In a bold twist that has left the Splatoon community buzzing, Nnobody expected this, but Nintendo has revealed the franchise’s first-ever spin-off—Splatoon Raiders—and also a major update for Splatoon 3. The twin announcements promise to bring fresh adventures and enhanced gameplay experiences to both veteran fans and newcomers alike.
Splatoon Raiders: A Bold New Chapter Splatoon Raiders marks a daring departure from the familiar multiplayer shooter formula. Exclusively designed for the Nintendo Switch 2, the spin-off invites players to step into the shoes of a mechanic embarking on a mysterious journey through the Spirhalite Islands alongside members of the Deep Cut (Clan Surimi). The teaser trailer, unveiled via Nintendo Today, hints at an exploration-centric experience where players navigate inked terrains and surprising obstacles after an unexpected helicopter mishap. Though Nintendo has yet to confirm a release date, the announcement has sparked extensive speculation about whether further details might emerge at an upcoming Nintendo Direct or another special event 2. This fresh perspective on the Splatoon universe promises to deepen the lore and offer an alternative narrative approach that could redefine what fans expect from the series.
Splatoon 3 Update 10.00: Enhanced Visuals and Gameplay Not resting on its laurels, Nintendo also confirmed that Splatoon 3 will receive a free update—version 10.00—that will launch on June 12, 2025. This update is not a mere patch but a significant technical and aesthetic overhaul, particularly for those playing on the new Nintendo Switch 2. Players can look forward to improved graphics and smoother performance in key game hubs such as the plaza of Tintelia, Grand Festival Grounds, and revamped environments like the iconic Parque Viaducto. Additionally, the update introduces the Colección Tintelia, which brings 30 new weapon sets featuring redesigned skins and adjustments to existing armaments. Competitive players will also notice new features, such as the innovative Series Weapon Power stat in ranked Anarchy Battles—a metric designed to balance weapon effectiveness by tracking win/loss ratios. This free update supports cross-play between the original Nintendo Switch and the new hardware, ensuring the community stays united even as technological boundaries evolve.
Looking Ahead With these announcements, Nintendo not only expands the expansive world of Splatoon but also reinforces its commitment to evolving its franchise through diverse gameplay experiences. While Splatoon Raiders paves the way for narrative exploration beyond fast-paced multiplayer battles, the expansive Splatoon 3 update guarantees that even familiar territory is ripe with innovation. As both projects are set to launch new chapters in the beloved series, fans worldwide eagerly await further details from Nintendo, hopeful that the next reveal — perhaps at a future Nintendo Direct — will shed light on gameplay mechanics, story depth, and potential release windows.
The dual announcements set the stage for an exciting summer in gaming, underscoring Nintendo’s talent for merging creative storytelling with cutting-edge technical enhancements. Whether you're drawn to the exploratory spirit of Splatoon Raiders or the refined competitive edge offered by the Splatoon 3 update, these new developments ensure that the ink will keep flowing in unexpected directions.