:Splatoon (video game)

File:Splatoon Wii U gameplay screenshot.jpg

Splatoon is primarily a team-based third-person shooter that is playable by up to eight players in online four-versus-four matches, although the game also features local one-versus-one multiplayer matches and a single player campaign. Players control an Inkling, who have the ability to transform between humanoid and squid forms. In humanoid form, Inklings can shoot ink in their team's color, which can be used to cover the environment or "splat" opposing players or enemies. Transforming into a squid allows players to swim through the ink of their own color, even up walls and through grates, hiding from the enemy and replenishing their ink supply in the process. Conversely, enemy ink is much slower to walk across in humanoid form, cannot be swum through in squid form and gradually deals damage. Players can use their ink to try and "splat" their opponents, which will send them back to their team's starting point whilst also providing a large splat of ink. In all modes, except for the two-player mode, players can use the Wii U GamePad to view a map of the surroundings and instantly launch towards the location of another teammate, as well as use optional gyroscopic controls to assist with aiming.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5796790/splatoon-is-nintendos-take-on-third-person-squid-shooters |title=Splatoon is Nintendo's take on third-person squid shooters |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=10 June 2014 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108012935/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5796790/splatoon-is-nintendos-take-on-third-person-squid-shooters |archive-date=8 November 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=11 June 2014}}

Players go into matches wielding a primary ink weapon, each with differing statistics and traits, along with a secondary weapon (such as ink-filled balloons, sprinklers, and disruptive fields), and a special attack that can be charged up by covering enough ground with ink. Primary paint weapons range from those whose firing patterns resemble various types of firearms, to melee weapons such as Splat Rollers, Inkbrushes, and Sloshers (ink buckets).{{cite web|last1=Grubb|first1=Jeff|title=How to get every weapon in Splatoon (in-progress guide)|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/29/how-to-get-every-weapon-in-splatoon-in-progress-guide/|website=VentureBeat|access-date=29 July 2015|date=29 May 2015|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211108/https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/29/how-to-get-every-weapon-in-splatoon-in-progress-guide/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/splatoon-new-maps-modes-and-weapons-coming-post-launch|title=Splatoon: New Maps, Modes, and Weapons Coming Post Launch|last=Otero|first=Jose|date=7 May 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319041713/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/splatoon-new-maps-modes-and-weapons-coming-post-launch|archive-date=19 March 2016|url-status=|access-date=29 July 2015}} Ink weapons are sold in sets that can be purchased with money earned from matches, with more sets becoming available to the player as they gain experience. In addition, players can customize their character with headgear, clothes, and shoes from the neighboring shops, with more items becoming available as the player's level increases. Each item carries an ability that improves the player's statistics, such as faster respawn time or longer special duration. Additional abilities can be unlocked by gaining experience in battles. When encountering other players in the plaza, players can choose to order an item another player is wearing and purchase it the next day from the back alley dealer named Spyke for a higher price.{{cite AV media|date=14 January 2015|title=Nintendo Direct 1.14.2015|medium=YouTube video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6zgkp1YBRw&t=15m19s|access-date=14 January 2015|time=15:19|publisher=Nintendo of America}}

The game also supports Splatoon Amiibo figures, with each figure unlocking a set of missions which unlocks extra equipment (weapons and clothing) and a bonus minigame upon completion, the latter of which can be selected and played on the Wii U GamePad while waiting in lobbies. Players can also make posts to the game's Miiverse community, which appear in-game as graffiti on various buildings.{{cite web|title=Checking in on Splatoon's lively community and sleazy amiibo support|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/checking-splatoons-lively-community-and-sleazy-ami-220375|website=The A.V. Club|date=5 June 2015|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=29 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729133205/http://www.avclub.com/article/checking-splatoons-lively-community-and-sleazy-ami-220375|url-status=live}}

Online multiplayer was split into regular (turf war) and ranked game types. Each of these match types went through a rotation of two maps, which changed every four hours. In ranked games, players gained or dropped ranks based on consecutive wins and losses, ranging from C− to S+. Having a higher rank increased the amount of money and experience earned after wins.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/feature_the_key_details_on_splatoon_nintendos_shot_at_a_new_wii_u_hit|title=Feature: The Key Details on Splatoon, Nintendo's Shot at a New Wii U Hit|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=8 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509012610/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/feature_the_key_details_on_splatoon_nintendos_shot_at_a_new_wii_u_hit|archive-date=9 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2015}}{{cite web|title=Ranks for Ranked Battle are also getting an upgrade!|url=http://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/125532251273/ranks-for-ranked-battle-are-also-getting-an|website=Live from Squid Research Lab|date=July 2015|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=6 August 2015|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165324/https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/125532251273/ranks-for-ranked-battle-are-also-getting-an|url-status=live}}

