Nintendo has made an unexpected reveal with the announcement of the very first Splatoon spinoff game, Splatoon Raiders, set to release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. This revelation came alongside a complimentary update for Splatoon 3, presented through a video named “Research Report from Squid Research Lab.”

Rather than proceeding with another numbered installment in the Splatoon franchise, Nintendo has unveiled Splatoon Raiders, a spinoff that invites players to embark on an adventure across the enigmatic Spirhalite Islands. Players will take on the role of a mechanic, teaming up with the Deep Cut trio—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—as they set out on their quest. The teaser video showcases the trio traversing the Spirhalite Island, pursuing a yellow beam shot into the sky, although it does not disclose much regarding the gameplay or the islands themselves.

While the teaser leaves plenty to speculate about, it suggests that research is still in progress, indicating that fans may need to be patient for a release window. In the meantime, the free update for Splatoon 3, scheduled for release on June 12, will be accessible on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. This update presents the Splatlands collection, featuring 30 new weapon kits with innovative designs and a variety of sub and special weapons.

Furthermore, the update affirms that Splatoon 3 players will have access to cross-play between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. However, additional details about Splatoon Raiders will be disclosed in the near future, keeping fans eagerly looking forward to the new spinoff.