Let’s be honest: when Nintendo teases a Splatoon announcement, most of us are primed to hear about Splatoon 4. But instead, the Big N surprised everyone with something unexpected-a genuine spin-off titled Splatoon Raiders, set to launch exclusively on Switch 2. It’s a left-field move, and I’ll admit, this caught my attention for a few reasons: a brand-new protagonist, familiar faces stepping into the spotlight, and a very telling “no release date yet.” Here’s why this really matters if you’re invested in Splatoon’s turf wars and Nintendo’s next-gen plans.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Publisher | Nintendo |
Release Date | TBA |
Genres | Action, Third-Person Shooter, Spin-Off |
Platforms | Nintendo Switch 2 (Splatoon Raiders), Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (Splatoon 3 Update) |
Nintendo’s choice to announce Splatoon Raiders before showing anything of Splatoon 4 speaks volumes. The series has never done a traditional spin-off before, so this isn’t just another content drop—it’s a pivot. Raiders takes us away from the familiar streets of Splatsville to a remote archipelago, giving the spotlight to the Tridenfer trio plus a newcomer. For anyone who pays attention to Nintendo’s evolving treatment of its side characters, this is huge. It smells like the kind of character-focused sidestory that spinoffs like Luigi’s Mansion or Captain Toad pull off so well, possibly giving depth to personalities that were on the sidelines in their main games.
But as exciting as that sounds, there are pointed implications here about Nintendo’s generational strategy. Make no mistake, the Switch 2 exclusivity isn’t just about graphics—it’s Nintendo deliberately nudging longtime fans toward new hardware. If you’re still on the OG Switch, you’re missing out unless you upgrade. The absence of any release window just amplifies the sense that this is a slow-burn build-up to the next big Splatoon era, not something dropping in time for the Switch 2’s likely launch period.
On the other side, Splatoon 3 is getting its own love letter. The 10.0.0 update—hitting June 12—doesn’t just stack more content (30 weapon sets, a returning Turbo Track, fresh badges) but also real technical upgrades: full support for the Switch 2, meaning better visuals and seamless cross-play. It’s classic Nintendo—instead of cutting off legacy fans, they’re making sure Splatoon 3 remains the multiplayer hub, bridging both generations. That’s clever but also a bit of a hedge, since we don’t know when Splatoon Raiders will actually release.
From a community perspective, Splatoon is about more than Splatfests and fresh maps: it’s the rare competitive shooter where style, music, and offbeat lore are just as important as gunplay. By putting Tridenfer front and center—with an “unknown heroine” no less—Raiders could be Nintendo’s chance to experiment with narrative or co-op mechanics the mainline games never risked. But let’s tap the brakes, too. Nintendo’s track record with spin-offs is solid, but not flawless. For every Captain Toad, there’s a Mario Sports Superstars—so expect innovation, but don’t bank on “mainline” quality just yet. And while exclusivity has benefits (better visuals, new tech), it also risks alienating players still locked to Switch 1.
Meanwhile, the Splatoon 3 update is a smart way to keep competitive play vibrant as the company transitions platforms. The cross-play move is especially noteworthy—Nintendo has been lagging behind with unified online play for years, so seeing real generational support for Splatoon is rare and promising. But if you were holding out hope for a true next-gen Splatoon, this suggests Nintendo is content to let Splatoon 3’s lifecycle stretch a while longer. No wonder: with a massive player base (especially in Japan), there’s little incentive to rush Splatoon 4—and now, a reason to test new ideas with Raiders first.
If Splatoon Raiders lands well, it could open entirely new directions for the series—think more story-driven, possibly genre-defying experiments with familiar (and unfamiliar) faces. The catch? No date, Switch 2 only, and a lot of unknowns in Nintendo’s usual secretive style. Meanwhile, Splatoon 3’s big update ensures turf wars won’t get stale on either console generation. One thing’s clear: Nintendo is determined to stretch Splatoon’s reach—just don’t expect Splatoon 4 to ink the battlefield any time soon.
Get access to exclusive strategies, hidden tips, and pro-level insights that we don't share publicly.
Ultimate Gaming Strategy Guide + Weekly Pro Tips