Tag Archives: Nintendo

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Pokémon Champions Hits Mobile Today — Battle on the Go From 10am SGT

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Singapore Pokémon fans, clear some storage space — Pokémon Champions is now free to download on iOS and Android, with a global simultaneous launch rolling out today at 10am SGT. The competitive battling game that arrived on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on 8 April is finally in your pocket.

🏆 Pokémon Champions is coming to mobile platforms June 17! — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel on YouTube

What is Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon Champions is The Pokémon Company’s dedicated competitive battle simulator — a free-to-start title built from the ground up for serious trainer-vs-trainer battles. Think of it as the official home of the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) format, playable on your own terms. Since its Switch debut in April, the game has built a dedicated following despite a mixed initial reception, and the mobile launch is set to open it up to a much wider audience.

Gameplay is structured around complex, strategy-driven 6-on-6 battles. A rental system lets you build competitive teams without grinding a mainline game, and ongoing updates are steadily adding more Pokémon to the roster.

Pokémon Champions gameplay screenshot showing Dondozo and Aegislash vs Charizard and Hisuian Samurott
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Cross-Save and Cross-Play: Your Progress Moves With You

If you have been grinding on Switch or Switch 2, your progress is not left behind. Link your Nintendo Account and your save data transfers seamlessly to the mobile version — and cross-platform multiplayer means you can battle against Switch players from your phone and vice versa. One account, all platforms.

Free Raichu Launch Bonus — With Two Mega Evolutions

To mark the mobile launch, every player on any platform — Switch or mobile — can claim a Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y from the in-game mailbox. The promotion runs from today (17 June) through 2 September 2026.

Both Mega forms bring distinct competitive value:

  • Mega Raichu X — gains the Electric Surge ability, setting Electric Terrain for five turns on entry. Grounded Pokémon see a 30% boost to Electric moves and are shielded from sleep.
  • Mega Raichu Y — gains No Guard, meaning all moves used by and against it land with 100% accuracy. Thunder and Thunder Wave become perfectly reliable in any weather.

New Regulation M-B Launches Simultaneously

The mobile release also brings in Regulation M-B, the first ruleset change since Pokémon Champions’ April launch. Both Switch and mobile players step into the new format at the same time, so the competitive field resets cleanly across all platforms.

How to Download in Singapore

Pokémon Champions is free to download and play, with optional in-game purchases for cosmetics and quality-of-life features. No upfront cost.

  • iOS: Search Pokémon Champions on the App Store (App ID 6741503079) or visit the official site for the direct link.
  • Android: Available on Google Play under the same name.

iOS 16.0 and above is required for mobile play.

Last Words

Singapore players now have a legitimate, official competitive Pokémon client in their pocket — for free. Whether you are a long-time VGC competitor or just someone who wants to settle who truly has the best team among friends, Pokémon Champions on mobile removes the Switch paywall from the equation entirely. The Raichu bonus is a solid reason to log in today even if you are already on Switch. Check out our other game news for more on what is landing in Singapore this week.

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Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition Launches on Switch 2 This June

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Dante has never run on a Nintendo platform — until now. Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 June 2026, and Netflix has simultaneously greenlit a third and final season of its DMC animated series. It has been a big few weeks for fans of Capcom’s stylish-action franchise.

Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition Nintendo Switch 2 announcement
Image courtesy of Capcom

Devil May Cry 5 Switch 2: A First for the Franchise on Nintendo Hardware

Capcom unveiled the Devil Hunter Edition during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, marking the first time a mainline Devil May Cry title has appeared on a Nintendo system. Built on Capcom’s RE Engine, the port targets 60fps in both TV and handheld modes — essential for a game where every frame counts when you’re chasing S-rank style scores.

The digital version launches on 23 June 2026. Pre-orders and early purchases through 31 July are priced at USD$29.99 (standard price: USD$39.99). SGD pricing on the Nintendo eShop Singapore is to be confirmed; check the eShop closer to launch. A physical copy follows on 28 August 2026.

Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Trailer — via Nintendojo Channel on YouTube

What Is in the Devil Hunter Edition?

The Devil Hunter Edition bundles the complete DMC5 campaign with every major DLC, including the fan-favourite Vergil as a playable character. That gives you four distinct playable protagonists out of the box: Nero (with his modular Devil Breaker prosthetics designed by Nico), the legendary Dante, the summon-based V, and Vergil himself. Rounding things out are costume colour variants, bonus taunts, and extra battle tracks to customise your sessions.

Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition characters Nero Dante Vergil V Switch 2
Image courtesy of Capcom

DMC5 first launched in 2019 on PS4 and Xbox One before arriving on PS5 and Xbox Series X in a Special Edition with Vergil already playable. The Switch 2 release brings that definitive package to a portable platform for the first time — perfect for Singapore commuters and students who prefer handheld gaming.

Netflix’s Devil May Cry Anime Enters Its Final Arc

On the animation side, Netflix confirmed the Devil May Cry animated series — available on Netflix Singapore right now — will return for a third and final season. Showrunner Adi Shankar outlined the grand design in a statement to Variety: “This was always Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ with guns and a red coat. Season 1 was ‘Inferno.’ Season 2 was ‘Purgatorio.’ Season 3 will be ‘Paradiso.'” All three chapters together form what Shankar calls The Force Edge Saga, conceived from the start as “a movie trilogy disguised as a television series.”

Devil May Cry Netflix animated series Dante Johnny Yong Bosch
Image courtesy of Netflix

Season 2 debuted on 12 May 2026 and racked up 6.4 million views in its first two weeks, keeping the show on Netflix’s Global Top 10. Season 1 has accumulated 21.7 million views to date. No premiere date for Season 3 has been confirmed yet.

Last Words

Singapore Switch 2 owners have a clean opportunity on 23 June: DMC5 Devil Hunter Edition is one of the most technically polished action games of the past decade, and the early-adopter window makes it an easy recommendation. Meanwhile, if you have not started the Netflix series, Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix Singapore now — ideal prep for the Paradiso finale whenever it arrives. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop Singapore for SGD pricing closer to launch. Find more Switch 2 game news on GameTrader.SG.

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Zelda: Ocarina of Time Is Coming to Switch 2 — Everything Singapore Players Need to Know

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It’s the announcement that stopped Switch 2 fans mid-scroll: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being remade for Nintendo Switch 2, confirmed during the June 9 Nintendo Direct. The N64 masterpiece — the game that defined 3D action-adventure for a generation — is coming back, rebuilt for modern hardware and landing exclusively on Switch 2 in 2026.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake key art
Image courtesy of Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Nintendo Has Confirmed About the Ocarina of Time Remake

The June 9 Direct reveal was short but loaded with intent. Nintendo’s official description: “The Nintendo 64 classic returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.” That single line tells us three things — it’s Switch 2 exclusive, it’s arriving this year, and Nintendo is calling it a reimagining, not a port.

Nintendo further described the project as featuring “stunning visuals, updated designs, and timeless gameplay” — language that signals a genuine visual overhaul while preserving the core dungeon-crawling and exploration that made the original legendary. The teaser showed a redesigned Link in a clean, modern art style that respects the source material without looking like a straight upscale.

The developer has not been announced. More details are promised “in the future” from Nintendo, so expect either a dedicated Direct or a shadow drop sometime before year end.

Why Ocarina of Time Still Matters in 2026

First released on the Nintendo 64 in November 1998, Ocarina of Time sits at a Metacritic score of 99 and is still cited by many as one of the most important games ever made. It introduced Z-targeting combat, cracked the code for 3D adventure design, and gave us unforgettable set-pieces — Hyrule Field’s opening horizon, the Temple of Time’s organ chord, the final Ganondorf duel under a storming sky.

Nintendo revisited the game on 3DS in 2011 with Ocarina of Time 3D, which added improved textures and gyroscope aiming. The Switch 2 remake is the first major reimagining in 15 years — a full generation leap, not a touch-up.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake reveal trailer still
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Singapore Switch 2 Owners Should Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available in Singapore through retailers including GameXtreme, Qisahn, and the Nintendo Asia eShop. The Ocarina of Time remake is confirmed for a 2026 launch, but no exact release date or SGD price has been announced — both are to be confirmed. All previous Zelda titles in the Asia region eShop have shipped with English-language support, and the same is expected here, though Nintendo has not specifically confirmed this for the remake.

This is a Switch 2 exclusive — there will be no Switch 1 version. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this is exactly the kind of first-party exclusive Nintendo uses to make the decision for you.

