BODY: Nintendo has fired the first shot in a new chapter of one of its most colorful franchises. A newly released introduction video for Splatoon Raiders confirms that the ink-soaked universe is getting a fresh entry β this time built for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The trailer, posted to Nintendo's official Japanese channels, teases a new adventure carrying the Splatoon name while signaling something distinct from the mainline series. Rather than leaning solely on the competitive Turf War multiplayer that made the series a global phenomenon, the "Raiders" branding hints at a more expedition-driven, adventure-flavored experience β a direction fans have speculated about since the Switch 2's launch lineup began taking shape.
Details are being kept characteristically tight. Nintendo has listed the title across its official game portal, the Japanese Nintendo Store, and its Switch 2 successor console pages, positioning Splatoon Raiders as part of the platform's growing first-party push. The introduction video functions as a mood-setter, showcasing the franchise's signature vibrant art style, squid-and-octopus cast, and the neon energy that has defined Splatoon since its 2015 debut.
For a series that has historically arrived once per console generation, a new Splatoon project this early in the Switch 2's life cycle is notable β a sign of how central the brand has become to Nintendo's youth-facing strategy.
The insider take
From Tokyo, the timing feels deliberate. Splatoon is arguably Nintendo's most culturally embedded post-Mario franchise here β its Splatfest events dominate social media, and its fashion-forward aesthetic drives real-world merch and collaborations across Shibuya and Harajuku. Launching a Switch 2 entry under a new sub-brand like "Raiders" lets Nintendo experiment without disturbing the sacred competitive formula, while keeping the hardcore Japanese fanbase β who treat ranked play almost as a national sport β firmly on board. Expect a Nintendo Direct to fill in the blanks soon.
Originally reported by γ―γ¦γͺγγγ―γγΌγ― (Japanese).