Splatoon Raiders on Switch 2: Nintendo’s First Splatoon Spin-Off Adventure

On June 10, 2025, Nintendo officially unveiled Splatoon Raiders, a bold new step for the acclaimed Splatoon franchise. As the first-ever spin-off in the series, this upcoming title will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 and aims to take players on an adventure that goes far beyond the ink-splattered battlefields they’ve come to love.

In this in-depth feature, we explore what Splatoon Raiders means for the future of the series, how it builds upon the past, and why it might be one of the most important releases for Nintendo’s next-generation console.

From Multiplayer Turf Wars to Cultural Phenomenon: The Rise of Splatoon

First introduced on the Wii U in 2015, Splatoon made waves by reinventing the shooter genre with its vibrant colors, ink-spraying mechanics, and fast-paced 4v4 turf battles. In a gaming landscape saturated with grim military aesthetics, Splatoon stood out with its playful design, youth-centric fashion, and unique gameplay loop.

Splatoon (2015): The original game turned heads with its non-lethal, territory-based mechanics, where covering the map in your team’s ink mattered more than taking out opponents. It won numerous awards, including “Best Multiplayer” and “Best Shooter.”

Splatoon 2 (2017): Launching on the Nintendo Switch, the sequel introduced co-op PvE with Salmon Run, expanded the single-player Hero Mode, and offered deeper customization. It solidified the series as a mainstay in Nintendo’s catalog.

Splatoon 3 (2022): The third installment brought the action to the Splatlands, added a new Tricolor Turf War mode, and expanded the lore with richer storytelling and visual design. Regular updates, Splatfests, and community events helped maintain high player engagement.

Thanks to the success of the Switch, the Splatoon series has evolved into a global cultural force, particularly popular among younger players and competitive communities in Japan and the West.

Splatoon Raiders: A Bold New Direction for the Series

With Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo is finally taking its ink-based universe into uncharted territory—literally and figuratively. Unlike previous entries focused on multiplayer battles, Raiders embraces a more story-driven, exploratory format. Here’s what we know so far:

1. A Brand-New Setting: The Spirhalite Islands

The game is set in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands, a location filled with ancient ruins, lost technologies, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. This new environment marks a departure from the urban, punk-inspired settings of past games, offering a more open, mysterious, and exploratory atmosphere.

2. A New Role for the Player: The Mechanic

Instead of playing as an Inkling or Octoling in combat, players will take on the role of a “Mechanic” tasked with repairing ancient machinery, solving environmental puzzles, and discovering the forgotten history of the islands. This shift in focus suggests a gameplay loop more akin to action-adventure titles like Zelda or Luigi’s Mansion rather than a traditional shooter.

3. The Return of Deep Cut

Fan-favorite trio Deep Cut—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—returns in Splatoon Raiders, this time not just as presenters but as key narrative figures who accompany and assist the player. Their continued involvement strengthens the series’ character-driven appeal and offers potential for branching storylines.

4. Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive with Enhanced Visuals

Designed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, Raiders will take full advantage of the new hardware’s capabilities. From enhanced lighting effects and particle physics to richly layered level designs, the visual leap is significant and may offer new gameplay opportunities through vertical exploration and platforming.

Research Report from Squid Research Lab - Nintendo Switch 2:

Splatoon 3 Isn’t Going Anywhere: Major Updates Incoming

Alongside the reveal of Raiders, Nintendo also confirmed a substantial update for Splatoon 3, ensuring ongoing support for the fanbase:

New Weapons and Kits: Over 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands are being added, each with unique looks and sub/special weapon combos.

Classic Map Returns: Urchin Underpass from the original Splatoon is making a comeback, evoking nostalgia and gameplay variety.

Series Weapon Skill System: A new matchmaking system based on a player's performance in Anarchy Battles will group similarly skilled users, encouraging experimentation with different loadouts.

Visual Optimizations: Splatoon 3 will also benefit from smoother frame rates and improved rendering on Switch 2 hardware.

Cross-Platform Play: Players on Switch and Switch 2 will be able to battle together seamlessly.

These updates suggest that Splatoon Raiders is not a replacement, but rather a complementary extension of the broader Splatoon ecosystem.

Nintendo’s Strategy: Turning Splatoon Into a Multimedia Universe

Beyond gameplay, Splatoon has always excelled at building a living, breathing world. From in-game music bands and fashion brands to elaborate Splatfests with real-world voting mechanics, the franchise has created a culture of its own. Nintendo is clearly aiming to take this even further with Splatoon Raiders.

The game represents a deliberate expansion strategy—bridging genres, strengthening character arcs, and possibly laying the groundwork for future cross-media projects, such as anime adaptations or full-fledged story-driven games akin to Fire Emblem or Metroid.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Splatoon Begins

Splatoon Raiders is more than just a spin-off; it’s a reinvention. By moving away from competitive PvP and embracing adventure, narrative, and exploration, Nintendo is signaling a broader, more ambitious vision for the Splatoon universe.

For longtime fans, this is a chance to explore beloved characters and lore from a fresh angle. For newcomers, it could be the perfect entry point into one of Nintendo’s most dynamic and visually iconic series. As anticipation builds and the Nintendo Switch 2 release window approaches, Splatoon Raiders could very well be one of the system’s defining titles.

Stay tuned for more updates, trailers, and gameplay reveals as the Spirhalite Islands begin to emerge from the ink-covered shadows!