The Japanese video game giant revealed unprecedented information this Tuesday (9) during its traditional online broadcast, moving the gaming community. The highlight of the presentation was the title Splatoon Raiders, an adventure focused exclusively on the single-player experience, breaking with the franchise’s traditional multiplayer format. Developed natively to take advantage of the Switch 2 console hardware, the project has its global debut scheduled for July 23rd, promising to usher in a new graphic era for the series.
Mixing classic third-person shooter mechanics with cooperative elements recognized by the famous Salmon Run mode, the company’s new venture will introduce new areas of exploration and deeper tactical challenges. To detail these innovations and calm the public’s anxiety, the producer scheduled an exclusive broadcast focused only on this work for June 30th. The expectation is that this presentation will delve deeper into combat mechanics, reveal new scenarios and show how the enemies’ artificial intelligence has been improved for this solitary journey.
With the aim of keeping community engagement high until the official launch date, comics expanding the narrative of the universe will be published periodically on the Nintendo Today platform. Official app users will also have access to an ongoing digital event that will serve as an interactive countdown. At the same time, active Splatoon 3 players will not be left out of the celebrations and will be able to participate in a special themed festival, which will take place between the 10th and 12th of July, bringing exclusive rewards and territorial battles inspired by the new title.
Special edition Joy-Con 2 controllers hit the market with vibrant colors
Integrating the brand’s commercial planning to maximize the impact of the launch, consumers will be able to purchase an unprecedented set of peripherals on the same day that the game hits physical and digital shelves. The manufacturer will make available a version of the Joy-Con 2 controllers sporting a vibrant combination of blue and yellow tones, directly referring to the color palette of the new adventure. This visual identity follows the successful trend of pastel editions launched in previous generations, delivering an aesthetic alternative that is very different from the standard accessories that come with the video game from the factory.
The project marks a historic moment as it is the first direct branch of the franchise’s universe, consolidating itself at the same time as the fourth major pillar of the ink shooter series. Arriving on the market exactly one year after the first speculations and leaks in the industry, the work joins forces with other long-awaited returns to strengthen the Switch 2 library during the hotly contested summer season of 2026, forming a weighty catalog that includes the following new features confirmed by the company:
- The new iteration of the classic Star Fox space series, featuring revamped aerial combat.
- The long-awaited musical return with the Rhythm Heaven Groove franchise, focused on precision and rhythm.