More game news on GameTrader.SG

Last words

For a generation of Singapore gamers who grew up navigating the Deku Tree on a CRT television, seeing Hyrule rebuilt for Switch 2 is a genuinely exciting moment. Nintendo hasn’t shown gameplay yet, and the release date remains vague — but the intent is clear. We’ll be covering every reveal as it drops. Stay tuned.

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Xenoblade Genesis: New World, New Hero — Switch 2 Exclusive in 2027

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Monolith Soft and Nintendo landed one of the Nintendo Direct’s most memorable moments: the reveal of Xenoblade Genesis, an all-new entry in the beloved RPG series built exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 and launching in 2027. From the look of the reveal trailer, this is a deliberate reinvention — same legendary team, completely fresh world.

Xenoblade Genesis – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

A Brand-New World: Anshar and the Power of Anima

Xenoblade Genesis is set in Anshar, an annular world bathed in the light of six suns — a setting that immediately signals a break from both the colossal Titans of Xenoblade Chronicles and the Blades and Titans of Chronicles 2. The land is governed by a primordial force called Anima, described as the source of all things, flowing through the world and its creatures.

Warriors who can channel Anima in combat are known as Vesselai. They wield special weapons enhanced by crystalline artefacts called crystones, which amplify their abilities and — notably — record their thoughts and actions, adding an intriguing lore dimension to even the gear system. The trailer hints at sweeping vistas, enormous flying creatures, and a conflict with high stakes: the shadow of “a fallen god’s vengeance” looms over the narrative.

Xenoblade Genesis protagonist Eleanor
Image courtesy of Nintendo / Monolith Soft

Meet Eleanor — and the Academy of Leukos

The protagonist is Eleanor, who enrolls at Leukos, an academy that trains Vesselai. The academy framing immediately evokes Fire Emblem: Three Houses more than the open-world sprawl of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and that’s clearly intentional — Genesis appears to root its early story in student politics and coming-of-age bonds before expanding into something larger.

Visually, Eleanor and her companions sport elf-like features, and the game’s rideable mounts — creatures that look like a wolf-horse hybrid — are already turning heads. Character designs come from Mai Yoneyama and PALOW, a pairing that brings distinct anime-art sensibilities to the Xenoblade aesthetic.

Leukos Academy in Xenoblade Genesis
Image courtesy of Nintendo / Monolith Soft

The Team Behind It

Tetsuya Takahashi directs, as he has on every major Xeno title from Xenogears (1998) onwards. The musical team is equally formidable: Yasunori Mitsuda — the composer behind Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2‘s sweeping original score — returns alongside Mariam Abounnasr and Minami Kiyota, both contributors to Xenoblade Chronicles 3. For JRPG fans, that lineup alone is reason to pay attention.

Switch 2 Editions for the Existing Trilogy

Nintendo also announced Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, making the full modern trilogy accessible natively on Switch 2 ahead of Genesis‘s 2027 window. Pricing for those upgrades is to be confirmed.

Last Words

Singapore JRPG fans who have followed Monolith Soft’s work know the studio consistently punches above its weight — each Xenoblade entry has pushed the limits of Nintendo hardware to deliver genuinely massive, emotionally resonant worlds. Xenoblade Genesis looks set to continue that tradition with a fresh cast, a fresh setting, and the legendary Mitsuda back on the score. No price or local eShop listing yet, but 2027 is the window. Follow our News section for updates as they come.

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Kingdom Hearts IV Confirmed for Switch 2 — Plus Native Collection This October

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After years of cloud-only workarounds on Nintendo hardware, Kingdom Hearts is finally coming to Switch 2 the right way — natively. Square Enix used the Nintendo Direct on 9 June 2026 to drop a surprise gameplay trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV and confirm proper, non-cloud releases of the entire series on Nintendo Switch 2.

KINGDOM HEARTS IV Teaser Trailer | June 2026 — via KINGDOM HEARTS on YouTube

Kingdom Hearts IV on Switch 2: What We Know So Far

The new trailer brings our first extended look at Kingdom Hearts IV in years. Sora is back, fighting a colossal Heartless through the streets of Quadratum — the hyper-realistic modern city first glimpsed in the 2022 reveal — with a noticeably sharper, more cinematic art direction and fluid action combat. Square Enix confirmed that the game launches simultaneously on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. No official release date has been announced yet.