There were four modes (rule-sets) used for online matches, all of which needed two teams consisting of a maximum of four players each. Turf War was the only mode for regular matches. Ranked matches changed between Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker.{{Cite web|url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/splatoon/overview/|title=Splatoon for Wii U - Nintendo Game Details|access-date=21 May 2019|archive-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114003900/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/splatoon/overview/|url-status=dead}}

• Turf War: Each team tries to ink the most turf as possible in their own color of ink within three minutes. The team that covers the most turf in their color ink when time runs out wins.
• Splat Zones (a king of the hill-style mode): Each team tries to control designated areas by keeping them covered in their ink; the team that achieves this get their counter value decreased at a constant rate. The team that has the lowest value on their counter wins.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/splatoon/onlinemodes.html|title=Splatoon|access-date=21 May 2019|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165324/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/splatoon/onlinemodes.html|url-status=live}}
• Tower Control: Each team tries to board the floating tower located at the center of the map. When a player boards the tower, it moves towards a target located at the end of the opponents' side of the map along a predetermined path. The team that had moved the tower closest to the opponents' side's target wins.
• Rainmaker (a capture the flag-style mode): Players on each team try to pickup the Rainmaker and carry it towards a target on the opponents' side of the map. Once the Rainmaker is picked up by a player, that player can drop the rainmaker only by getting splatted (killed) or going out-of-bounds. The Rainmaker can also be used as a weapon and does not use any ink. The team that had carried the Rainmaker closest to the opponents' side's target wins.

On April 8, 2024, online multiplayer was discontinued due to the shutdown of all online services for Wii U games, Splatoon included.

In Battle Dojo, the local multiplayer mode, two players compete to pop the most balloons, with one player using the Wii U GamePad and the other using the TV with a Wii U Pro Controller or Wii Classic Controller{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/01/nintendo-shows-off-splatoon-amiibo-and-1v1-mode|title=Nintendo Shows Off Splatoon amiibo and 1v1 Mode|last=Otero|first=José|date=1 April 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403152153/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/01/nintendo-shows-off-splatoon-amiibo-and-1v1-mode|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=live|access-date=4 April 2015}}{{cite web|title=Splatoon Manual|url=https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/splatoon_3/ElectronicManual_WiiU_Splatoon_EN.pdf|website=Nintendo Europe|access-date=29 May 2015|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165335/https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/splatoon_3/ElectronicManual_WiiU_Splatoon_EN.pdf|url-status=live}} or either controller in conjunction with a MotionPlus-enabled Wii Remote to recreate the GamePad's gyroscopic controls.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/weirdness_the_second_player_can_have_motion_controls_in_splatoons_battle_dojo_mode|title=Weirdness: The Second Player Can Have Motion Controls in Splatoon's Battle Dojo Mode|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=30 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601225334/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/weirdness_the_second_player_can_have_motion_controls_in_splatoons_battle_dojo_mode|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2015}}

Time-limited "Splatfest" events, held between June 2015 and July 2016, were also held in multiplayer play. During these events, players could choose between one of two teams, and earn points towards a player rank and their team based on their performance. Members of the winning team, decided by popularity and overall performance, earned Super Sea Snails, which could be used to re-spec and add additional perks to equipment, with the losing team earning fewer snails.{{cite web|title=Splatoon grows with another level and a second Splatfest|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-new-level-and-splatfest/|website=Digital Trends|date=10 July 2015|access-date=11 July 2015|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817171009/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-new-level-and-splatfest/|url-status=live}} Following the final Splatfest event, which ended on 24 July 2016,{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Splatoon's final multiplayer event asks players to make the toughest call|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/30/12067236/splatoon-final-splatfest-dates-callie-marie|website=Polygon|date=30 June 2016|access-date=30 June 2016}} Super Sea Snails can be earned by winning a certain number of matches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/25/splatoon-changing-point-system-new-way-getting-super-sea-snails/|title=Splatoon Is Changing Up Its Victory Points And Adds A New Way Of Getting Super Sea Snails|date=25 July 2016|website=Siliconera|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617194506/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/25/splatoon-changing-point-system-new-way-getting-super-sea-snails/|url-status=live}}

