Nintendo is giving Switch 2 owners another reason to keep an eye on July. Splatoon Raiders, the new single-player-focused spinoff from the colourful ink-shooter series, is officially launching on July 23 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
This is a pretty big one for Splatoon fans, because it marks the first new entry in the series since Splatoon 3 arrived in 2022. Instead of being another full competitive sequel, though, Raiders looks like Nintendo is trying to stretch the series into a more adventure-driven format while keeping the stuff that makes Splatoon instantly recognisable: messy ink battles, stylish characters, and that soundtrack that always sounds like a squid band went too hard in the studio.
So what is Splatoon Raiders?
Nintendo’s new trailer gives a clearer look at what players can expect. The core gameplay still seems built around ink-splattering weapons and movement, but this time the focus is on a campaign-style experience rather than purely online turf wars.
You play as a mechanic teaming up with Deep Cut, the musical trio from Splatoon 3, as you explore the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. Players can customise their look, equip mechanical gadgets, use ink-based weapons, and fight aggressive sea creatures known as Salmonids while hunting for treasure.
That setup sounds like a smart move. Splatoon’s world has always had strong style and lore, but most casual players in Malaysia probably know it mainly as “that Nintendo shooter with paint everywhere.” A more campaign-heavy game could make the series easier to jump into, especially for players who don’t want to immediately kena whack by online veterans.
It is not fully solo-only
Even though Nintendo describes Splatoon Raiders as single-player-focused, it will still include co-op elements. Players can team up with up to three other players, either online or locally.
That local co-op detail is nice for SEA players. Splatoon has always been fun as a social game, but Nintendo’s online ecosystem can feel a bit hit-or-miss depending on region, account setup, and connection quality. Having local play means it could work well for siblings, friend groups, dorm setups, or gaming hangouts without everyone needing to rely fully on online matchmaking.
Why Switch 2 owners should care
The bigger story here is that Nintendo is slowly filling out the Switch 2 calendar. According to the current lineup mentioned alongside this reveal, Nintendo recently released Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, which is also available on the original Switch, plus a major expansion for Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
For the rest of 2026, the confirmed list still looks fairly light: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book in May, Rhythm Heaven Groove in July, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave with no release date yet, and now Splatoon Raiders.
For Malaysian buyers, that matters because early console adoption is always about the games. If you are considering a Switch 2 this year, Splatoon Raiders adds one more first-party title to the argument — especially if you prefer Nintendo games with personality instead of another massive open-world checklist. But local pricing, retail bundles, and availability will be the real deciding factors once Malaysian shops start pushing preorders or imported units.
Still, this is a solid move from Nintendo. A Splatoon spinoff that keeps the ink-shooter energy but gives players a proper adventure could be exactly the kind of mid-year release the Switch 2 needs before Nintendo shows its bigger holiday cards.
Source: The Verge Gaming