This is bigger news than it might look on the surface. Previous Kingdom Hearts games on Nintendo Switch were cloud-streamed — playable only with a live internet connection — which made the experience frustrating for many players. Kingdom Hearts IV confirmed as a native, day-one Switch 2 title is a genuine shift in how Square Enix is treating Nintendo hardware.

Kingdom Hearts IV — Sora battles a Heartless in Quadratum
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Kingdom Hearts Collection [I–III]: Native, October 8, With a Switch 2 Exclusive Keyblade

Confirmed alongside KH IV, KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 8 October 2026. This is the native collection Singapore fans who skipped the cloud versions have been waiting for.

The bundle includes everything:

  • KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- — covering KH1, Re:Chain of Memories, KH2, 358/2 Days, Birth by Sleep, and Re:coded
  • KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue — Dream Drop Distance HD, 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage, and χ Back Cover
  • KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC)

All three run natively on Switch 2 — no internet required. Switch 2 owners also receive a platform-exclusive bonus: the “Long Night” Keyblade, unique to Nintendo’s platform.

Confirmed pricing so far: £64.99 (UK) and ¥11,000 including tax (Japan). SGD pricing on the Nintendo Singapore eShop is to be confirmed — check the eShop listing when it appears.

Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III and Kingdom Hearts IV banner
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Cloud Versions Delisted — But Existing Owners Get 50% Off

The original Kingdom Hearts cloud versions for Nintendo Switch were delisted from the eShop on 9 June 2026, the same day as the Direct announcement. If you purchased them before that date, they remain playable until 9 June 2027.

Square Enix is softening the transition: anyone who owned a Kingdom Hearts cloud version on Switch is eligible for a 50% discount on the corresponding native Switch 2 digital versions — including the Collection bundle. Details on how to claim the discount will be available through the Nintendo eShop.

Last Words

For Singapore Kingdom Hearts fans, this is genuinely exciting news. The series has a devoted following across Southeast Asia — many of us grew up with KH1 and KH2 on PS2 — and the prospect of playing through the complete saga plus a brand-new chapter on Switch 2, without streaming lag, is a proper treat. Mark 8 October on the calendar for the Collection. Keep an eye on our News section for a release date on Kingdom Hearts IV as Square Enix reveals more.

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Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Dive Into Bubbly Basin This August

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Pokémon Pokopia is getting its first major expansion. The Pokémon Company announced the Pokopia Expansion Pass at the Nintendo Direct on 9 June 2026, and the pass went on sale the same day — though the first wave of content doesn’t surface until August.

Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Is the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass?

The Expansion Pass is a three-part paid DLC bundle for Pokémon Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2. One purchase covers all three parts as they roll out through 2026 and into 2027. Here is what to expect:

  • Part 1 — Bubbly Basin (August 2026): A brand-new underwater town full of Water-type Pokémon. Mudkip, Corphish, and other water-dwellers move in as new residents to befriend. The area also introduces underwater-themed furniture and new outfits for your Ditto.
  • Part 2 (Late 2026): New gameplay features are coming, though a second town is not part of this wave — specific details are still to be announced.
  • Part 3 (2027): A second new town arrives to round out the Expansion Pass.

Free Dive Update — No Purchase Required

Alongside the paid Expansion Pass, Pokémon Pokopia Version 2.0 is a free software update also arriving in August 2026. It introduces the Dive move, letting your Ditto plunge beneath the surface and explore underwater sections of the game world. Every Pokopia owner gets this update at no cost — the Expansion Pass is not required to dive.

Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass — Bubbly Basin underwater town
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Price and Purchase Bonuses

The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass is priced at US$34.99 / £29.99 / ¥4,400 (tax included in Japan). Singapore eShop pricing is to be confirmed — check the Nintendo eShop on your Switch 2 directly. The pass is available to buy right now, even though the Bubbly Basin content itself doesn’t arrive until August.

Early buyers get two bonuses: a recipe for special Ditto-print building blocks and wallpaper to use in-game, plus a code for 30 rare Pokémetal ingots sent to your registered email. The Pokémetal bonus is valid for purchases made through 31 August 2027, so there’s no rush — but no reason to wait either if you’re already hooked on Pokopia.

