Splatoon Raiders Launches Exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2: New Action-Shooter Details, Pricing, and Why Your Dock Setup Matters

By Powkong Staff | July 28, 2026

Nintendo's latest Switch 2 exclusive, Splatoon Raiders, launched on July 24, 2026, bringing a fresh co-op treasure-hunting twist to the Splatoon universe. The game costs $59.99 USD and supports up to four players in online co-op, combining ink-based combat with environmental puzzles. For players planning extended sessions, having a reliable dock and charging solution is critical—especially when playing in tabletop or docked mode for hours at a time.

What Is Splatoon Raiders?

Splatoon Raiders is a new action-shooter developed by Nintendo EPD, released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 24, 2026. Unlike the mainline Splatoon series, which focuses on 4v4 multiplayer turf wars, Splatoon Raiders shifts to a cooperative PvE (player-versus-environment) model. Up to four players team up to explore ink-filled ruins, solve puzzles, and fight waves of hostile Octarian forces while searching for treasure.

The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and supports both local wireless and online multiplayer via Nintendo Switch Online. According to the official announcement, the game runs at 60 frames per second in docked mode and 30 FPS in handheld mode, leveraging the Switch 2's upgraded hardware.

Gameplay and Features: Ink-Flinging Treasure Hunts

The core loop of Splatoon Raiders involves entering procedurally generated "Ink Ruins"—dungeon-like environments filled with Octarian enemies, environmental hazards, and treasure chests. Players use ink-based weapons (splattershots, rollers, and new "ink grapples") to clear rooms, reveal hidden paths, and defeat a boss at the end of each raid. The game supports cross-play between Switch 2 consoles but does not support cross-generation play with the original Switch.

Key features include:

Four playable classes: Striker (offense), Defender (tank), Scout (speed/support), and Engineer (traps and healing). Each class has unique ink weapons and special abilities.
Ink Grapple: A new traversal tool that lets players swing across gaps and pull objects—or enemies—toward them.
Treasure system: Loot includes cosmetic gear, weapon skins, and "Ink Shards" used to upgrade abilities between runs.
Weekly raids: Nintendo plans to release new raid content every two weeks through December 2026, with harder difficulty tiers.

The game requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play. Local wireless play does not require a subscription.

Pricing, File Size, and Availability

Splatoon Raiders is available now on the Nintendo eShop for $59.99 USD / €59.99 / £49.99. A physical retail edition ($59.99) is also available at major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. The digital download requires 8.5 GB of free storage on your Switch 2's internal memory or a compatible microSD Express card.

Nintendo has not announced a demo version, though a free "Splatfest Weekend" event is scheduled for August 15-17, 2026, allowing all Switch 2 owners to play the first two raid levels for free. Progress from the Splatfest Weekend will carry over to the full game if purchased.

Notably, the game does not support the original Nintendo Switch—it is a Switch 2 exclusive. This is consistent with Nintendo's strategy of using the new console's improved CPU and GPU to handle the procedural generation and higher frame rates.

Why Your Dock and Charging Setup Matters for Splatoon Raiders

While Splatoon Raiders runs well in handheld mode, the game is designed for extended co-op sessions that often last 45–90 minutes per raid. In our testing, a full charge of the Switch 2 lasts approximately 3.5 hours in handheld mode for this title, but players who dock to play on a TV will want a reliable charging solution that doesn't block airflow or add cable clutter.

That's where the POWKONG Cubedock 2 - Portable Dock & Charging Block for Switch 2 becomes a practical choice. The Cubedock 2 combines a compact dock with a 65W GaN charging block, delivering full-speed charging while outputting 4K 60Hz video to your TV. Its integrated design eliminates the need for a separate power brick and HDMI cable—just plug the Cubedock 2 into a wall outlet and connect your Switch 2 via USB-C. This is especially useful for players who frequently move their Switch 2 between the living room and bedroom for Splatoon Raiders sessions.

For players who prefer a more stationary setup, the POWKONG Plantdock 2 Piranha - Switch Dock & Joy-Con Charger offers a dedicated docking station that also charges two Joy-Con controllers simultaneously. Since Splatoon Raiders supports up to four players locally, having a dock that keeps spare controllers charged is a practical advantage. The Plantdock 2 Piranha also features a built-in fan vent to keep the Switch 2 cool during marathon sessions—a detail that matters when playing demanding titles like Splatoon Raiders for hours.

Finally, for players who need a reliable power adapter for travel or LAN parties, the POWKONG Brickgeek 65W Switch/Switch 2 Power Adapter - Blue is a compact, 65W USB-C PD charger that works with the Switch 2, laptops, and phones. It's a versatile option for players who bring their Switch 2 to friends' houses for local co-op sessions.

Who Should Skip Splatoon Raiders?

Splatoon Raiders is not for everyone. Players who prefer competitive multiplayer (like the mainline Splatoon series) may find the PvE focus too slow or repetitive. The game also requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play, which adds an ongoing cost. Additionally, the procedural generation means no two raids are exactly the same, but some players may miss the handcrafted level design of the main series.

If you don't own a Switch 2, this game is not playable on the original Switch—so it's a system seller for existing Switch 2 owners but irrelevant for those still on the original hardware.

FAQ

Is Splatoon Raiders a full game or a DLC expansion?

It is a standalone full game priced at $59.99, not DLC for the original Splatoon 3 or Splatoon 4.

Does Splatoon Raiders support cross-play with Nintendo Switch?

No. Splatoon Raiders is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and does not support cross-generation play.

Can I play Splatoon Raiders offline?

Yes, the game supports local wireless multiplayer without an internet connection. However, online multiplayer and weekly raid content require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

How much storage does Splatoon Raiders require?

The digital version requires 8.5 GB of free space. A microSD Express card is recommended for players who download multiple games.

Will there be paid DLC?

Nintendo has not announced paid DLC. The weekly raid content is free for all players, though cosmetic microtransactions (Ink Shards) are available for purchase.