Ethan Crossfield 
If you’re deciding whether to keep an eye on Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo just made it easier: a fresh gameplay trailer is live, and a dedicated Nintendo Direct is scheduled for June 30. Here’s what’s new, who’s involved, and what to watch for before the July 23 Switch 2 launch.
What changed today: fresh gameplay and a new Direct date
Nintendo used today’s Nintendo Direct to show more of Splatoon Raiders, its upcoming third-person shooter PvE spin-off exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. With launch set for July 23, the newly released trailer focuses on the game’s core action—how you’ll move through encounters and use paint-based weapons in combat.
Beyond the trailer, Nintendo also confirmed a separate Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct on June 30. If you want deeper details beyond what was shown today, that June broadcast is the next major milestone.
Who you’ll play as: Inkling customization and Deep Cut’s role
Splatoon Raiders puts players in control of a customizable Inkling mechanic. The team heads to a new location called the Spirhalite Islands, where players team up with Deep Cut—the trio of musicians known from Splatoon 3.
The mission structure centers on fighting off the villainous Salmonids. The trailer and accompanying details emphasize familiar Splatoon-style, paint-focused weaponry, including guns and brushes, among other options.
Nintendo describes the experience as primarily single-player-focused, but it also supports online co-op with up to three additional players—so you can bring friends along rather than tackling everything solo.
What comes next: story lead-up, comics, Splatfest, and launch extras
Nintendo is building momentum toward launch in multiple ways. In the Nintendo Today app, players can follow Splatoon story events leading into Raiders through daily comics ahead of release. Nintendo also confirmed that a Splatoon Raiders Splatfest will take place in July, giving fans another event-style reason to stay engaged before launch.
Additionally, Nintendo previously announced that Splatoon Raiders will launch on July 23 alongside three new Amiibo: Raiders versions of Shiver, Big Man, and Frye. Since the game is Switch 2-exclusive, those who want the full ecosystem will likely want to plan around that launch window.
With all of this lined up, the June 30 Direct is shaping up as the place to get the most concrete answers—especially for players deciding whether they want to watch for more details or jump in at launch.
What players should know
- Splatoon Raiders launches July 23 as a Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive PvE third-person shooter.
- A new gameplay trailer highlights paint-based combat and the game’s third-person action.
- Nintendo confirmed a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct on June 30.
- You play a customizable Inkling mechanic alongside Deep Cut on the Spirhalite Islands.
- The Salmonids are the main enemy, and co-op is available online with up to three other players.
- Daily comics in the Nintendo Today app will recap story events leading into Raiders before launch.
- A Splatoon Raiders Splatfest is planned for July.
- Launch day includes new Raiders Amiibo for Shiver, Big Man, and Frye.
Expert View
Splatoon Raiders looks like a smart pivot for fans who want PvE without losing the series’ paint-and-weapon identity. The combination of a dedicated June Direct, daily story comics, and a July Splatfest suggests Nintendo wants to build a clear runway to launch rather than rely on a single marketing push. For players who are unsure, the June 30 broadcast is the best next checkpoint—especially to see how the co-op structure and gameplay loop feel in practice.
