Nintendo announces Splatoon Raiders spinoff, exclusively for Switch 2

In an exciting announcement today, Nintendo introduced Splatoon Raiders, marking the franchise's first-ever standalone spinoff. This new game is set to launch exclusively on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, offering players an adventurous twist on the beloved ink-splatting mechanics. Breaking away from the traditional turf wars, Splatoon Raiders invites gamers to step into the shoes of a mechanic exploring the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Players will team up with the popular Deep Cut trio—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—to uncover fresh narratives, signaling a shift towards a more story-driven experience compared to earlier titles. In addition to the spinoff reveal, Nintendo also announced a significant free content update for Splatoon 3, which will be available on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems starting June 12. Named the Splatlands Collection, this update will feature 30 new weapon kits from Barazushi and Emberz brands, each offering unique sub and special configurations that encourage players to explore diverse combat strategies. Returning to the fray is the classic Urchin Underpass stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U, which will rejoin the current stage rotation. The update will also elevate all weapon Freshness caps and introduce a new badge system, allowing players to display their achievements and skills. Another notable addition is the Series Weapon Power stat, designed to assess individual performance with each weapon in Anarchy Battle (Series) mode. By tracking win/loss ratios, this feature aims to enhance matchmaking fairness and promote experimentation with various loadouts. Players using the Nintendo Switch 2 can look forward to improved graphical fidelity in social hubs like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the new hardware. Furthermore, Nintendo confirmed that Splatoon 3 will maintain cross-platform play, enabling users from both Switch generations to collaborate without restrictions. With a thrilling spinoff on the way and a major update imminent, Nintendo is clearly committed to expanding the ink-filled excitement that has made Splatoon a contemporary multiplayer sensation.