Here’s some fresh ink for your gaming radar: Splatoon Raiders is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026. This new spin-off from Nintendo’s beloved Splatoon series is switching gears with a more connected, story-driven campaign that promises to dive deeper than the usual level-based adventures.
Splatoon Raiders Puts Story and Exploration Front and Center
Splatoon fans know the series for its colorful turf wars and wild multiplayer battles, but Splatoon Raiders is taking a different route. Instead of hopping between disconnected levels, you’ll explore the Spirhalite Islands on a treasure hunt gone sideways. The story kicks off with a helicopter crash that strands the idol pop trio Deep Cut along with their pilot and mechanic (that’s your customizable character) on this mysterious archipelago.
From there, it’s all about setting up a hideout ship, hunting for treasure, and battling familiar foes like Salmonids. If you’ve played Salmon Run in Splatoon 2 or 3, you’ll recognize those grumpy enemies. But here, the gameplay feels bigger and more open, with a map that looks freely explorable rather than tiny, segmented zones.
Classic Ink Combat Returns with Fresh Gameplay Twists
At its core, Splatoon Raiders sticks to the third-person shooter style that made the series famous. You’ll use ink-shooting weapons to both fight enemies and cover the ground, letting you swim through ink as either an Inkling or Octoling. What’s new is the addition of a Deep Cut member piloting a mech to back you up in fights.
The game is mainly single-player, but it does include co-op multiplayer through local wireless or online play. Details are still thin here, but the presence of Salmonids and teamwork hints that this could be a big evolution of the Salmon Run experience, just with a bigger world and more adventure elements.
You can also expect some customization and upgrades. The hideout ship can be improved, and weapons or gadgets you find on the islands will unlock new abilities. For example, one treasure shown in the trailer grants a double-jump, adding more depth to movement and combat.
A Budget-Friendly Switch 2 Exclusive at Launch
Splatoon Raiders is a Switch 2 exclusive, marking the first time the series gets its own new title on the platform. While it’s still unclear how the game will fully use the Switch 2’s power, the trailer was released in smooth 4K at 60 frames per second, so the visuals are likely to look crisp when docked.
Now, here’s the kicker: this game will cost just $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically. That’s a pretty smart move from Nintendo, as it’s one of the most affordable Switch 2 games so far – even cheaper than Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Pokémon Pokopia, and other big titles. The price drop on digital versions is part of Nintendo’s new strategy for Switch 2 exclusives, so expect more games to follow suit.
Mark your calendar for July 23, 2026. Splatoon Raiders looks ready to mix up the series with a stronger story, open-world vibes, and a price that won’t make your wallet scream. Whether you’re a Splatoon veteran or just curious about the franchise’s new direction, this one’s shaping up to be a must-watch.
