Nintendo surprised fans by announcing, on June 10, 2025, the first spin-off of the Splatoon franchise, titled Splatoon Raiders, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. The game promises to take players on a single-player adventure in the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands, where they will assume the role of a mechanic alongside the iconic Deep Cut trio. Although the release date has not been disclosed, the company also confirmed the 10.0.0 update for Splatoon 3, set to arrive on June 12, bringing new weapons, stages, and visual enhancements. The announcement, made through the Nintendo News app, generated significant excitement among players eagerly awaiting more details about the new narrative and mechanics. The initiative reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to expanding the franchise, keeping it relevant in the competitive gaming landscape.
The spin-off marks a significant moment for the series, which has captivated players since its debut in 2015 with its unique ink-based combat approach. Splatoon Raiders appears to shift away from the multiplayer focus dominant in previous titles, prioritizing a narrative-driven experience. The choice of the Spirhalite Islands as the setting suggests an exploration of new environments and stories, something fans are already speculating about on social media.
On the other hand, the Splatoon 3 update aims to keep the game fresh and attract both veterans and newcomers. The inclusion of new features, such as the Series Weapon Power statistic, promises to balance competitive matches, while the return of a classic stage from the first Splatoon adds a touch of nostalgia.
- Key announcements:
- Splatoon Raiders, a single-player spin-off for Switch 2.
- Splatoon 3 update 10.0.0, available on June 12.
- New weapons, stages, and cross-play support between Switch and Switch 2.
A new chapter for the Splatoon franchise
The reveal of Splatoon Raiders caught many by surprise, particularly due to its focus on a solo adventure. Unlike the main games, which emphasize multiplayer battles like Turf War and Salmon Run, the spin-off seems to delve into a deeper narrative. The protagonist, described as “The Mechanic,” will be accompanied by the Deep Cut trio, consisting of Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, beloved characters introduced in Splatoon 3.
The Spirhalite Islands, mentioned in the teaser, sparked curiosity. According to released information, the archipelago will be a mysterious setting with vibrant and dynamic visuals, a hallmark of the series. Nintendo has not yet detailed the gameplay mechanics, but the trailer suggests puzzles, exploration, and ink-based combat, preserving the franchise’s essence.
For fans, the lack of a release date is a point of frustration, but the company has promised more information in the coming months. The choice of the Switch 2 as the exclusive platform underscores Nintendo’s strategy to position the new console as the future of the franchise, leveraging its enhanced technical capabilities.
Update 10.0.0: what changes in Splatoon 3
The Splatoon 3 10.0.0 update, scheduled for June 12, brings a series of additions that revitalize the game. The main highlight is the Splatlands collection, introducing 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands. These weapons, while based on previous models, feature refreshed visuals and unique combinations of secondary and special weapons, offering more strategic options for players.
Additionally, the Urchin Underpass stage, originally launched in the Wii U’s Splatoon, returns with adjustments to fit modern mechanics. The return of this classic map is a nod to longtime fans, who celebrated the news on social media. The update also increases the Freshness limits on weapons, allowing players to reach new progression milestones.
- Highlights of the 10.0.0 update:
- Splatlands collection with 30 new weapon kits.
- Return of the Urchin Underpass stage.
- New badges and expanded Freshness limits.
- Cross-play support between Switch and Switch 2.
Series Weapon Power: balance in battles
One of the most anticipated innovations in the update is the introduction of the Series Weapon Power statistic in the Anarchy Battle (Series) mode. This feature tracks each player’s effectiveness based on their win/loss ratio per weapon, creating more balanced matches. Nintendo emphasized that the system will allow players to test new weapons without fear of facing significantly stronger opponents, promoting greater strategic diversity.
The implementation of this mechanic addresses longstanding community requests, which often pointed out imbalances in ranked matches. With Series Weapon Power, the competitive experience in Splatoon 3 is expected to become fairer, encouraging experimentation and creativity.
Cross-play and visual enhancements on Switch 2
Cross-play support between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 is another noteworthy addition. This functionality ensures that the Splatoon 3 community remains unified, regardless of the platform. Players on the original Switch will be able to compete with those on the new console, keeping the player base active and engaged.