Octo Valley is the game's single player campaign in which players are recruited by veteran and leader of the Squidbeak Splatoon, Cap'n Cuttlefish to rescue the Great Zapfish, Inkopolis' source of power, from the Octarians, a race of octopuses with whom the Inklings warred in a century-old territorial conflict known as the Great Turf War. Players use a default ink weapon for this mode, which can be enhanced with upgrades or power-ups by collecting Power Eggs littered across the campaign's levels. The goal of each level is to navigate through enemies and obstacles to reach and rescue the Zapfish at the end. Each level also contains a hidden "sunken scroll" which reveals backstories and lore surrounding the setting of Splatoon. After clearing all of the levels in an area, players fight a boss called an Octoweapon to proceed to the next. Clearing each boss unlocks blueprints that can be exchanged at an armoury for more weapon options.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/23/splatoon-making-messy-mischief-in-nintendos-new-shooter|title=Splatoon: Making Messy Mischief in Nintendo's New Shooter|last=Otero|first=José|date=23 March 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324031250/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/23/splatoon-making-messy-mischief-in-nintendos-new-shooter|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/03/preview_we_take_aim_at_splatoon_to_see_if_it_offers_the_best_of_both_worlds|title=Preview: We Take Aim at Splatoon to See if It Offers the Best of Both Worlds|last1=Olney|first1=Alex|last2=DelVillano|first2=Ron|date=23 March 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324031437/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/03/preview_we_take_aim_at_splatoon_to_see_if_it_offers_the_best_of_both_worlds|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2015}}

Splatoon was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development. In mid-2013, one member of the Animal Crossing development team, Shintaro Sato, created a four-versus-four ink-based territory control game set in a featureless arena.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-new-multiplayer-shooter-is-very-nintend-1599846116|title=Nintendo's Big New Multiplayer Shooter Is Very...Nintendo|last=Totilo|first=Stephen|date=3 July 2014|website=Kotaku|publisher=Gawker Media|access-date=22 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717214508/http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-new-multiplayer-shooter-is-very-nintend-1599846116|archive-date=17 July 2014}} After management approved making the prototype into a full game, the team started expanding its concepts, creating the ability to hide in ink,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/06/22/splatoon-interview-it-couldn-39-t-be-mario-it-had-to-be-squids.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |title=Splatoon Interview – It Couldn't Be Mario, It Had To Be Squids |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=22 June 2014 |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |access-date=22 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722214130/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/06/22/splatoon-interview-it-couldn-39-t-be-mario-it-had-to-be-squids.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |archive-date=22 July 2014 |url-status=unfit }} and wanted to somehow incorporate squids.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/miyamoto-didnt-splatoon-originally-2/|title=Miyamoto thought there was "no appeal" to Splatoon at first|last=Blain|first=Louise|date=9 April 2015|website=GamesRadar|publisher=Future|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411012330/http://www.gamesradar.com/miyamoto-didnt-splatoon-originally-2/|archive-date=11 April 2015|url-status=live|access-date=12 April 2015}} After coming up with these ideas, the developers had trouble "filter[ing] it down" to a "simple, fun game." Shigeru Miyamoto told the team that there was "no appeal" to the game in that state. Afterwards, the developers added the ability to hide in ink and verticality to the maps, but it still felt unfocused. The art director sketched different ideas for the player character, including animals, "macho men," robots, and Mario, but the co-directors wanted to include a playable squid.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration|title=A Splash of New Details Emerge on Splatoon's Development and Inspiration|last=Vogel|first=Mitch|date=9 April 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411171618/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration|archive-date=11 April 2015|url-status=live|access-date=12 April 2015}} They also needed the character to be human in order to hold weaponry, but thought that a squid-human hybrid "wouldn't sell". In January 2014, they realized they could make the player character switch between human and squid forms, which allowed them to come up with other ideas, such as swimming through ink or sustaining damage while maneuvering in enemy ink, which Miyamoto approved of. From the beginning, the GamePad could display a real-time overview of the map so the player could see which team was ahead, and at some point, the team considered using urinals and sinks as warp points.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/splatoon_art_book_reveals_early_concept_for_warping_via_urinals_and_sinks|title=Splatoon Art Book Reveals Early Concept for Warping via Urinals and Sinks|last=Vogel|first=Mitch|date=4 November 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104200504/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/splatoon_art_book_reveals_early_concept_for_warping_via_urinals_and_sinks|archive-date=4 November 2015|url-status=live|access-date=4 November 2015}} The development team was determined to make interesting sound effects, so they repeatedly pounded slime to create the sound of a squid diving into ink.

