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Splatoon Raiders finally has a new trailer and a release date. Nintendo dropped both via the Nintendo Today app this morning, confirming the single-player action shooter lands exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026.
It's been nearly a year since the project was first unveiled. No updates, no peep. Now we're three months out, and the official trailer shows exactly what the team at Nintendo has been building.
The release date trailer runs just over two minutes. Here's what it shows:
"When it flashed 'a single player focused Splatoon game' I got fucking hyped"
- Reddit u/Hummer77x
But not everyone's convinced. The trailer shows environments that look more grounded and realistic than past Splatoon games — less neon chaos, more rugged island ruins. And notably absent: platforming challenges.
"I was expecting more platforming challenges than they're showing in this trailer (not at all?). And environments are looking a little drab/realistic. I do love the crafting take and the action looks good!"
- Reddit u/tlvrtm
Others see a different problem:
"I haven't played a ton of Splatoon, but this just looked like Salmon Run to me. Not super exciting for the first single-player game."
- Reddit u/IrishSpectreN7
That comparison to Salmon Run keeps coming up. The trailer does show waves of Salmonids, raids, and loot — very similar to that co-op mode. But the crafting and solo progression could set it apart.
This isn't your typical Splatoon multiplayer mayhem. Splatoon Raiders is a single-player-focused action shooter designed for both veterans and newcomers. You play as a mechanic, not a turf war hero. Your mission: raid the mysterious Spirhalite Islands for treasure.
Customize your appearance and loadout. Use mechanical gadgets and ink-splattering weapons to splat Salmonids, conquer raids, and salvage loot. The loop seems deliberate: gear up, raid, upgrade, repeat.
But you're not alone. Deep Cut — Frye, Shiver, and Big Man — joins as swashbuckling musician companions. One member actually raids alongside you as a powerful bot. That's a first for the series.
The game supports up to three other players online or via local wireless. So it's not strictly solo, but the campaign is built for one. Co-op is optional, not the core.
Here's the detail nobody's talking about. The trailer saves the best news for after it fades to black. Three new amiibo — one for each member of Deep Cut — launch alongside Splatoon Raiders on July 23rd. And yes, Big Man is back.
This is Deep Cut's second set of amiibo. The first dropped a year after Splatoon 3. These new figures arrive day-and-date with Raiders, which tells you how much Nintendo trusts these characters to carry a spinoff.
The designs are completely different from the originals:
"And 3 new amiibos to add to my completed Splatoon collection!"
- Reddit u/complex_personas
No word yet on in-game unlocks. Past Splatoon amiibo gave exclusive gear, songs, or photo mode props. Expect something similar, possibly tied to the new crafting system.
Pre-orders open soon on the My Nintendo Store. Price isn't confirmed, but standard single amiibo run $15.99 each. The jigsaw base design suggests they're meant to be bought as a set.
Nintendo dropped this trailer through the Nintendo Today app, not a full Direct. That's becoming a pattern.
"Had a feeling some of these announcements would just be on their app. No direct til June?"
- Reddit u/primalsinister
Rumors point to a summer Direct — possibly June — covering Star Fox, Fire Emblem, and Zelda ports. But for now, Nintendo's trickling out news through the app.
Some fans are frustrated:
"They're doing it on purpose at this point just to irritate the people asking for a general direct lmao"
- Reddit u/meikaishi
Others see the upside:
"Dropping the release date in its own trailer, doesn't it mean the Nintendo Direct is not close?"
- Reddit u/jalil458
Probably. If a Direct were next week, they'd save this for it. So expect June or later.
Splatoon Raiders pre-orders are available now on the Nintendo eShop. Price hasn't been announced, but expect standard $59.99 or possibly $69.99 for Switch 2 exclusives.
The Deep Cut amiibo trio hits pre-order soon on My Nintendo Store.
Splatoon Raiders is a risk. Nintendo's taking the series' beloved co-op mode, stripping out PvP, and building a full single-player campaign around it. That could be brilliant — or it could feel like a glorified Salmon Run expansion.
The new trailer locks in a July 23rd date. The action looks solid. But the lack of platforming and the drab environments worry me. Splatoon's charm is its chaotic color and verticality. This looks grounded. Literally.
Still, Deep Cut as bot companions? Crafting? Raids for loot? And now three new amiibo with fishing gear and bandaged fins? I'm in. Just don't expect Octo Expansion level design. This is something new. Let's see if it works.
Watch the trailer and decide for yourself.
