Nintendo Reveals Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2, Major Splatoon 3 Update

Nintendo has introduced Splatoon Raiders, a fresh Splatoon spin-off crafted exclusively for the Switch 2. The exciting announcement came with a trailer debuted on the Nintendo Today! app.

Splatoon Raiders marks the franchise's first spin-off title. While Nintendo has not shared a release date, they encouraged fans to stay tuned for future updates.

Splatoon Raiders follows a skilled mechanic exploring the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands alongside the Deep Cut trio. This new hero is portrayed as an "expert mechanic with a shadowy past."

The new protagonist for #SplatoonRaiders is an expert mechanic with a mysterious background. That ink tank and walking robot look rather intriguing, wouldn't you say? pic.twitter.com/XeP9t75JAW

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) June 10, 2025

We've identified a variety of interesting findings, including a floating ship-like structure that serves as the mechanic's base and an island with a unique atmosphere. We'll keep investigating! #SplatoonRaiders pic.twitter.com/huFy5BlF4Z

— Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) June 10, 2025

Alongside this, a substantial free update for Splatoon 3 is set to launch on June 12. Version 10.0.0 of Splatoon 3 introduces 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands (the Splatlands Collection), brings back the Urchin Underpass stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U, and enhances performance and visuals for Switch 2. Nintendo noted that Switch 2 players will enjoy sharper graphics, with smoother visuals in areas like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds. Cross-play remains supported between Switch 1 and Switch 2 players.

Additionally, Nintendo announced raised Freshness caps for all weapons and new in-game Badges for players to earn. A new Anarchy Battle (Series) stat, Series Weapon Power, will measure a player’s skill per weapon based on their win/loss ratio, enabling fairer matchmaking. This allows players to experiment with new weapons without penalty while maximizing their favorite ones.