Nintendo Makes a Big Splash With July Switch 2 Game Release Date
There have been quite a few complaints about the lack of games coming to Switch 2 in the first year of its release. Nintendo has addressed these concerns by slowly and steadily pulling back the curtain on some new games in fan-favorite series that are returning throughout this summer.
Today, the company added to that list with a release date for Splatoon Raiders: July 23. The Splatoon series has been a surprise hit since its first game for the Wii U back in 2015. Splatoon is one of the only popular Nintendo series that originated in the last decade-plus. Most of the famous franchises in their collection are old enough to qualify as retro!
Anyhow, here's the awesome trailer that came with the release announcement.
Splatoon is typically known for its multiplayer battles and fun with friends. This spinoff in the franchise game will focus on single-player adventure instead, although there will still be multiplayer modes to play on the side. Gamers control an Inkling or Octoling and traverse the beautiful Spirhalite Islands. The game was initially announced on June 10, 2025, and was never heard about again until this moment.
Related: These Are Nintendo's Biggest Games Coming in May
The sunshine vibes and colorful aesthetic of the Splatoon series make it a perfect summer game to enjoy while trying to stay away from the scorching temperatures outside. The game is the second big summer release Nintendo has announced recently, as they set a date for Rhythm Heaven Groove.
Related: Nintendo Just Announced a Summer Release for a New Game in a Cult Classic Series
Nintendo's Switch 2 library is expanding at a reasonable rate, despite what some of the detractors have said online. After the release of these two games, as well as Yoshi and the Mysterious Book on May 21, there should be plenty for Switch 2 gamers to enjoy until the Mario or Zelda game they are most likely anticipating.
It's nice to see Nintendo start to hone back in on games after they put so much of their focus on the Super Mario Galaxy Movie in the last couple of months. They are the world's biggest name in gaming, after all!
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 12:49 PM.