The team working on the game is composed of much younger members compared to other teams that work on Nintendo franchises. Game director Tsubasa Sakaguchi and producer Hisashi Nogami admitted that they, along with the rest of the team, play first person shooters and games on other companies' hardware (such as Call of Duty and Battlefield) as part of their job, and also because they love video games in general. Monolith Soft also assisted Nintendo on the development of the game.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/24/xenoblade-39-s-director-talks-witcher-3-los-angeles-and-his-favorite-rpgs.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627144001/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/24/xenoblade-39-s-director-talks-witcher-3-los-angeles-and-his-favorite-rpgs.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|url-status=live|archive-date=27 June 2015|title=Xenoblade's Director Talks Witcher 3, Zelda Wii U, And His Favorite RPGs|magazine=Game Informer}} Splatoon was revealed in a trailer during Nintendo's E3 2014 Digital Event video presentation, and a demo of its multiplayer mode was playable on the show floor.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U|title=Play Nintendo - Nintendo E3 Digital Event|date=10 June 2014|publisher=Nintendo of America|type=Trailer|time=34:58|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-date=16 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516094041/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/first_impressions_taking_aim_with_nintendos_new_online_shooter_ip_splatoon|title=First Impressions: Taking Aim With Nintendo's New Online Shooter IP, Splatoon|last=Sleeper|first=Morgan|date=12 June 2014|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821153647/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/first_impressions_taking_aim_with_nintendos_new_online_shooter_ip_splatoon|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=live|access-date=30 December 2014}} The game's single-player campaign was further detailed in a later Nintendo Direct.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkXmABkDlNE|title=Nintendo Direct 11.5.2014|date=5 November 2014|publisher=Nintendo of America|type=Trailer|time=30:11|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311043829/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkXmABkDlNE|url-status=live}}

File:EB Games Expo 2015 - Splatoon.JPG play online matches of Splatoon.]]

Prior to the game's release, a time-limited multiplayer demo known as the "Global Testfire" was held on 8 and 9 May 2015 and one two-hour block on 23 May 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2015/05/07/you-can-play-splatoon-for-three-hours-this-saturday|title=You Can Play Splatoon for Three Hours This Saturday|last=Benson|first=Julian|date=7 May 2015|website=Kotaku|publisher=Gawker Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511195221/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2015/05/07/you-can-play-splatoon-for-three-hours-this-saturday|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2015}} On 15 May, on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, Nintendo held a special event called the Splatoon Mess Fest, featuring celebrities and an obstacle course inspired by the game. Fans could also play a demo of the game at the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/weirdness_nintendo_of_americas_splatoon_mess_fest_sits_in_the_bizarre_category|title=Weirdness: Nintendo of America's Splatoon Mess Fest Sits in the 'Bizarre' Category|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=16 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518202528/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/weirdness_nintendo_of_americas_splatoon_mess_fest_sits_in_the_bizarre_category|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2015}} A collaboration with Masahiro Anbe's Squid Girl manga series was announced, which included free in-game costumes released on 6 August 2015.{{cite web |date=3 June 2015 |title=Splatoon Will Get Fresh With A Squid Girl Costume This August |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/03/splatoon-will-get-fresh-with-a-squid-girl-costume-this-august/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116221008/https://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/03/splatoon-will-get-fresh-with-a-squid-girl-costume-this-august/ |archive-date=16 November 2018 |access-date=29 July 2015 |work=Siliconera}} Splatoon outfits are also featured in the Nintendo 3DS title, Girls Mode 3: Kirakira ☆ Code.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/27/splatoon-fashion-is-headed-to-style-savvy-3/|title=Splatoon Fashion Is Headed To Style Savvy 3|date=27 May 2015|access-date=29 July 2015|work=Siliconera|archive-date=29 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529040549/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/27/splatoon-fashion-is-headed-to-style-savvy-3/|url-status=live}} In Canada, Splatoon-themed frozen yogurt was produced at various Yogurty's locations from June to September.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/cool_down_with_a_splatoon-inspired_froyo_this_summer|title=Cool Down With a Splatoon-Inspired Froyo This Summer|last=Calvert|first=Darren|date=27 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530103731/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/cool_down_with_a_splatoon-inspired_froyo_this_summer|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2015}} Nintendo UK partnered with Adrenaline Alley skatepark to decorate it with decals and props based on the game and install several Wii U demo stations for the summer.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/video_nintendo_uk_takes_over_skate_park_to_celebrate_splatoon_launch|title=Video: Nintendo UK Takes Over Skate Park To Celebrate Splatoon Launch|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=29 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530072225/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/video_nintendo_uk_takes_over_skate_park_to_celebrate_splatoon_launch|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2015}} Nintendo also held fan-art competitions on Miiverse and Twitter.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/miiverse_splatoon_sweepstakes_gives_artistic_fans_in_the_us_a_chance_to_win_the_game|title=Miiverse Splatoon Sweepstakes Gives Artistic Fans in the US a Chance to Win the Game|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=28 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530111011/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/miiverse_splatoon_sweepstakes_gives_artistic_fans_in_the_us_a_chance_to_win_the_game|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/competition_winners_here_are_the_masters_of_splatoon_propaganda|title=Competition Winners: Here Are The Masters of Splatoon Propaganda|last=Calvert|first=Darren|date=29 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530110759/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/competition_winners_here_are_the_masters_of_splatoon_propaganda|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2015}}

