Splatoon Raiders
News, coverage and analysis tracking Splatoon Raiders across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Splatoon Raiders launch trailer – Nintendo Switch 2 gets single-player-focused action-shooter
Nintendo has released the official launch trailer for Splatoon Raiders, an action-shooter game for the Nintendo Switch. The game features players as mechanics working with the musical trio Deep Cut to raid the Spirhalite Islands for treasure while fending off Salmonids. Splatoon Raiders supports online and local co-op for up to four players, with options for solo play and online assistance.
Nintendo Download – July 23, 2026 (Europe)
Nintendo has released its latest European download list for the week of July 23, 2026. The list includes new retail and digital titles for the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, featuring a variety of genres and indie games.
Nine tracks from Splatoon Raiders added to Nintendo Music
Nine tracks from the newly released game Splatoon Raiders have been added to Nintendo Music for the Nintendo Switch. While Nintendo has previously released partial soundtracks for newer titles, it is currently unknown if the full soundtrack will become available.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Splatoon Raiders icons
Nintendo Switch Online has added new icons themed around Splatoon Raiders, available for purchase with My Nintendo Platinum Points. New designs will be released weekly until August 19, 2026. These icons remain accessible even if a Nintendo Switch Online membership expires.
ShackStream: The Adventures of Elliot on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 730
The Stevetendo Show continues its playthrough of Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a game reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda. Tonight's stream will feature the exploration of the Age of Reconstruction and the use of newly acquired bombs to access caves. The show also teased upcoming streams including Splatoon Raiders, a Wario Land Retro Night, and a Shacker's Choice for Wednesday.
Nintendo talks about why they decided on Splatoon Raiders rather than Splatoon 4
Nintendo discussed the decision to develop Splatoon Raiders as a spin-off rather than immediately proceeding with Splatoon 4. The team explored this direction as development for Splatoon 3 was concluding.
Splatoon Raiders developers reveal it originally was "like a base defense game" before evolving into a faster spin-off "with a strong sense of action"
Developers from Nintendo EPD revealed that Splatoon Raiders originally began as a base defense game before evolving into its current faster-paced, action-oriented spin-off. The team shifted focus to enhance player agency and dynamic combat, moving away from trap-heavy gameplay to preserve the series' core 'Splatoon-ness'.
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.
Of all the platforms, Xbox is the only one to have just grown year-on-year - but there's a big catch
US video game spending in June dropped 21% year-on-year, with hardware sales declining significantly by 62%. While the Nintendo Switch 2 launch in June 2025 skewed comparisons, Xbox Series X/S was the only platform to see hardware spending growth, albeit from a low base. Subscriptions were the sole segment to experience growth.
Splatoon Raiders Version 1.1.0 now available (patch notes)
Nintendo has released Version 1.1.0 for Splatoon Raiders, which is now available for the Nintendo Switch. This update addresses several issues and is required for online play. The game is set to launch tomorrow.
Splatoon Raiders 1.1.0 update out now, patch notes
Nintendo has released the first update for Splatoon Raiders, version 1.1.0, which is available now for those who pre-loaded the game. The patch primarily adjusts in-game music and fixes unspecified bugs, making it a smaller update compared to previous Nintendo titles like Star Fox. Splatoon Raiders is set to launch officially tomorrow, July 23.
What is the exact release time of Splatoon Raiders?
Splatoon Raiders is set to release exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, with an expected launch time of midnight ET in North America. The game represents a significant shift for the series, transitioning from its multiplayer roots to a single-player adventure. Digital preloads are currently available.
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.
Evening Reading - July 21, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming and entertainment updates. News includes Wreckreation 2 in development, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion details, and Darkest Dungeon: The Fire's Edge DLC. Other mentions include Apple's device leasing program, Nintendo's response to tariff refunds, a Splatoon Raiders review, and collaborations for Fortnite and EA Sports FC.
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.
ShackStream: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 729
The Stevetendo Show will begin a new playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, aiming to complete it before a remake or remaster is released. The stream will also feature other classic games and discuss upcoming Nintendo Switch Online additions. The show airs on the Shacknews Twitch channel.
How Long Is Splatoon Raiders
Splatoon Raiders, a new campaign-focused adventure for the Nintendo Switch 2, takes approximately 15-18 hours for an average playthrough including optional content and moderate engagement with collectibles. Fully completing the game, including post-game content and collecting all items, can extend playtime beyond 40 hours, with additional hours available through cooperative play and gear progression.
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.
Splatoon Raiders is inching closer to shore, but there's still plenty of time to pre-order the Deep Cut-inspired…
Nintendo is releasing new Deep Cut-inspired Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch on July 23, 2024, coinciding with the launch of Splatoon Raiders. While these official controllers offer a subtle color scheme, third-party brands like KeysFactory and Hori are also launching more elaborate Splatoon Raiders accessory collections, including controller covers and a Wireless Horipad Turbo, though their availability in the US and UK is not yet confirmed.
'We've Been Going Full Speed Ahead for Over 11 years': Nintendo Explains Why It Hasn't Made Splatoon 4 — Yet
Nintendo developers explained that the decision to release the cooperative spinoff Splatoon Raiders first, rather than Splatoon 4, was a deliberate choice after over 11 years of full-speed development. Splatoon Raiders is a new exclusive for the Nintendo Switch.