Ethan Crossfield 
A newly released Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive has surged into the all-time conversation—at least by Metacritic user score. Splatoon Raiders is currently sitting in the top 10 highest-rated games on the site, and its early reception is helping define what the Switch 2’s library can look like right now.
What happened
Nintendo’s Switch 2 launch lineup and follow-up releases have kept momentum moving, and Splatoon Raiders is the latest example of that push. The source notes that Nintendo launched the new Switch 2 with Mario Kart World and followed within two months with Donkey Kong Bananza. From there, additional exclusives have continued to roll out regularly, including Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a Star Fox remake, and Pokemon Pokopia.
Among these, Pokemon Pokopia earned strong critic attention and is described as one of the highest-rated games of the year so far based on critic score. However, it does not hold the top spot for Switch 2 exclusives when you look at user ratings.
That distinction belongs to Splatoon Raiders. Based on Metacritic user score, it’s currently ranked in the top 10 highest-rated games of all time on the platform. At the time of writing, Splatoon Raiders has a 9.3 user score and appears in the list between Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone expansion.
Why it matters
User scores don’t always mirror critic sentiment, and the source makes the contrast clear. Splatoon Raiders has high critic reception too, but the critic score is notably lower than the user score—81 on Metacritic. The article also frames that critic level as roughly in line with the scores the mainline Splatoon entries have earned over the years.
The bigger takeaway is what that user-score ranking signals for the Switch 2 right now. The list is led by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with a 9.5, while Splatoon Raiders’ 9.3 keeps it close to the very top tier. Because Splatoon Raiders is brand new, the source cautions that its score may still move as more players weigh in. Even with that uncertainty, its current position suggests an unusually strong first wave of engagement.
For players who haven’t picked up Nintendo’s latest console yet, the article explicitly treats Splatoon Raiders as one of the best reasons to buy a Switch 2. That matters in a market where exclusives often serve as the main justification for upgrading hardware—especially early in a new platform’s lifecycle.
What to watch next
Splatoon Raiders is a spin-off from the Splatoon franchise, which is typically known for PvP multiplayer. The source says this new entry can be played in single-player or co-op, with players completing missions and fighting bosses to obtain crafting materials, XP, and currency. Those resources are then used to upgrade weapons, level up, and improve a base.
The gameplay loop is described as particularly addictive, and the game is noted for challenging encounters with a variety of enemies—an approach that helps explain why players may be sticking around and leaving strong user feedback.
Looking ahead, the source mentions that Splatoon 4 has been hinted at. If that happens, it may bring the franchise back toward its PvP-focused roots, but it will also face the question of what lessons it should take from Splatoon Raiders’ success—especially since the spin-off’s reception is currently strongest with users.
Takeaways for Switch 2 players and esports fans
- If you’re deciding whether to buy a Switch 2, Splatoon Raiders is currently one of the strongest user-rated reasons to do so.
- Expect user scores to shift over time—Splatoon Raiders is brand new, but its early ranking is already top-10 material on Metacritic.
- Don’t judge the game by the mainline Splatoon formula: Splatoon Raiders supports single-player and co-op and centers on missions, bosses, and progression.
- Critics and players are aligned on quality, but user sentiment is much higher—81 on Metacritic from critics versus a 9.3 user score.
Top 10 Highest-Rated Games on Metacritic (By User Score)
| Rank | Game | User Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | 9.5 |
| 2 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine | 9.3 |
| 3 | Resident Evil Requiem | 9.3 |
| 4 | Silent Hill 2 | 9.3 |
| 5 | Disney Cory in the House | 9.3 |
| 6 | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | 9.3 |
| 7 | Splatoon Raiders | 9.3 |
| 8 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone | 9.2 |
| 9 | The Last of Us Remastered | 9.2 |
| 10 | The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask | 9.2 |
Expert View
Splatoon Raiders landing inside Metacritic’s top 10 by user score isn’t just a feel-good milestone—it’s a signal that Nintendo’s Switch 2 strategy is working with players, not only critics. The interesting part is that this success comes from a Splatoon spin-off built around missions, bosses, and co-op progression rather than the franchise’s usual PvP identity. If Splatoon 4 really is on the way, Nintendo has a rare opportunity: keep the franchise’s competitive DNA, but bring over the parts of Raiders that players clearly loved enough to rank it among the platform’s best-received games.
