A First Look at Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo’s Spin-Off Adventure Exclusively on Switch 2

Nintendo has ignited excitement with Splatoon Raiders, a groundbreaking spinoff headed exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2. This game trades turf wars for a mysterious journey alongside the fan-favorite Deep Cut trio.

Step into the boots of a mechanic, a clever twist for the Splatoon series, and embark on an adventure across the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands. Nintendo’s announcement sets the stage: “In the role of a mechanic, players will go on an adventure in the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside the splat-tastic Deep Cut trio,” they shared, spotlighting Shiver, Frye, and Big Man from Splatoon 3.

Gameplay footage offers tantalizing clues, steering Splatoon Raiders toward survival-inspired mechanics. A helicopter crash kicks things off, with the mechanic exploring alongside a robotic sidekick, while Shiver and Frye fish and Big Man takes an inky plunge—pure Splatoon charm with a rugged edge. Nintendo’s keeping details close to the chest, noting in the trailer, “Research is still underway,” fueling speculation about multiplayer’s role. You read that right, this shift from ranked matches and turf wars points towards a solo odyssey, though co-op could still be a thing.


Players venture into the Spirhalite Islands, and the brief trailer glimpses reveal jagged cliffs, lush greenery, and shimmering waters. Nintendo’s crafted a world ripe for discovery, pairing the mechanic’s skills with Deep Cut’s dynamic trio: Shiver’s cool precision, Frye’s fiery energy, and Big Man’s endearing bulk.


While a release date remains elusive—rumors point to early 2026—the game joins a growing lineup alongside Mario Kart World. Nintendo’s also boosting Splatoon 3, with a June 12 update (version 10.0.0) sharpening visuals and performance on Switch 2. “Players will be able to play together across both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2,” Nintendo confirms, uniting the community across platforms.