Nintendo has officially revealed the next evolution in the Splatoon franchise: the first-ever spinoff title, Splatoon Raiders, set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement, accompanied by a visually striking trailer, also came with news of a substantial free update coming to Splatoon 3 on June 12, bringing new content, enhanced matchmaking, and visual upgrades for next-gen players.
A New Chapter: Introducing Splatoon Raiders
For the first time since the franchise’s debut in 2015, Splatoon is branching out beyond its core multiplayer experience. Splatoon Raiders will take players on an adventure-focused journey through the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Players will assume the role of an expert mechanic with a mysterious past, teaming up with fan-favorite hosts Deep Cut—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—in a narrative-driven expedition.
Nintendo has not yet confirmed a release date for the title, but the announcement emphasizes that more information will be made available in the coming months. Designed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, the game is expected to showcase the new hardware’s capabilities with richer environments and refined gameplay mechanics.
Splatoon 3 Update Version 10.0.0 Launches June 12
In parallel with the announcement of Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo will be rolling out Version 10.0.0 of Splatoon 3, bringing significant additions and improvements to the game on both Switch and Switch 2 platforms.
New Weapon Kits: The Splatlands Collection
The update introduces 30 new weapon kits under the Splatlands Collection, crafted by the in-universe Barazushi and Emberz brands. While these weapons draw inspiration from previous models, each kit features unique sub and special combinations, offering new tactical options for competitive and casual players alike.
Classic Map Returns: Urchin Underpass
Fans of the original Splatoon will welcome the return of Urchin Underpass, one of the most iconic maps from the Wii U era. Refreshed for modern systems, the stage will rejoin the rotation, blending nostalgia with updated visuals and layouts.
New Competitive Feature: Series Weapon Power
Version 10.0.0 also introduces a new stat for Anarchy Battle (Series) mode: Series Weapon Power. This feature tracks player performance on a per-weapon basis, using win/loss ratios to match users with others of similar skill levels. It aims to enhance fairness, especially for players experimenting with unfamiliar loadouts.
Freshness Cap Increase and New Badges
All weapon Freshness caps will be raised, allowing players to continue progressing with their favorite gear. In addition, new in-game Badges will be available as rewards for various achievements tied to the update’s expanded content.
Enhanced Performance on Switch 2
Switch 2 players will benefit from improved graphical fidelity and smoother animations, especially in detailed environments like Splatsville and Grand Festival Grounds. Despite these enhancements, Splatoon 3 will continue to support cross-platform play between original Switch and Switch 2 users, ensuring the community remains unified across systems.
Looking Ahead
With Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo is signaling a bold expansion of the franchise’s creative boundaries. Meanwhile, the ongoing support for Splatoon 3 demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to evolving the competitive scene and delivering fresh content to its player base.
As the Splatoon universe grows in both scope and ambition, fans can expect an exciting year ahead. Be sure to follow official channels such as the Squid Research Lab via the North American Splatoon X account for ongoing updates and insights.
Stay inked. Stay informed.
For further information, visit Nintendo’s official website or follow the latest research at the Squid Research Lab.