Splatoon Raiders release date came before Splatoon 4 to maximize Switch 2 specs

Splatoon Raiders shuffles the competitive multiplayer formula of the shooter series. Still, the developers had other motivations to prioritize its release date over Splatoon 4. In a new interview on Nintendo’s site, they explain that the hectic single-player and co-op action is a better test for the Switch 2 specs.

Showcasing the Switch 2 capabilities

Salmon Run debuted in Splatoon 2 as a PvE mode, where players team up against the AI-controlled Salmonids. The popularity of these encounters prompted the first-party studio to create Splatoon Raiders. Game Director Yoshihiko Ito says that the “team also thought it could take advantage of Nintendo Switch 2’s power.”

Compared to other battles in the ink-laden franchise, Salmon Run features more AI enemies on the screen simultaneously. The movements and actions of the Salmonids and bosses require intensive processing. When the Switch 2 upgrade for Splatoon 3 debuted, the co-op mode benefited most from the console’s specs.

Most Splatoon Raiders reviews praise the game’s performance, as it maintains 60 fps despite the added chaos. Image clarity remains sharp, avoiding the blurriness that can plague fast-moving shooters. Stuttering is rare as the Mechanic explores the wide-open environments, putting more demands on the handheld.

The next ink-splattered shooter

It’s unclear how the new Switch 2 game will impact the timing of Splatoon 4, if at all. The secretive Nintendo hasn’t yet acknowledged its existence. In the interview, producer Seita Inoue emphasized that Raiders was a “standalone spin-off”. Hinting that the next title would pivot back to online multiplayer, he said, “We will continue to develop competitive gameplay going forward.”

For now, enjoying solid Splatoon Raiders reviews, the gaming giant will likely give the studio’s latest effort its time in the spotlight. The developers hope that an expanded single-player campaign will keep fans occupied long after the release date. There is also more emphasis on progression and customization, with a high potential for DLC.

One unknown is whether Nintendo assigned a different team to the looter shooter-inspired title. The division of labor could mean that work on Splatoon 4 has already begun.