Nintendo has taken the Splatoon fandom by surprise with the reveal of a brand-new spinoff, Splatoon Raiders, coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2. Just days after the console’s launch, the announcement dropped unexpectedly via the Nintendo Today app, sparking immediate excitement and speculation.
Deep Cut Returns in Spirhalite Islands
The highlight of the teaser trailer is the return of Deep Cut—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—fan-favorite hosts from Splatoon 3. This time, they step into more central roles as protagonists rather than just musical or news personalities.
The trio is seen crash-landing on a mysterious new area called the Spirhalite Islands, a sprawling, vibrant world rumored to hide powerful secrets. Nintendo hinted at a narrative-driven journey as Deep Cut searches for answers while navigating dangers and uncovering hidden lore.
What Kind of Game Is Splatoon Raiders?
Although gameplay details remain sparse, early footage suggests a shift from traditional PvP multiplayer to something more explorative and possibly co-op oriented. With cinematic storytelling and a new location at the forefront, Splatoon Raiders could be the franchise’s first real dive into adventure-action gameplay rather than purely competitive matches.
Here’s what we know:
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Standalone Spinoff: Not a sequel, but part of the same universe.
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New Area: Spirhalite Islands seems to offer open-ended zones to explore.
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Story-Focused: A narrative involving Deep Cut and the mystery behind the islands.
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Unconfirmed Features: No word yet on multiplayer modes, loadouts, or release date.
Splatoon 3’s Legacy Continues
With Splatoon 3 being one of Nintendo’s best-selling Switch titles—surpassing 10 million copies sold within three months—expectations were high for the franchise’s next evolution. Few expected this detour, but fans are already theorizing connections between the new location and the lore of Splatoon 3’s world.
“A single-player Splatoon adventure? Count me in. The Deep Cut lore deserves the spotlight,” said one fan on X.
When Will Splatoon Raiders Launch?
Nintendo has yet to reveal a launch date or even a release window. However, given the timing of the announcement and the game’s polished teaser visuals, it’s likely intended as one of Switch 2’s early post-launch highlights.
Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2 might not be the direct sequel fans expected, but it could offer something entirely fresh: a story-rich, character-driven adventure in the Splatoon universe. With Deep Cut in the spotlight and Spirhalite Islands waiting to be explored, this spinoff could become a cult classic in its own right.
Stay tuned for more updates as Nintendo reveals additional gameplay, mechanics, and release information in the coming months!