Nintendo reveals why Splatoon 4 hasn’t been released yet

The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and sometimes the most exciting developments are not just about new graphics or mechanics, but about smart strategic choices. In the vibrant ecosystem of Nintendo’s franchise, a fascinating decision has been made that underscores this principle: launching an experimental side project before chasing the next big sequel.

At the forefront of this creative pivot is Splatoon Raiders. While many fans were eagerly awaiting Splatoon 4, the developers opted to introduce a different kind of adventure first. This move has already garnered rave reviews, positioning Raiders as a standout experience in the franchise.

So, why the detour? The answer lies in a deliberate desire to explore the franchise through a fresh lens. After over eleven years of development and continuous updates across three titles, the team sought an alternative way to engage players beyond the familiar competitive ink wars.

Producer Seita Inoue explained that the motivation was simple: create a new entry point into the world of Splatoon. Rather than immediately jumping into more high-speed multiplayer battles, they aimed to develop elements that allowed players to truly savor the action on their own terms. This led to focusing on non-competitive gameplay, including deep single-player Story Mode and cooperative modes like Salmon Run.

“We thought it might be interesting to create something with a slightly different approach to gameplay, where you can really savor the action on your own,” Inoue shared during an interview. “Splatoon isn’t just about competitive play; it also includes cooperative modes and a single-player Story Mode.”

This focus resulted in Splatoon Raiders, an action RPG that completely shifts the focus. It eschews the typical hectic ink-based brawls for engaging shooter mechanics, challenging boss battles, and a compelling narrative. This shift allowed the team to build an experience centered on deep customization and exciting combat.

The results speak for themselves. Critics have lauded the game’s design and execution, with one review rating it a 9/10 and highlighting its depth. The combination of challenging battles and variety has made Splatoon Raiders one of the top campaigns on the Switch platform.

By launching Raiders as a standalone spin-off, the developers secured a unique space for innovation within the larger series. It proves that sometimes the most exciting path forward is to explore new avenues before committing to the next big chapter. For now, players get plenty of adventure in the Spirhalite Islands with the Deep Cut gang, enjoying an expertly executed loop filled with deep customization and thrilling action.