Which Nintendo Switch game was the first mainline Splatoon sequel?

Splatoon 2 was the first mainline sequel in Nintendo’s Splatoon series on Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo released Splatoon 2 in 2017, following the original Splatoon on Wii U. The sequel retained the series’ central concept: teams cover arenas with colored ink while competing for territory or completing objective-based modes. It added new stages, weapons, abilities, and online features for the Switch audience.

Splatoon 2 also supported the cooperative Salmon Run mode and later received the paid Octo Expansion. The expansion is a separate downloadable campaign rather than a new mainline game, so it should not be mistaken for Splatoon 3.

Splatoon 3 arrived in 2022 and continued the series on Switch. Because all three games use similar visual styles and multiplayer concepts, the release numbering is the clearest way to distinguish the sequel from the later entry.