Nintendo has officially confirmed Splatoon Raiders will launch on July 23, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The first-ever Splatoon spin-off focuses on single-player action, treasure hunting, and a fully customizable new protagonist.
Splatoon Raiders launches on July 23, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo announced the date on April 21, 2026, through the Nintendo Today app before immediately dropping a three-minute reveal trailer on YouTube. This is the first spin-off in the entire Splatoon franchise, and it marks a significant departure from the series’ signature multiplayer formula.
What Is Splatoon Raiders?
Splatoon Raiders is a single-player-focused action game set in the Splatoon universe. Unlike the mainline Splatoon titles, it does not feature the traditional online multiplayer modes the series is known for. Instead, it centers on exploration, combat against waves of enemies, and treasure hunting across a new island setting. The project was first announced in June 2025 but went almost completely silent until the surprise release date reveal this week.
Setting and Story: Welcome to Spiralite Island
The game takes place on Spiralite Island, described as a mysterious, uncharted territory. Players take on the role of a new protagonist who works as a mechanic for the Deep Cut crew, the trio of characters introduced in Splatoon 3. The protagonist is fully customizable, including hairstyle, eye color, and voice, giving the game a more personalized feel than previous entries in the series.
Gameplay Features Revealed in the Trailer
The reveal trailer gave a detailed first look at Splatoon Raiders’ core mechanics. Here is what was confirmed:
- Custom character creator: Adjust your protagonist’s look, voice, and style before heading into the field.
- Salmonid enemies: The aggressive sea creatures familiar from earlier Splatoon titles return as the primary enemy faction.
- Wave-based combat: Players use ink-spraying weapons combined with mechanical devices to survive enemy waves and clear the island.
- Dungeon exploration and treasure: Dungeons hide treasure that can be spent on upgrades or equipped to unlock abilities like double jump.
- Crafting system: The Mechanic Shack serves as your home base for crafting and upgrading equipment between missions.
- Ridable mounts: Players can ride a Stingray during combat sections, adding a new movement layer to fights.
Three New Deep Cut Amiibo Figures Announced
Nintendo confirmed that three new amiibo figures will release alongside the game on July 23, 2026. The figures represent all three members of Deep Cut: Shiver, Frye, and Big Man. For Splatoon collectors, this is the first new Deep Cut amiibo wave since the characters debuted in Splatoon 3, making the announcement nearly as exciting as the game itself.
Why Is Splatoon Raiders Switch 2 Exclusive?
Splatoon Raiders is being developed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. No Switch 1 version has been announced or hinted at. This makes the title one of the stronger incentives for Switch 2 ownership heading into the summer of 2026, especially for fans who have been waiting for a major Nintendo first-party action release on the new platform.
Global Launch Times
Based on Nintendo’s standard eShop release pattern, first-party titles typically go live at midnight local time in each region. Players in Pacific Time zones will technically be able to access Splatoon Raiders on the evening of July 22 due to the time zone difference. European players should expect the game to unlock in the early hours of July 23.
Things Worth Knowing Before Launch
Does Splatoon Raiders have multiplayer?
No. Splatoon Raiders is entirely single-player focused. If you are expecting ranked matches, Turf War, or any of the online modes from Splatoon 2 or Splatoon 3, this game is built differently. It is purely a solo experience built around combat, exploration, and progression.
Do you need to play previous Splatoon games first?
No prior playthrough is required. Splatoon Raiders is a standalone spin-off with a new protagonist and setting. That said, players familiar with Splatoon 3 will recognize the Deep Cut crew and the Salmonid enemies, which adds an extra layer of context without being a prerequisite.
Is a price confirmed?
Nintendo has not announced official pricing as of the April 21 reveal. Pricing details are expected to follow closer to launch. Keep an eye on Nintendo’s official regional stores for confirmed figures.
Will the game support multiple languages?
A Korean-language version was confirmed in early reporting. Nintendo has not published a full language list yet, but the company typically supports a wide range of European and global languages across first-party Switch 2 titles.
Is this connected to the Splatoon 3 story?
The game features Deep Cut characters from Splatoon 3 and the returning Salmonid enemy type, suggesting it exists within the same broader universe. However, the new protagonist and the Spiralite Island setting position it as a fresh chapter rather than a direct story continuation.
One of Switch 2’s Biggest Summer Launches
Splatoon Raiders arrives on July 23, 2026, as one of the standout Nintendo Switch 2 titles of the summer. With its single-player focus, dungeon-crawling mechanics, treasure system, and fully customizable protagonist, it offers something meaningfully different from mainline Splatoon entries. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a Switch 2 owner looking for a strong first-party solo experience, Splatoon Raiders is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive Nintendo releases of the year.
