Splatoon 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Splatoon 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Splatoon 3 Summer Nights 2026 Splatfest announced
Nintendo has announced the Splatoon 3 Summer Nights 2026 Splatfest, which will take place during the weekend of August 21. Players will choose between visiting a palace, theme park, or beach. This follows last year's event which asked players about their preferred travel methods.
Famitsu software sales (7/20/26 – 7/26/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of July 20-26, 2026. Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2 debuted at number one with 474,684 units sold. The Nintendo Switch remains the dominant platform, with several titles from its library appearing in the top 30.
Final Fantasy 14, Monster Hunter, and Animal Crossing top new survey of games Japanese players have spent the most time…
A survey of 5,400 Japanese players revealed the games they have spent the most time playing, with Final Fantasy 14 topping the list. Other notable entries include Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, Animal Crossing New Horizons, and Minecraft, while surprisingly, no Pokemon titles made the top 20.
Splatoon Raiders Review – Ink Reborn
Splatoon Raiders is a surprisingly impressive spin-off that revitalizes the franchise by introducing looter shooter and primarily single-player elements. Despite initial concerns about repetition, the game's core mechanics, robust multiplayer, and technical performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 make it a standout title and one of the best loot games available.
Splatoon Raiders beats Zelda as Nintendo’s top user-rated game on Metacritic
Splatoon Raiders has achieved a Metacritic user score of 9.3, surpassing all other Nintendo games including The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Mario titles. Despite having fewer reviews than previous Splatoon entries, the game's high user rating has sparked discussion, especially considering Splatoon 3's lower score and the perceived similar lack of innovation in Splatoon Raiders.
Splatoon Raiders review for Nintendo Switch 2
Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2 shifts the series' focus to a single-player experience on the Spirhalite Islands, featuring a story mode with new Salmonid enemies and customizable weapons. While it offers a fresh take with RPG elements and extensive post-game content, some of the music can be grating, though the core gameplay remains addictive and enjoyable for fans of the Splatoon franchise.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – July 25, 2026 – Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game debuts
The latest Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of July 25, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game makes its debut at #7 overall and leads the download-only category. Rhythm Heaven Groove remains at #2.
Famitsu software sales (7/13/26 – 7/19/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released its Japanese software sales data for the week of July 13-19, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove for Nintendo Switch topped the charts with 76,786 units sold. The data includes sales figures for various games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Splatoon Raiders started off as a tower defense game
Splatoon Raiders, a new Nintendo Switch looter-shooter, initially began as a tower defense game. Developers found this concept didn't capture the core "Splatoon" feel of dynamic action and decided to shift focus. The game's director, Yoshihiko Ito, and producer, Seita Inoue, discussed the evolution of the gameplay mechanics in a Nintendo interview.
Nintendo didn't make Splatoon 4 because it didn't want to, Splatoon Raiders lead says: "We thought it might be interesting to create something with a slightly different approach"
Nintendo developers Seita Inoue and Yoshihiko Ito explained that Splatoon Raiders was developed as a spin-off to offer a different gameplay approach after over 11 years of mainline multiplayer titles. The team aimed to create a new entry point for the series with standalone single-player content, while still planning for future competitive entries like Splatoon 4. They also explored leveraging the Nintendo Switch 2's power for enhanced Salmon Run-inspired experiences.
Splatoon Raiders Drops Detailed Gameplay Overview Ahead of July 23rd Release
Splatoon Raiders, an upcoming exclusive for the Nintendo Switch, will feature players as a Mechanic working with the band Deep Cut to find treasures on the Spirhalite Islands while fending off Salmonids. The game includes RPG-like gear progression and will launch on July 23rd, offering both single-player and online modes.
Games Inbox: Which is better out of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3?
Readers debate whether Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the superior game, with many favoring The Witcher 3 for its story and characters. Discussions also touch upon the longevity of digital versus physical game sales, the unique economy of Counter-Strike skins, and concerns about Nintendo's recent game releases and pricing strategies.
Nintendo Basically Says That Splatoon 4 Will Happen
Nintendo producer Seita Inoue confirmed that the Splatoon franchise will continue to feature competitive PvP gameplay, even mentioning the possibility of "Splatoon 4." He clarified that the spin-off Splatoon Raiders was created to offer a different gameplay approach and serve as a new entry point into the series, emphasizing that Splatoon isn't solely about competitive play. The comments suggest a traditional Splatoon 4 is likely, potentially as a Switch 2 exclusive.
Nintendo explains why it’s coming out with Splatoon Raiders instead of Splatoon 4
Nintendo explained its decision to release Splatoon Raiders instead of Splatoon 4, citing a desire for a different gameplay approach that allows players to savor the action solo. Producers Seita Inoue and Yoshihiko Ito revealed that the spin-off leverages Salmon Run gameplay for a single-player experience, potentially taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's power.
Splatoon Raiders Review - A well seasoned meal
Splatoon Raiders offers an engaging single-player experience with varied missions and outstanding weapon customization, though it suffers from limited outfit options and some restrictive level-up mechanics. The game follows the idol trio Deep Cut as they explore the Spirhalite Isles, battling Salmonids and uncovering treasure. Despite its shortcomings, the game provides a fun cast of characters and a robust PvE multiplayer component, making it a worthwhile addition to the Splatoon franchise.
Splatoon Raiders review - salmon fishy going on
Splatoon Raiders adapts the popular Salmon Run co-op mode into a primarily single-player experience for the Nintendo Switch, but struggles to justify its existence with minimal new ideas and a lack of compelling story. While the core Salmon Run gameplay remains enjoyable, especially with optional online co-op, the linear levels and repetitive structure make it a slight and unnecessary diversion that fails to innovate.
Splatoon Raiders review: Squid marks the spot
Splatoon Raiders offers a fun, albeit somewhat shallow, looter-shooter experience on the Nintendo Switch, featuring familiar Splatoon mechanics and charming characters. While the core gameplay loop of treasure hunting and combat is engaging, the game suffers from repetitive level design and enemy variety, making it feel less ambitious than its potential. It shines brightest in co-op with friends, providing short, entertaining sessions.
Splatoon Raiders review: "This looter shooter twist works better than I expected across solo and co-op play, while keeping the Squidling vibes joyfully intact"
Splatoon Raiders offers a surprisingly effective solo loot shooter experience that retains the series' signature "Squidling vibes." While it has some rough edges, including a late-game difficulty spike and questionable weapon balance, the core combat and upgrade systems are satisfying. The game successfully translates the Splatoon formula into a non-PvP adventure, playable solo or with up to three friends.
Splatoon Raiders Shows The Series Should Have Always Been A Looter Shooter
Splatoon Raiders offers a satisfying single-player looter shooter experience that revitalizes the Splatoon franchise. While some traditional weapons feel less effective, the game's extensive gadget customization and chaotic PvE challenges provide a compelling gameplay loop. The brief, engaging stages make it ideal for quick play sessions, and the co-op raids add further value.
Splatoon Raiders: What Busy Adults Need to Know Before July 23
Splatoon Raiders, a new exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 launching July 23, removes competitive multiplayer in favor of a treasure-hunting loot game experience. Players take on the role of a mechanic hired by Deep Cut to explore islands, battle Salmonids, and collect loot, with a focus on accessible gameplay and persistent progression. The game will cost $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically, and while it supports online co-op, it lacks split-screen functionality.
