Similar to previous entries, the player takes the role of a scuba diver tasked with encountering and documenting marine life.

Endless Ocean Luminous tasks the player with exploring the Veiled Sea, a fictional, unexplored region, in order to encounter and document marine life.

[6][8] Luminous was first announced at the end of a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase in late February 2024 and was given the release date of May 2, 2024.

Andrew Webster of The Verge gave Endless Ocean Luminous a positive review, describing the gameplay as basic but fun nonetheless.

He described the game as at its best when played alone and exploring with no goal in mind, and considered the story mode and Mystery Board "mundane.