Nintendo announces Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2 and confirms Splatoon 3 update

Nintendo has announced Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever spin-off game in the popular Splatoon franchise, for Switch 2.

While no release date was provided, a significant version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3 is confirmed to arrive on June 12th for both Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2.

The Splatoon series has become a cornerstone of Nintendo’s modern lineup, known for its unique ink-based shooting mechanics, vibrant art style, and fresh take on online multiplayer.

Since its debut on the Wii U, the franchise has cultivated a strong global following with its distinctive characters and energetic squid-kid culture.

Splatoon Raiders will introduce players to a new gameplay experience, stepping into the role of a mechanic.

This adventure will see players exploring the mysterious Spirhalite Islands alongside the prominent Deep Cut trio (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man), who are key characters from Splatoon 3.

The upcoming version 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3, set for June 12th, will bring a wealth of new content and features.

The update introduces the Splatlands Collection, which includes 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands.

These new weapons offer fresh designs and unique combinations of sub and special weapons based on existing archetypes.

A fan-favorite stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U, Urchin Underpass, will also return to the stage rotation.

Additionally, all weapon Freshness caps will be raised, and players can earn new in-game Badges.

A new statistical tracking feature, Series Weapon Power, will be added to Anarchy Battle (Series).

This system will monitor a player’s effectiveness with each weapon based on their win/loss ratio, aiming to match players with similar skill levels for specific weapons.

This enhancement allows players to experiment with new weapons without immediate disadvantage and to further push the limits of their preferred gear.

Splatoon 3 players on the Nintendo Switch 2 will also benefit from more detailed visuals and a smoother appearance in various locations like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds.

The announcement trailer also confirmed that Splatoon 3 will support cross-play between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, allowing the community to play together regardless of their console generation.

The announcement trailer including both Splatoon Raiders and the new Splatoon 3 update is now available for viewing: