Ink, Gears, and a Dash of Magic: Splatoon Raiders is Coming to Switch 2 (And We Need to Talk About Zelda)
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Jeff dives into the newly announced Splatoon Raiders for Switch 2, exploring the shift to single-player raiding and the tantalizing rumors of an Ocarina of Time remake.
I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well? That’s what it feels like Nintendo is trying to pull off with the announcement of *Splatoon Raiders*. We’ve all been wondering what the Switch 2’s first summer was going to look like, and it turns out, we’re going to be swimming in ink—but not quite the way we’re used to.
Right, so apparently the Big N thinks we’re ready for a change of pace. Mark your calendars for July 23rd, 2026. That’s when *Splatoon Raiders* is set to drop, and it’s not your typical Turf War. For the first time, we’re stepping away from the 4v4 chaos to dive into a single-player focused action shooter. Now, I’m usually the first one to raise an eyebrow when a multiplayer juggernaut decides to go solo—it’s a bit like a wizard trying to learn swordplay after eighty years of fireballing everything in sight—but this actually looks like it has some proper meat on its bones.
In this spin-off, we’re not just some random Inkling looking for a fashion upgrade. We’re taking on the role of a mechanic. A mechanic! In a world made of liquid, that’s a brave career choice. You’re embarking on a 'high-stakes adventure' across the Spirhalite Islands, which sounds exactly like the kind of place where I’d accidentally lose my keys (or my soul). But the real kicker? You’re not alone. You’re teaming up with the Deep Cut trio—Frye, Shiver, and the legendary Big Man. Nintendo’s PR calls them 'splat-tacular,' which is exactly the kind of corporate word-smithing that makes me want to brew a potion of silencing, but I’ll forgive them because, well, it’s Big Man.
The gameplay loop sounds like a genuine departure. We’re talking about customisable appearances (obviously, this is *Splatoon*, after all) and specific loadouts. But instead of painting a floor for three minutes, you’re using 'mechanical gadgets' and ink weapons to salvage loot and conquer raids. Raids? In my *Splatoon*? It’s a bold claim. I reckon this is where my gentle skepticism kicks in. When a company promises 'loot' and 'raids,' my mind immediately drifts toward the darker corners of monetization and grindy mechanics. But this is Nintendo—they usually prefer 'fun' over 'predatory,' so I’m holding out hope that this is more *Ratchet & Clank* and less *Live Service Nightmare #402*.
Speaking of things that take up space on my shelves, we’re getting new amiibo. Frye, Shiver, and Big Man are getting the plastic treatment again, but with a clever twist: the bases fit together for a 'display.' It’s a simple trick, but it works on my collector’s brain every single time. It’s like a puzzle you have to pay $45 to solve. Brilliant and slightly evil, isn't it?
But wait, there’s a bit of digital tea-leaf reading happening in the background that we can’t ignore. While we’re all focused on the ink-splattering, rumors are swirling that Nintendo is prepping a remake of *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* for the Switch 2’s first holiday season. Word on the street is that it’s meant to fill the gap of a new 3D Mario game. Now, if that’s true, we’re looking at a year where Nintendo is playing all the hits while also experimenting with the *Splatoon* formula.
What does this actually mean for us gamers? Well, for one, it suggests that the Switch 2 isn’t just a power bump; it’s a platform where Nintendo feels comfortable shaking up their established franchises. A single-player *Splatoon* raid game is a massive vote of confidence in the IP’s lore and world-building. For years, the 'world' of *Splatoon* has been hidden behind flavor text and Sunken Scrolls. Now, we’re actually getting to live in it as a mechanic on a treasure hunt.
I’m cautiously optimistic, mate. If they can capture the kinetic energy of the multiplayer games and translate that into a rewarding single-player progression system—one that doesn't just feel like a glorified tutorial—we might be looking at the sleeper hit of 2026. And look, if the 'raiding' involves some light Web3-style ownership of loot (without the actual environmental baggage or scammy vibes, of course), I wouldn't be surprised. The industry is moving toward persistent digital assets, and *Splatoon’s* fashion-forward culture is the perfect place to test those waters—as long as they don't break the game to do it.
So, are we ready to trade in our brushes for mechanical gadgets? July 23rd is closer than it looks, and I for one am ready to see if these Spirhalite Islands are as 'splat-tacular' as the marketing tells us. Just keep an eye on those 'Ocarina' rumors. If that drops in December, my social life is officially going into a deep-freeze.
Tags: Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo Switch 2, Zelda Rumors, Action Shooter, Gaming News
Original article: Eurogamer