Nintendo has just inked a bold new chapter in the Splatoon universe, and fans everywhere are buzzing. In a surprise trailer dropped today, the company unveiled Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever spinoff of its beloved ink-shooting franchise, set to launch exclusively on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This announcement, paired with a massive update for Splatoon 3, marks a pivotal moment for the series as it surges into the next generation of gaming.

A Fresh Adventure Begins

Splatoon Raiders isn’t just another paint-splashing shooter. This time, players step into the shoes of a mechanic, teaming up with the fan-favorite Deep Cut trio Shiver, Frye, and Big Man on the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. While Nintendo has kept gameplay details under wraps, the teaser hints at an adventure-driven experience that expands the Splatoon universe beyond its traditional turf wars and Salmon Runs. Given the franchise’s reputation for creativity and style, expectations are sky-high for what this new direction could bring.

The Splatoon Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2015, Splatoon has become one of Nintendo’s most successful new IPs, and Splatoon and its sequels have been star properties for Nintendo, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch 2 was released on June 5 and has been hard to find in stock during its first launch week.

The series is celebrated for its vibrant visuals, innovative multiplayer, and unique take on the shooter genre. Splatoon 3, released in September 2022, continues to thrive with a robust player base and regular content updates, cementing its status as a staple of Nintendo’s online ecosystem.

Splatoon 3 Gets a Major Update

Alongside Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo is rolling out a significant free update for Splatoon 3 on both Switch and Switch 2, launching June 12. The Splatlands collection introduces 30 new weapon kits from the Barazushi and Emberz brands, each with fresh designs and unique sub and special weapons. Returning fans will be thrilled to see Urchin Underpass, a classic stage from the original Splatoon, rejoin the rotation.

Competitive players can look forward to raised weapon Freshness caps and new in-game Badges, rewarding dedication and skill. A new stat, Series Weapon Power, will track player performance with each weapon, ensuring fairer matchmaking and encouraging experimentation. This thoughtful tweak aims to balance the playing field and keep the meta fresh.

Next-Gen Upgrades and Cross-Platform Play

With the arrival of Switch 2, Splatoon 3 players can expect sharper visuals and smoother gameplay, especially in bustling hubs like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds. Importantly, Nintendo has confirmed full cross-platform play between Switch and Switch 2 users, ensuring the community remains united as the hardware transitions.

What’s Next for Splatoon?

Nintendo promises more details on Splatoon Raiders in the coming months, fueling speculation about how this spinoff could reshape the franchise. With the Switch 2 set to launch later this year and Splatoon 3’s player base still going strong, the future looks bright and very colorful for Inklings and Octolings everywhere.

Author’s take:

Splatoon Raiders is the change the franchise needed. Nintendo’s smart updates would keep both new and old players excited for what’s next. The future of the series looks brighter than ever.