Nintendo is expanding its lineup for the year. The company announced today that “Splatoon Raiders,” a single-player spin-off from its competitive shooter series, will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23rd. This marks the first new entry in the series since “Splatoon 3” in 2022.
Alongside the release date, Nintendo shared a new trailer illustrating the gameplay of “Raiders.” It retains the ink-focused shooter mechanics and vibrant soundtrack of the main series but with a new campaign. Although labeled as “single-player-focused,” “Raiders” includes co-op elements allowing players to team up with up to three others, both online and locally.
The game’s premise, as described by Nintendo, is for players to act as mechanics working with Deep Cut, a swashbuckling trio of musicians, exploring the Spirhalite Islands. Players can customize their look, use mechanical gadgets and ink-splattering weapons, and fight hordes of aggressive sea creatures called Salmonids for treasure.
The release of “Raiders” adds to a sparse Switch 2 lineup for the rest of the year. Recently released titles include the life sim “Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream” (also on the original Switch) and an expansion for “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” Upcoming 2026 releases include “Yoshi and the Mysterious Book” (May), “Rhythm Heaven Grove” (July), “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave” (release date TBD), and now “Splatoon.”
Expect more significant announcements from Nintendo post-summer for the holiday season.