Splatoon Raiders Revealed: New Switch 2 Spinoff & Splatoon 3’s Massive Update 10.0 Explained

Nintendo fans, brace yourselves for a double dose of ink-fueled excitement. The much-anticipated Splatoon Raiders has just been announced, and it’s arriving in tandem with the massive Update 10.0 for Splatoon 3. The buzz is real and for good reason—this marks a thrilling expansion of the Splatoon universe, tailored for both the current and next-gen Nintendo Switch consoles.

Splatoon Raiders: A Bold New Spinoff in the Splatoon Universe

Splatoon Raiders is the next evolution in the wildly popular squid-versus-kid shooter franchise. Nintendo unveiled this brand-new spinoff as part of their June 2025 announcements. While details are still being kept close to the vest, the teaser trailer offers enough breadcrumbs to spark excitement across the gaming world.

The trailer opens on the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands, showcasing lush environments and rugged terrain. Players take on the role of a mechanic, a fresh character archetype for the series, accompanied by the iconic Deep Cut trio—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man. This signals a more narrative-driven approach compared to traditional Splatoon gameplay, hinting at a possible adventure or RPG-style experience.

Visually, the game is stunning, clearly designed to take advantage of the graphical horsepower of the new Nintendo Switch 2. The landscapes are more detailed, animations are smoother, and lighting effects bring the inky world of Splatoon to vivid life. No release date has been announced yet, but Nintendo promises more details will be revealed soon on the official Nintendo site.

Update 10.0 Brings Big Changes to Splatoon 3

The excitement doesn’t stop at Raiders. Splatoon 3 is getting a robust content injection with Update 10.0, launching June 12, 2025. The update is completely free and compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Here’s what fans can expect from the update:

• 30 New Weapons: These are inspired by fan favorites from Splatoon 1 and 2, forming the new Splatlands Collection. Among them are unique creations from the Barazushi and Emberz brands.
• Return of Urchin Underpass: A classic battleground from the original Splatoon on Wii U is making its triumphant return, rebuilt with fresh textures and improved layout mechanics.
• Raised Freshness Caps: Players can now push their favorite weapons to even higher Freshness levels, showcasing true mastery and unlocking new badges.
• Series Weapon Power: A new matchmaking stat ensures that players are paired with others who wield similar weapon skills, creating more balanced and competitive matches.
• Visual Enhancements: For Switch 2 players, locations like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds now feature upgraded visuals, smoother rendering, and more vibrant in-game life.

Most notably, the update maintains cross-compatibility, meaning players on both Switch consoles can continue to ink it out together in all the core modes.

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Why Splatoon Raiders Is a Game-Changer

While Splatoon 3 continues to dominate the competitive shooter scene, Splatoon Raiders is poised to open the floodgates to a broader narrative experience. With a deeper emphasis on story, exploration, and character interaction, this spinoff could introduce new gameplay elements that transcend the typical Turf War battles.

The mechanic protagonist’s role—combined with the spiraling mystery of the Spirhalite Islands and Deep Cut’s involvement—suggests a blend of combat, puzzle-solving, and open-world adventure. This shift could attract both long-time fans and newcomers looking for more story-driven gameplay.

The Future of Splatoon on Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 represents a significant leap in Nintendo’s hardware capabilities, and the Splatoon franchise is clearly one of its major showpieces. From visual upgrades in existing titles to brand-new spinoffs like Raiders, Nintendo is signaling its commitment to evolving beloved franchises alongside its hardware.

Given the success of Splatoon 3 and the buzz around Raiders, it’s clear that Nintendo is investing heavily in keeping the series fresh and innovative. And with the inclusion of fan-favorite characters and expanded lore, the future of Splatoon has never looked brighter.

Splatoon Raiders might be the most surprising and promising twist in the series yet. Keep an eye on updates and prepare to dive into the ink-soaked world of Spirhalite soon.

Whether you’re returning for the nostalgia of Urchin Underpass or gearing up for the mysterious Spirhalite expedition in Splatoon Raiders, this summer is set to be unforgettable for every Inkling and Octoling out there.

FAQs About Splatoon Raiders

What is Splatoon Raiders?

Splatoon Raiders is a new spinoff game in the Splatoon universe, set to debut on Nintendo Switch 2. It focuses on an adventure-style narrative featuring a mechanic protagonist and the Deep Cut trio in the Spirhalite Islands.

When will Splatoon Raiders be released?

Nintendo has not announced an official release date yet, but more information is expected soon via the company’s official channels.

What platforms will support Splatoon Raiders?

The game will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, making full use of the console’s enhanced visual and performance capabilities.

What’s included in Splatoon 3 Update 10.0?

The update brings 30 new weapons, the return of Urchin Underpass, higher Freshness caps, Series Weapon Power for matchmaking, and improved visuals for Switch 2 players.

Can players on Switch and Switch 2 play Splatoon 3 together?

Yes, cross-platform play is supported for Splatoon 3, ensuring a unified multiplayer experience across both Switch consoles.

Will Splatoon Raiders include multiplayer features?

While details are scarce, the narrative focus of Splatoon Raiders suggests it may lean more towards a single-player experience, though Nintendo may include co-op or limited multiplayer modes.