What Singapore Switch 2 Players Should Know

Pokémon Pokopia launched as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and quickly became one of the platform’s standout cosy life-sim titles. The free Dive update alone expands the game world without spending a cent, making August a good moment to return if you’ve been taking a break.

For Singapore players eyeing the full Expansion Pass, the three-part roadmap stretches into 2027 — committing now locks in the early purchase bonuses and guarantees access to Bubbly Basin, Part 2, and the third town as each drops. SGD pricing isn’t confirmed yet, so check the eShop for the local figure before purchasing.

For more Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon news hitting Singapore, head to our gaming news section.

Last words

Pokémon Pokopia’s Expansion Pass is live on the eShop today, with Bubbly Basin and the free Dive update both arriving this August. It’s the biggest content update the game has received since launch, and Singapore Switch 2 players have plenty to look forward to before the year is out.

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Star Fox on Switch 2: Free Demo Out Now, Full Game 25 June

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After a decade on the sidelines, Fox McCloud is back — and Singapore Switch 2 owners can already take the Arwing for a spin.

Star Fox — Overview Trailer — Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Is Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo has handed the keys to its long-dormant space-shooter franchise to Velan Studios, the New York-based developer behind Knockout City. Their brief: reimagine Star Fox 64 for a new generation on Switch 2, with a “cinematic take” that keeps the classic rail-shooter bones but rebuilds everything else from scratch. That means fully voiced dialogue, a sweeping new orchestral soundtrack, and a complete visual overhaul of Fox McCloud and crew as they battle to protect the Lylat System from the villainous Andross.

New lore is part of the package too: the game opens with a story prologue centred on Fox’s father, James McCloud, adding depth for both newcomers and returning fans. Perhaps the strongest endorsement of the project comes from Takaya Imamura — the original Star Fox character designer from the 1990s — who said the new designs are “exactly” what he always envisioned for the franchise.

The Free Demo Is Live Right Now

Nintendo released a free playable demo on the Switch 2 eShop on 12 June, and it is still up and waiting. Open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch 2, search for “Star Fox,” and download. The demo covers the opening tutorial sequence and the Meteo stage, giving you a real feel for the revamped flight controls — including the optional Joy-Con 2 mouse mode, which lets you steer and aim with pointer precision rather than analogue sticks.

Star Fox Switch 2 Arwing gameplay screenshot showing Fox McCloud in the Lylat System
Image courtesy of Nintendo

New Features in Star Fox 2026

Beyond the single-player campaign, Velan Studios has added substantial new multiplayer and co-op content to justify the Switch 2 exclusivity:

  • Online 4-vs-4 team battles — Team Star Fox takes on Team Star Wolf across multiple arenas
  • Two-player co-op via local play or GameShare online — one player pilots, the other handles weapons
  • Three difficulty tiers (Easy, Normal, Expert), each adjusting enemy behaviour and story outcomes
  • First-person cockpit view as an alternative to the default third-person camera
  • amiibo support for Fox, Falco, and Wolf figures, unlocking in-game cosmetic rewards
  • USB camera GameChat integration that mirrors your facial expressions onto your character avatar in real time during online play
Star Fox Switch 2 online 4v4 multiplayer with Star Fox vs Star Wolf teams
Image courtesy of Nintendo

The Character Redesign Debate

One aspect of Star Fox 2026 that Singapore fans will have strong opinions on: the new character models. Velan Studios gave Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy significantly more realistic, animalistic proportions — longer snouts, fur textures, expressive ears — a sharp departure from the rounded, almost toy-like designs of the ’90s originals. The reaction online has been genuinely split. Some love the cinematic polish and feel the characters finally look like actual anthropomorphic animals. Others feel it strips away exactly the charm that made Star Fox 64 iconic in the first place. Takaya Imamura’s endorsement has added some weight to the “pro-redesign” camp, but this debate is not going away before launch.

How to Get It in Singapore

Star Fox launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 June 2026. The digital price in the US is US$49.99 — SGD pricing is to be confirmed on the Singapore eShop, but Switch 2 titles at this tier have typically landed in the SGD 67–70 range locally. A physical edition is also expected through local retailers. The game file is 14.8 GB, so plan your storage accordingly if you are going digital.

Pre-orders are live now on the Nintendo eShop. For those who just want to try it today, the free demo requires no purchase and no subscription.

