Splatoon Raiders Release Date Confirmed

Switch 2 exclusive Splatoon Raiders will arrive in July, Nintendo has announced.

The Splatoon spinoff will launch on July 23 and be priced at $49.99 via the Nintendo eShop. (Presumably it will be more expensive in a box, following Nintendo’s recent decision to start charging different prices for Switch 2-exclusive digital and physical releases.)

Announced last year, Splatoon Raiders is the latest Switch 2 game to get a summer launch date, following Rhythm Heaven Groove (which arrives on July 2). These dates both back up a recent major leak of Nintendo’s upcoming release plans, which also foretold of a new 3D Mario game coming in 2027, a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time due this Christmas, and a fresh Star Fox game coming even sooner.

https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/2046574675547791679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Today’s trailer begins with a look at Splatoon Raiders’ character creator, which kicks in at the start of the game as you meet your hero character — the Mechanic. You’ll choose from body type, voice, hairstyle, eyebrows and eye color and quickly get started.

Footage shows the Mechanic exploring what looks to be a large open world, aided by another character in a tank-like mech that’s armed with colorful ink cannons. It looks a lot this tank can be controlled by any member of Splatoon 3’s Deep Cut band — Shiver, Frye and Big Man. As a Squidling yourself, of course, you retain the ability to paint your surroundings and use various powerups, including the ink roller.

While Nintendo describes the game as “single-player focused,” the company has also confirmed that up to three other players can join in on the action via online or local co-op. “Don’t worry about balance or difficulty,” Nintendo wrote in a message posted to social media, “whether you team up with friends or go solo, it all evens out!”

As you explore and defeat large enemies to uncover treasure, you’ll also unlock more of the game’s map. But just how big is Splatoon Raiders? There’s just three months to go until we find out. Alongside the game’s arrival, Nintendo will sell a triple pack of new Splatoon amiibo featuring the Deep Cut trio — you can see how they look at the end of the trailer above.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social