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Nintendo has officially confirmed that Splatoon Raiders will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026. The upcoming action shooter expands the Splatoon universe with a new adventure designed for both longtime fans and newcomers, introducing a treasure-hunting journey across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.
Alongside the release date announcement, Nintendo also revealed new gameplay details, companion features involving Deep Cut, and confirmation that pre-orders are now live through the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2 and My Nintendo Store.
A New Single-Player Adventure in the Splatoon Universe
Unlike the traditionally multiplayer-focused structure of previous entries in the series, Splatoon Raiders places a stronger emphasis on single-player progression. Players take on the role of a mechanic exploring the Spirhalite Islands in search of valuable treasure while battling waves of Salmonid enemies across a variety of raid-style encounters.
The game blends the familiar ink-based combat mechanics the Splatoon franchise is known for with a new exploration-driven structure. Players can customize their character’s appearance and loadout while making use of mechanical gadgets and specialized ink weapons to overcome enemy groups and complete raid objectives throughout the islands.
Nintendo describes the experience as approachable for newcomers while still offering enough depth for longtime Splatoon players already familiar with the series’ movement systems and weapon styles.
Deep Cut Returns With New Roles in Splatoon Raiders
Supporting players throughout the adventure is Deep Cut, the trio consisting of Frye, Shiver, and Big Man. The group returns with redesigned looks specifically created for Splatoon Raiders and plays a larger role in the story compared to previous appearances in the Splatoon series.
One member of Deep Cut will accompany players directly during raids through the use of a powerful support bot, adding an additional layer of assistance during combat encounters and exploration segments across the Spirhalite Islands.
To coincide with the launch, Nintendo will also release new amiibo figures featuring Frye, Shiver, and Big Man in their updated Splatoon Raiders outfits. These figures will be available starting July 23, the same day the game launches for Nintendo Switch 2, with pre-orders already open via the My Nintendo Store.
Online and Local Multiplayer Options Also Included
While Splatoon Raiders is primarily designed as a single-player-focused action shooter, Nintendo confirmed the game also supports cooperative play with up to three additional players. Multiplayer sessions can be accessed either through online connectivity or via local wireless play on Nintendo Switch 2, allowing players to tackle raid missions together.
This hybrid structure allows the game to function both as a solo narrative-driven experience and a cooperative action title depending on player preference.
Pre-Orders Available Now Ahead of July 23 Release
Pre-orders for Splatoon Raiders are now available through the My Nintendo Store and the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2, giving players early access ahead of its July 23 release date.
With its stronger emphasis on exploration, raid-style combat encounters, and cooperative gameplay support, Splatoon Raiders represents a notable evolution of the Splatoon formula as Nintendo prepares to expand the franchise’s presence on Nintendo Switch 2 throughout 2026.