Wii U Deluxe Set bundles with Splatoon included were released in North America at Best Buy stores (as a coupon for a digital copy){{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/best_buy_nabs_exclusive_splatoon_wii_u_hardware_bundle_in_north_america|title=Best Buy Nabs Exclusive Splatoon Wii U Hardware Bundle in North America|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=21 April 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422003045/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/best_buy_nabs_exclusive_splatoon_wii_u_hardware_bundle_in_north_america|archive-date=22 April 2015|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2015}} Australia, Europe, and New Zealand (on a physical disc).{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/splatoon_wii_u_hardware_bundle_confirmed_for_pal_regions_arrives_in_australia_and_new_zealand_30th_may|title=Splatoon Wii U Hardware Bundle Confirmed for PAL Regions, Arrives In Australia and New Zealand 30th May|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=22 April 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422194648/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/splatoon_wii_u_hardware_bundle_confirmed_for_pal_regions_arrives_in_australia_and_new_zealand_30th_may|archive-date=22 April 2015|url-status=live|access-date=22 April 2015}} Splatoon series Amiibo were released alongside the game, with Boy and Girl Inklings sold separately and a Squid figure sold exclusively as a bundle with either the game or the two other Amiibo. Amiibo figures of in-game pop idols Callie and Marie—collectively known as the "Squid Sisters"—were released in Japan on 7 July 2016 and internationally on 8 July 2016, along with limited edition recolors of the Inkling Boy, Girl and Squid Amiibo;{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Callie And Marie Join A New Splatoon amiibo Range On 8th July|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/callie_and_marie_join_a_new_splatoon_amiibo_range_on_8th_july|date=30 April 2016|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630185914/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/callie_and_marie_join_a_new_splatoon_amiibo_range_on_8th_july|url-status=live}} the Callie and Marie Amiibo unlock in-game music players featuring their songs. Players who pre-ordered the game at GameStop received a download voucher for Splatoon-themed Mii costumes for use in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/pre-order-splatoon-get-a-free-costume-for-smash-wii-u|title=Pre-order Splatoon, Get A Free Costume For Smash Wii U|first=Jose|last=Otero|work=IGN|date=7 May 2015|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=10 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510020952/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/07/pre-order-splatoon-get-a-free-costume-for-smash-wii-u|url-status=live}} A bundle containing Splatoon and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U was announced in a November 2015 Nintendo Direct and was released during the holiday season.{{cite web|last1=Koch|first1=Cameron|title=New Wii U Bundle Includes Splatoon And Super Smash Bros For $279|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/106496/20151113/new-wii-u-bundle-includes-splatoon-and-super-smash-bros-for-279.htm|website=Digital Times|date=13 November 2015|access-date=13 November 2015|archive-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116143913/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/106496/20151113/new-wii-u-bundle-includes-splatoon-and-super-smash-bros-for-279.htm|url-status=live}} Nintendo released a Splatoon Wii U Deluxe Set containing the amiibo figures in Japan on 7 July 2016.{{cite web|last1=Writenour|first1=Jacob|title=Wii U + amiibo Splatoon Combination Coming To Japan|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/27/wii-u-amiibo-splatoon-combination-coming-to-japan/209121/|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=27 May 2016 |access-date=28 May 2016}} In addition, Nintendo launched two new diorama sets based solely on Splatoon and its characters around the same time in Japan.{{cite web|last1=Vogel|first1=Mitch|title=Nintendo Introduces Two New Splatoon Themed Amiibo Dioramas|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/nintendo_introduces_two_new_splatoon-themed_amiibo_dioramas|website=Nintendo Life|date=25 May 2016|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630185843/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/nintendo_introduces_two_new_splatoon-themed_amiibo_dioramas|url-status=live}}

