patch notes and details.
As Deep Cut would say:
“Catch ya later!” 🦑🔥
Are you excited for Splatoon Raiders? Which new weapon are you most looking forward to in the Splatoon 3 update? Let us know in the comments!