Last words

Star Fox 64 holds a real place in the memory of Singapore gamers who grew up with the Nintendo 64 — “Do a barrel roll!” is practically part of the shared vocabulary. Whether Velan Studios’ bold reimagining earns those memories or unsettles them is something each of us will decide on 25 June. In the meantime, the demo is free, it takes minutes to download, and it is a genuinely solid way to spend a Sunday morning. Keep an eye on our Nintendo news section for more Switch 2 coverage ahead of launch.

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Splatoon Raiders Hits Switch 2 on 23 July — What Singapore Players Need to Know

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Nintendo’s first-ever Splatoon spin-off is just six weeks away — Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July 2026, and if you haven’t been keeping up, the Nintendo Direct on 9 June dropped a meaty new trailer plus a very tempting Switch 2 hardware bundle to go with it.

Splatoon Raiders — Release Date Revealed — Nintendo Switch 2 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Is Splatoon Raiders?

Splatoon Raiders is the fourth game in the Splatoon series and the very first spin-off Nintendo EPD has built for it. Instead of the competitive multiplayer that defines the mainline entries, this one puts you in the boots — or fins — of an Inkling or Octoling mechanic tasked with hunting for treasure across the mysterious Spirhalite Islands.

Fan-favourite trio Deep Cut — Frye, Shiver, and Big Man from Splatoon 3 — are your swashbuckling partners throughout the adventure. During raids, one of them rides alongside you in an Exploration Bot, giving combat support and keeping the banter going. If you loved their energy in Splatoon 3’s Side Order DLC, this is essentially a whole game built around that vibe.

Splatoon Raiders gameplay showing the mechanic protagonist on the Spirhalite Islands
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Gameplay and Features

Splatoon Raiders is built around a raid loop: dive into enemy-filled zones on the Spirhalite Islands, salvage treasure, upgrade your mechanic’s weapons and gadgets, and grow stronger with each run. The Salmonids — the bear-like enemies Splatoon regulars will recognise from Salmon Run — are the main threat here, though the island setting brings a fresh cast of enemy types alongside them.

Progression works through a level-up system that lets you customise both your look and your loadout over time. And while the core experience is single-player, Nintendo has confirmed a co-op mode for up to four players, playable online or locally. Difficulty scales to the number of players, so the raids get tougher (and presumably more chaotic) with a full squad. There’s also amiibo support — a Deep Cut triple-pack amiibo launches alongside the game on 23 July.

Switch 2 Bundle and New Joy-Con 2 Colours

The 9 June Nintendo Direct also confirmed a Nintendo Switch 2 + Splatoon Raiders bundle. The Japanese-market bundle (priced at ¥64,980) includes the console and a download code for the game. Nintendo Singapore hasn’t announced local bundle pricing yet — we’ll update when that comes through. Separately, a pair of Deep Cut-themed Joy-Con 2 controllers in blue and light yellow also land on 23 July for those who want matching flair without the full bundle.

Splatoon Raiders Direct — 30 June

There’s still plenty Nintendo hasn’t shown us. A dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct is scheduled for 30 June, where we can expect a deeper look at the island environments, the weapon upgrade system, enemy variety, and — hopefully — local pricing for Singapore. Mark your calendar: this Direct will almost certainly drop pre-order details for Singapore players too.

In the meantime, Nintendo is running a Splatoon 3 Splatfest on 10–12 July as a warm-up, and daily story comics for the game will begin rolling out on the Nintendo Today! app from 23 June.

Price and Singapore Availability

US pricing is confirmed at US$50 digital / US$60 physical. Singapore eShop and retail pricing is yet to be confirmed — watch for an announcement at or after the 30 June Direct. For other Switch 2 game news and SG release updates, we’ll keep this page current.

Last Words

Singapore has a loud Splatoon community — local ink battles have been a fixture at GameStart and casual LAN setups around the island for years. Splatoon Raiders doesn’t ask you to commit to ranked lobbies or the competitive meta; it’s a story-driven adventure you can pick up solo or drag three friends into. With six weeks to go and a dedicated Direct still ahead, this is shaping up to be one of the more exciting Switch 2 exclusives of the northern hemisphere summer. We’ll be watching the 30 June Direct closely — stay tuned to GameTrader.SG for a full breakdown.