In the United Kingdom, a lorry containing a shipment of special edition copies of the game was hijacked in transit, resulting in GAME having to cancel all their special edition pre-orders.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/lorry-transporting-splatoon-stock-has-been-stolen/0150087|title=Lorry transporting Splatoon stock has been hijacked|first=Christopher|last=Dring|work=MCVUK|date=27 May 2015|access-date=29 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32915183|title=Splatoon hold up: Lorry of Nintendo games is stolen|work=BBC News|date=28 May 2015|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715061319/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32915183|url-status=live}}

Additional modes, along with new maps and weapons, have been introduced to the game through timed updates.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/unreleased_splatoon_maps_and_weapons_get_detailed_rainmaker_mode_explained|title=Unreleased Splatoon Maps And Weapons Get Detailed, Rainmaker Mode Explained|work=Nintendo Life|date=22 June 2015|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630213953/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/unreleased_splatoon_maps_and_weapons_get_detailed_rainmaker_mode_explained|url-status=live}} An August 2015 update raised the level cap from 20 to 50, added S and S+ ranks to ranked battles, introduced new Splatling and Slosher weapons, private lobbies and party play, and added over 40 new pieces of gear items.{{cite web|title=Ink-tastic new content coming to Splatoon with a major update releasing on 6th August|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2015/July/Ink-tastic-new-content-coming-to-Splatoon-with-a-major-update-releasing-on-6th-August-1037221.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150727133154/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2015/July/Ink-tastic-new-content-coming-to-Splatoon-with-a-major-update-releasing-on-6th-August-1037221.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Massive August Splatoon Update Adds Private And Squad Squid Battles|url=http://kotaku.com/massive-august-splatoon-update-adds-private-and-squad-s-1720343423|website=Kotaku|date=27 July 2015|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165328/https://kotaku.com/massive-august-splatoon-update-adds-private-and-squad-s-1720343423|url-status=live}} In July 2016, Nintendo announced that the United Kingdom would host a splat-off between 16 July through 7 August 2016.{{cite web|last1=Summers|first1=Nick|title='Splatoon' celebrated with "The Great British Splat-Off"'.|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/08/splatoon-the-great-british-splat-off/|website=Engadget|access-date=7 July 2016|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630190122/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/08/splatoon-the-great-british-splat-off/|url-status=live}}

In December 2015, it was announced that free downloadable content would conclude in January 2016,{{Cite web|title = Splatoon's Free DLC is Coming to an End in January|url = http://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoons-free-dlc-is-coming-to-an-end-in-january|first = Nadia|last = Oxford|work = USgamer|date = 21 December 2015|access-date = 17 February 2016|archive-date = 24 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160124170230/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoons-free-dlc-is-coming-to-an-end-in-january|url-status = dead}} although Nintendo later announced that downloadable content will continue to be released.{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Gary|title=Nintendo Report: Mario Maker News, Splatoon Updates Continue, Nintendo NX Gaming Boost|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/649737/Nintendo-NX-games-Super-Mario-Maker-Splatoon-update-Wii-U|website=Express UK|date=4 March 2016|access-date=4 March 2016|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165728/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/649737/Nintendo-NX-games-Super-Mario-Maker-Splatoon-update-Wii-U|url-status=live}} After the version 2.9.0 update, released on 5 July 2016, the game stopped receiving further content updates.{{cite web|author=Nintendo|title=How to Update Splatoon|url=http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14842/~/how-to-update-splatoon|website=Nintendo Support|access-date=19 April 2016|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165754/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14842/~/how-to-update-splatoon|url-status=live}} Additionally, Nintendo announced that Splatoon{{'}}s online services will continue to be active, despite the game's final Splatfest having occurred on 22 July 2016.{{cite web|author1=Casey|title=Nintendo Says That Splatoon's "General Online Experience And Services Will Continue"|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/04/nintendo-says-splatoons-general-online-experience-service-will-continue/?|website=Siliconera|date=4 July 2016|access-date=4 July 2016|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165746/https://router.infolinks.com/usync/lcmanage?pid=3197718&wsid=0&pdom=www.siliconera.com&purl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.siliconera.com%2Fnintendo-says-splatoons-general-online-experience-service-will-continue%2F|url-status=live}}

