When does Splatoon Raiders launch? Nintendo confirmed July 23, 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 — a single-player treasure-hunting adventure with Deep Cut.
Current target date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 (Switch 2 exclusive launch). We update this page when studios or publishers move the window.
Splatoon Raiders launches July 23, 2026 on Switch 2 only (~$49.99 digital / ~$59.99 physical). First series spin-off: Spirhalite Islands with Deep Cut, Salmonids, SP-focused + up to 4 co-op. Not Splatoon 4 and not a Splatoon 3 season.
Switch 2 exclusive launch
Thursday, July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026 — Deep Cut leaves the Splatlands for Spirhalite treasure
Splatoon Raiders ships Thursday, July 23, 2026 as a Switch 2 exclusive. You play a mechanic exploring remote Spirhalite Islands with Shiver, Frye, and Big Man — inking hostile ground, upgrading gear, and pulling treasure while Salmonids try to ruin the expedition.
Nintendo framed it as the first Splatoon spin-off (fourth series installment overall): campaign-first energy with couch/online co-op room for a full squad of four. Deep Cut–colored Joy-Con 2 and Raiders amiibo were teased around the same window for collectors.
Confirmed: Switch 2 spin-off — not Splatoon 4, not a Turf War season pass
Confirmed: Jul 23 2026, Nintendo EPD, Switch 2 only, Deep Cut companions, Salmonid encounters, SP-focused structure with multiplayer support. Not confirmed as a replacement for Splatoon 3’s ranked ladder or that every Splatlands weapon returns day one. Treat “Splatoon 4 July” headlines as wrong branding.
Access picture for July 23
One console — digital and physical priced apart.
- Nintendo Switch 2
- July 23, 2026 · exclusive
- Original Switch / other platforms
- Not announced
- Digital / physical (US list)
- ~$49.99 / ~$59.99
- Focus
- Single-player campaign · up to 4-player co-op
- Companions
- Deep Cut (Shiver, Frye, Big Man)
- Setting
- Spirhalite Islands
Before July 23 — clear ink space and pick a cart vs download
- Own or plan a Switch 2 — Raiders is not coming to original Switch.
- Decide digital ($49.99-class) vs boxed ($59.99-class) early if you care about the price gap.
- Recruit up to three friends if you want full co-op raids on day one.
- Watch Splatoon 3 for any pre-launch Splatfest promos — optional hype, not a requirement.
- Do not confuse this date with Splatoon 3 catalog DLC drops.
July 23 quietly echoes the Callie vs. Marie Splatfest weekend from 2016
Inkipedia and fan calendars note that Raiders’ July 23, 2026 lock sits on the same late-July stretch as Splatoon’s original Callie vs. Marie Splatfest (July 22–24, 2016). Nintendo has not marketed it as an anniversary SKU — but the rhyme is real for series historians.
Whether coincidence or soft nostalgia, the useful takeaway for shoppers is simpler: this Thursday is a spin-off treasure hunt with Deep Cut, not another Turf War ranked season masquerading as Splatoon 4.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about this release date.
1When does Splatoon Raiders launch?
July 23, 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo locked the Thursday in spring 2026 trailers and a dedicated Raiders Direct — not a Splatoon 3 free update day.
2Is it Splatoon 4 or a multiplayer arena sequel?
Neither. Raiders is the series’ first spin-off: a single-player-focused ink adventure on the Spirhalite Islands with Deep Cut (Shiver, Frye, Big Man) riding along, Salmonid threats, treasure hunting, and optional co-op for up to four players.
3How much does it cost?
Nintendo has listed roughly $49.99 for the digital eShop version and $59.99 for physical — reflecting Switch 2’s split digital/physical pricing. Confirm your region’s eShop and retail tags before pre-order.
4Do I need Splatoon 3 to play?
No. Raiders is a standalone Switch 2 purchase. Splatoon 3 may host promotional Splatfests around launch, but those are separate multiplayer events, not a required campaign unlock.
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