On the Switch 2, Splatoon 3 will receive significant visual improvements, including more detailed textures and enhanced lighting effects. These optimizations leverage the more powerful hardware of the console, delivering a smoother and more immersive experience. Nintendo also confirmed that Splatoon Raiders will be designed to fully utilize the Switch 2’s capabilities, though technical details remain scarce.
The importance of the Deep Cut trio
The Deep Cut trio, consisting of Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, gained prominence in the Splatoon Raiders announcement. Introduced in Splatoon 3, these characters have become franchise icons, thanks to their charismatic personalities and roles as Splatfest hosts. In Splatoon Raiders, they will accompany the protagonist, suggesting a greater involvement in the narrative.
The trio’s presence strengthens the connection between the spin-off and the Splatoon 3 universe, creating a bridge between the two experiences. Fans speculate that the story may explore the characters’ past or reveal new aspects of the game’s lore, something Nintendo has gradually expanded since the first title.
Community reactions and expectations
The announcement of Splatoon Raiders and the Splatoon 3 update generated significant buzz among players. On social media, many expressed excitement about the prospect of a single-player adventure, something the series previously explored in Splatoon 3’s Return of the Mammalians mode. The possibility of a more robust narrative, combined with the franchise’s colorful aesthetic, was well-received.
However, some fans voiced concerns about Splatoon Raiders’ exclusivity to the Switch 2, as many still use the original Switch. Nintendo, however, appears confident in the transition to the new console, which already boasts heavy-hitting titles like Mario Kart World at launch.
- Key fan reactions:
- Excitement for Splatoon Raiders’ single-player focus.
- Nostalgia for the return of the Urchin Underpass stage.
- Concern over the spin-off’s Switch 2 exclusivity.
The legacy of Splatoon
Since its debut in 2015, the Splatoon franchise has stood out for its innovative approach to the shooter genre, replacing violence with ink-based battles and characters that transform into squids and octopuses. With three main games and now a spin-off, the series has built a loyal fanbase that appreciates its blend of accessible gameplay and strategic depth.
Splatoon Raiders represents a bold step for Nintendo, aiming to diversify the franchise without abandoning its roots. The choice of a solo adventure reflects the desire to attract new players, while Splatoon 3’s updates keep the competitive community engaged.
The future of the Switch 2
The announcement of Splatoon Raiders underscores the importance of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the company’s plans. Launched in June 2025, the console already boasts a promising library, including titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Splatoon Raiders’ exclusivity suggests that Nintendo is investing in games that showcase the new hardware’s technical potential.
Furthermore, cross-play support and visual enhancements in Splatoon 3 indicate the company’s focus on a smooth transition between console generations. Compatibility with original Switch games, previously confirmed, also ensures that players can continue enjoying their favorite titles on the new system.
New weapons and strategies
The Splatlands collection in Splatoon 3 introduces weapons that blend classic elements with innovations. The Barazushi and Emberz brands bring designs that mix nostalgia and modernity, with secondary and special weapons that significantly alter gameplay strategies. For example, some weapons now feature short-range sprays, while others offer wider ink arcs, ideal for covering large areas.
The addition of 30 kits reflects Nintendo’s commitment to keeping Splatoon 3 fresh, especially for competitive players. The ability to earn new badges and increase Freshness limits also encourages continuous progression, keeping players engaged for longer.
A milestone for fans
The announcement of Splatoon Raiders and the 10.0.0 update marks a moment of renewal for the franchise. While the spin-off promises to expand the Splatoon universe with a new adventure, the updates to Splatoon 3 ensure the main game remains relevant. The combination of nostalgia, innovation, and Switch 2 support positions the series as one of the most vibrant in Nintendo’s catalog.
With the patch arriving on June 12 and anticipation for more details about Splatoon Raiders, fans have plenty of reasons to stay tuned to the company’s upcoming announcements. The franchise, which has already won over millions of players, seems poised for a new chapter in its history.