Rhythm Heaven Groove key art showing the game logo and characters on a yellow background
Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

Rhythm Heaven Groove: What Singapore Players Need to Know

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The previews are in, and they are glowing. Nintendo’s beloved rhythm series returns on 2 July 2026 for Nintendo Switch after an eleven-year absence — and the early word from media who played it suggests the long wait was absolutely worth it.

Rhythm Heaven Groove – Overview Trailer – Nintendo Switch — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

Eleven years later, Rhythm Heaven is back

The last mainline entry — known as Rhythm Paradise in Asia and Europe — was Rhythm Heaven Megamix in 2015 on the Nintendo 3DS. Rhythm Heaven Groove is the first brand-new game since then: no compilation, no remake — a fresh collection of over 80 single-player rhythm mini-games and more than 30 multiplayer games for co-op and competitive play. It launches globally on 2 July 2026 for Nintendo Switch and is backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.

The concept has always been beautifully straightforward — press buttons in time with the music — but what makes the series special is how every mini-game uses its unique audio-visual pairing to make that simple input feel satisfying in a completely different way each time. Nintendo Life’s Alex Olney, who played a preview build, wrote that despite the simplicity, “yet I had difficulty getting bored with most of them,” capturing the series’ mysterious pull. TechRadar went further, calling it “on track to become my favourite Nintendo Switch release of 2026.”

Rhythm Heaven Groove ball character rhythm mini-game screenshot
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What’s new: Beatspell, multiplayer, and 80+ mini-games

Groove introduces a brand-new mode called Beatspell: an RPG-style campaign where players become wizards and cast rhythm-powered spells to fight monsters. Damage dealt is based on your timing accuracy, layering light RPG progression on top of the series’ core mechanic. It unlocks as you progress through the single-player game. Reviewers found it “strangely engaging” — PC Mag compared it to “freestyling” — though some noted it feels like a self-contained experience rather than a natural extension of the mini-game flow. Either way, for a series that has stuck to the same structure since the GBA, this is an ambitious addition.

The multiplayer suite looks genuinely strong for a party game. Nintendo Life highlighted Ninja Bodyguard, a co-op mode where two players time button presses to protect a king from incoming arrows, and Cake Grab, a competitive game where players press A as close to 3 PM (in-game time) as possible to claim a slice of cake — the winner’s hair grows with each victory. Metro’s preview of the multiplayer, as reported in the Nintendo Life preview roundup, called it “a boon for the Switch’s multiplayer arsenal.”

Rhythm Heaven Groove kitchen cooking rhythm mini-game
Image courtesy of Nintendo

The music is by Tsunku♂ — and that story is worth knowing

Every Rhythm Heaven soundtrack has been composed by Tsunku♂, the Japanese music producer who created Hello! Project and Morning Musume. In 2014 he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, and in 2015 surgery removed his larynx, ending his singing voice permanently. He composed Rhythm Heaven Groove‘s entire original soundtrack after that surgery, as noted by Nintendo Inquirer — a fact that adds a quiet weight to every earworm the game produces.

The soundtrack spans the full Rhythm Heaven tonal spectrum: absurd, bouncy, strangely emotional. Each of the 80-plus mini-games is paired to an original track purpose-built to function as a timing guide while also being a song worth listening to on its own. That dual-purpose design is the series’ signature magic, and previews confirm it is intact here.

Rhythm Heaven Groove jump rope mini-game screenshot
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Last words: Singapore pre-orders and what to expect

Nintendo Singapore has an official page for Rhythm Heaven Groove, confirming it for the region. Physical copies are available for pre-order now at ToyOrGame.com.sg (S$10 deposit, full price to be confirmed), and the game will be stocked on Shopee and Lazada at launch. The US price is USD$39.99 — when it was confirmed, Nintendo Life called it a “welcome surprise” given that most Nintendo first-party titles launch at USD$59.99 or higher. The local SGD price has not been officially announced, but that US pricing bodes well for Singapore fans.

If you played the DS or Wii entries and still remember the staccato satisfaction of a perfect frog leap or a well-timed wrestling pose, Groove is the one to mark on your calendar. It launches 2 July on Nintendo Switch — and the Switch 2 plays it natively too. Keep an eye on our Game News section for a full impressions piece closer to launch.