The arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 is marking a before and after for many of Nintendo’s franchises, and Splatoon is no exception. The ink-based shooter not only received a free update patch for Splatoon 3, but was also the star of an unexpected announcement: Splatoon Raiders, the series’ first spin-off. Additionally, rumors about Splatoon 4 are starting to gain momentum.
Splatoon 3 enhanced on Switch 2
On June 12, 2025, Nintendo released patch 10.0.0 for Splatoon 3, optimized for Switch 2. The improvements are clear:
- In TV mode, there’s a jump from dynamic resolution (~1080p) to native 4K, with up to six times more detail compared to the original Switch (Wccftech).
- The Splatsville hub, which previously ran at 30 FPS, now runs at stable 60 FPS, just like the rest of the game (Nintendo Life).
- Even in handheld mode, it reaches 1080p and constant 60 FPS (Wccftech).
Loading times are also much faster thanks to the console’s improved memory (Switch 2 gameplay). And the best part: the experience maintains cross-platform multiplayer between Switch and Switch 2, with graphical adjustments in the original version to ensure there are no performance advantages (Nintendo Life).
In summary: the same Splatoon 3, but smoother, sharper, and with next-generation performance.
Splatoon Raiders: the first exclusive spin-off
The surprise announcement was Splatoon Raiders, a single-player adventure designed exclusively for Switch 2.
Set in the Spirhalite Islands, the game focuses on exploration and narrative, featuring tropical and mysterious environments. The protagonist will feature an unprecedented mechanic, accompanied by none other than Deep Cut (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man), who will play an important role in the story (Nintendo Life).
This title is a milestone: the first Splatoon spin-off since the franchise began. It expands the universe beyond competitive battles and offers a narrative focus. For now, Nintendo has only listed it as “coming soon,” with no confirmed release date.
Splatoon 4 rumors
While there’s still no official announcement, everything indicates that Splatoon 4 would be in development under the codename “Spiral.” The leak was picked up by outlets like MyNintendoNews and Insider-Gaming.
Following precedent (remember that Splatoon 2 arrived just months after Switch’s debut), some believe Nintendo could repeat the strategy with Switch 2. However, analysts suggest that Splatoon 4 might not arrive until 2026, once the initial launch calendar is more cleared up.
Conclusion: what’s coming for the series
With a revitalized Splatoon 3, an exclusive narrative spin-off, and solid rumors of Splatoon 4, the franchise is experiencing one of its most exciting moments. Everything points to Nintendo wanting to establish Splatoon as a Switch 2 pillar, on the same level as Mario or Zelda.
The big question is: when will we see more? Probably at the next Nintendo Direct, where we could get new details about Splatoon Raiders or even a hint about the fourth installment. Until then, inklings and octolings have plenty of reasons to get excited about the new ink era on Switch 2.
