BODY: Japanese game retailer GEO has kicked off pre-orders for Splatoon Raiders, the next entry in Nintendo's ink-slinging franchise and one of the marquee titles for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game is slated for a July 23 release.
As a pre-order incentive, GEO is offering a limited-quantity original folding fan (oritatami uchiwa) โ a classic Japanese summer accessory that fits right in with Splatoon's colorful, street-culture aesthetic. The bonus is available while supplies last, making it a first-come, first-served deal for fans eager to secure some exclusive merch alongside their copy.
Splatoon Raiders marks the series' debut on Nintendo Switch 2 and has been one of the most closely watched titles since its reveal. While Nintendo has kept specific gameplay details under wraps, the "Raiders" subtitle suggests a potential shift in format from the traditional turf-war multiplayer the series is known for. Pre-orders opening across major Japanese retailers signals that the Switch 2 launch window lineup is now moving into full retail momentum.
GEO, one of Japan's largest entertainment retail chains with over 1,000 locations nationwide, is a key barometer for physical game sales in the country. Their early pre-order launch โ often among the first for major titles โ typically triggers a wave of competing retailer bonuses in the days that follow.
The insider take
Retailer-exclusive physical bonuses like GEO's folding fan are a uniquely Japanese retail tradition that remains remarkably resilient even as digital sales grow. In Tokyo's gaming districts, collectors routinely pre-order the same title at multiple stores just to secure each retailer's unique bonus item. For Splatoon Raiders, expect competing chains like Tsutaya, Yodobashi Camera, and Amazon Japan to announce their own limited extras soon โ it's become a mini arms race that drives early commitment and keeps physical retail relevant in a market that still deeply values tangible goods.
Originally reported by GAME Watch (Japanese).