Nintendo Switch 2 Launches Splatoon Raiders Spin‑Off

Nintendo announced that Splatoon Raiders, the franchise’s first spin‑off, will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026. The game shifts focus from the series’ competitive multiplayer to a single‑player and cooperative looter‑shooter set on the Spirhalite Islands, where players control a customizable mechanic working with the idol trio Deep Cut to raid hordes of Salmonids, collect loot, and upgrade gear using new “Gadget” systems.

Developer interviews explain that the title was created as an alternate entry point for the series after eleven years of mainline releases, deliberately not being labeled Splatoon 4. Reviews from major outlets are generally favorable, with Metacritic averaging 80/100 across 51 publications, and scores such as IGN 9/10, Game Informer 8.75/10, and GameSpot 8/10. Critics praise the action‑RPG loop, customization depth, and respect for the series’ identity, while noting that the single‑player narrative is lighter than previous campaigns.

Pricing in Japan is ¥7,480 for the physical edition (≈£41.99 digitally). The launch is covered worldwide, with coverage spanning Japan, the United States, Europe, and Brazil, emphasizing the game’s role as a flagship exclusive for the new console generation.