In March 2023, Nintendo halted online play for Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon due to a vulnerability. The issue was fixed and online play resumed on 3 August 2023. Nintendo further stated that if further issues occurred, online play may be discontinued for the games.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Anthony |date=2023-08-02 |title=Nintendo Restores Wii U Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon Online Play After 5-Month Absence |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-restores-wii-u-mario-kart-8-and-splatoon-online-play-after-5-month-absence |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=IGN |language=en}} On 4 October 2023, Nintendo announced that online services for most Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software would end by April 2024, including Splatoon. It was later revealed that it will shut down on 8 April 2024, at 4 pm PDT.

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 81/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Splatoon for Wii U Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=17 July 2015 |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211113806/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |url-status=live }}

| Destruct = 8.5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-splatoon-291959.phtml|title=Review: Splatoon|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=27 May 2015|website=Destructoid|publisher=Modern Method|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528074514/http://www.destructoid.com/review-splatoon-291959.phtml|archive-date=28 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2015}}

| Edge = 9/10{{cite magazine|date=August 2015|title=Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker|magazine=Edge|publisher=Future Publishing|issue=282|pages=110}}

| EGM = 8/10{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/splatoon-review/|title=Splatoon review|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=8 August 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909091850/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/splatoon-review/|archive-date=9 September 2015}}

| EuroG = Essential{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-02-splatoon-review|title=Splatoon review|website=Eurogamer|date=3 June 2015|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165749/https://www.eurogamer.net/splatoon-review|url-status=live}}

| Fam = 36/40{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2 June 2015 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1383 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2015/06/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1383 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705145301/http://gematsu.com/2015/06/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1383 |archive-date=5 July 2015 |access-date=12 October 2022 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}

| GI = 7.75/10{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/splatoon/b/wii_u/archive/2015/05/29/splatoon-review-game-informer.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530213000/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/splatoon/b/wii_u/archive/2015/05/29/splatoon-review-game-informer.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=30 May 2015|title=Splatoon An Inkling Of A Good Time|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=8 August 2020}}

| GameRev = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/67989-splatoon-review#/slide/1|title=Splatoon Review|website=Game Revolution|date=27 May 2015|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727010908/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/67989-splatoon-review#/slide/1|url-status=live}}

| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Brown|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splatoon-review/1900-6416160/|title=Splatoon Review|work=GameSpot|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607005801/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splatoon-review/1900-6416160/|url-status=live}}

| GRadar = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=David |date=27 May 2015 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/|title=Splatoon review|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601221130/http://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/ |archive-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2015}}

| GTM = 7/10{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/splatoon-review/|title=Splatoon review|website=GamesTM|access-date=8 August 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625041413/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/splatoon-review/|archive-date=25 June 2015}}

| GT = 8.4/10{{cite web |date=27 May 2015 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/3xd058/splatoon-review |title=Splatoon Review |last=Moore |first=Ben |website=GameTrailers |publisher=Defy Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529031954/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/3xd058/splatoon-review |archive-date=29 May 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2015}}

| GB = {{rating|4|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/splatoon-review/1900-704/|title=Splatoon Review|website=Giant Bomb|date=June 2015|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108094214/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/splatoon-review/1900-704/|url-status=live}}

| HCG = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2015/06/02/review-splatoon/151567/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603191652/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/06/02/review-splatoon/151567/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2015|title=Review: Splatoon|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=2 June 2015|access-date=8 August 2020}}

| IGN = 7.9/10 (original review){{cite web |last=Otero |first=José |date=29 May 2015 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/27/splatoon-review |title=Splatoon Review |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601220709/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/27/splatoon-review |archive-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2015}}
8.6/10 (re-review){{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/splatoon-review|title=Splatoon V2 Review|last=Otero|first=José|website=IGN|date=13 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116135110/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/splatoon-review|archive-date=16 November 2015|url-status=live|access-date=16 November 2015}}

| NLife = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/splatoon|title=Splatoon Review|last=Olney|first=Alex|date=27 May 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601180814/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/splatoon|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2015}}

| NWR = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/40311/splatoon-wii-u-review|title=Splatoon Review|work=Nintendo World Report|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601053128/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/40311/splatoon-wii-u-review|url-status=live}}

