Splatoon 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Splatoon 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Splatoon 3 will soon add Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica from Splatoon Raiders for those who have cleared game
Nintendo has announced that Splatoon 3 will receive a new weapon, the Plastic-Bottle Shot Replica, which is inspired by Splatoon Raiders. This replica weapon will be obtainable in Splatoon 3 after players have completed the main story of Splatoon Raiders, and can be acquired from a terminal in the game's lobby.
Splatoon Raiders Review: A Single-Player Surprise
Splatoon Raiders offers a surprising and enjoyable single-player campaign that deviates from the series' usual PvP focus. The game successfully translates the fast-paced combat and vibrant world-building into a compelling experience, featuring expanded weapon systems and engaging customization options. Despite some frustrating optional challenge levels, the overall experience is highly positive, making it one of the year's standout titles.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling Switch 2 and Switch digital games for July 2026
Nintendo has released the best-selling digital games for the Japanese Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch eShops for July 2026. Splatoon 3 debuted at number one on the Switch 2 charts, while Rhythm Heaven Groove topped the Switch charts. The data includes a wide range of titles, from new releases like Village in the Shade and Digimon Story: Time Stranger to perennial sellers like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 8, 2026 – Tomodachi Life on top, Kynseed debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 8, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream maintaining its top position. New release Kynseed debuted at #11 overall and second on the download-only list. The charts also feature popular titles like Minecraft, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and various Mario and Pokemon games.
Famitsu software sales (7/27/26 – 8/2/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released the Japanese software sales data for the week of July 27, 2026, to August 2, 2026. Splatoon Raiders for the Nintendo Switch 2 led the charts, followed by Rhythm Heaven Groove and Village in the Shade. The data includes sales figures for various games across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Splatoon Raiders amiibo
New amiibo figures featuring Shiver, Frye, and Big Man in their Splatoon Raiders outfits have been released. These figures are distinct from previous Splatoon 3 amiibo, offering a new collectible for fans of the series.
Splatoon Raiders Owes A Lot To Older Campaigns You Forgot About
This article argues that while Splatoon Raiders is a strong single-player experience, the campaigns in the original Splatoon, Splatoon 2, and Splatoon 3 were also significant and foundational. It highlights how Raiders draws inspiration from the lore, weapon variety, level design, and progression systems established in previous installments, emphasizing that the entire Splatoon series offers something special.
Summer Nights Splatfest taking place this month
Nintendo has announced a new Splatfest for Splatoon 3 called Summer Nights, taking place later this month. Players can choose between Team Palace, Team Theme Park, or Team Beach, with the theme revolving around what one would reserve for a day.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 1, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream still dominating
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for August 1, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, a recent release, has fallen to number 10. The charts detail the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only titles.
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.