| Poly = 8.5/10{{cite web|first=Philip|last=Kollar|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/27/8588969/splatoon-review-nintendo-wii-u|title=Splatoon review: movable type|work=Polygon|date=27 May 2015|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-date=7 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907030439/http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/27/8588969/splatoon-review-nintendo-wii-u|url-status=live}}

| TG = {{Rating|4|5}}

| USG = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-wii-u-review|title=Splatoon Wii U Review: New Squids On The Block|website=USgamer|date=27 May 2015|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=15 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915233544/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-wii-u-review|url-status=live}}

| VB = 83/100{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/27/splatoons-single-player-surprisingly-one-ups-its-inventive-multiplayer/|title=Splatoon's single-player surprisingly one-ups its inventive multiplayer|website=VentureBeat|date=27 May 2015|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817165415/https://venturebeat.com/games/splatoons-single-player-surprisingly-one-ups-its-inventive-multiplayer/|url-status=live}}

| VG = 7/10{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/splatoon_review.html|title=Splatoon Review|website=VideoGamer|access-date=8 August 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172357/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/|url-status=live}}

}}

Splatoon was well-received when it was revealed. Many in the gaming press were surprised that Nintendo was creating a shooter intellectual property and praised the new gameplay ideas that distinguished it from other titles in the genre.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/11/e3-2014-nintendo-keeps-it-short-sweet|title=E3 2014: Nintendo Keeps It Short & Sweet|last=O'Brien|first=Lucy|date=10 June 2014|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203075810/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/11/e3-2014-nintendo-keeps-it-short-sweet|archive-date=3 December 2014|url-status=live|access-date=22 January 2015}}

On release, Splatoon received positive reviews, receiving an aggregated score of 81/100 on Metacritic based on 88 reviews. GamesRadar gave the game 3.5/5 stars, praising the game's refreshing take on the shooter genre, while criticising some elements such as lobbies and amiibo-locked content. GameTrailers gave the game a score of 8.4/10, praising the game's mechanics and presentation, while lamenting that the game felt sparse at launch. IGN initially scored the game 7.9, praising the gameplay but criticizing the low number of maps and modes at launch and absence of voice chat. After several major updates were released, IGN released a re-review, increasing the game's score to 8.6/10 because of the new maps and online modes. Some critics expressed displeasure over the fact that communication errors cause a loss of points in Ranked Battles. Destructoid gave the game a score of 8.5, arguing that its shortcomings "can be forgiven in [his] mind because of how damn fun it is." Nintendo Life scored the game nine stars out of ten, considering Splatoon one of the "most fun" online games available because of the unique way each online match played out due to the ink mechanic, which also helped counteract potential boredom from the low number of maps playable at launch.

Writing for The Guardian, Kate Gray praised the visual style of Splatoon for contrasting realistic shooter games such as the Call of Duty franchise with a "90s cartoon aesthetic", citing influence by games such as Jet Set Radio, Super Mario Sunshine, and de Blob, along with a catchy soundtrack. However, Gray noted shortcomings in the game, such as a lack of multiplayer maps and modes on-launch making the game feel repetitive, matchmaking issues (such as inconsistent wait times between matches and team composition issues), as well as the lack of features such as voice chat and private lobbies, but defending the criticism by arguing that it was "[Nintendo's] first game in a long time that's really attempted to revitalize and reinvent a genre that often seems stagnant. This sort of daring creative venture will have its flaws, and if anything, we should be glad that it’s Nintendo taking the first step into new territory." Gray concluded by declaring Splatoon to be "a breath of fresh air—or more accurately 'splodge of fresh ink'—for those who like to shoot stuff, but have grown tired of the endless bloody churn of gritty, realistic shooters."{{cite news|title=Splatoon review: ink, charm and lots of ideas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/28/splatoon-review-ink-charm-and-lots-of-ideas|access-date=17 June 2015|work=The Guardian|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143237/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/28/splatoon-review-ink-charm-and-lots-of-ideas|url-status=live}}

Splatoon debuted at No. 2 in the UK software sales chart in the week it launched, only behind The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It is the fifth fastest-selling Wii U game and the fastest-selling new intellectual property on the console in that country, beating the previous record set by Ubisoft's 2012 launch title ZombiU.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-01-wii-u-exclusive-splatoon-is-consoles-fastest-selling-new-ip|title=Splatoon is Wii U's fastest-selling new franchise in UK|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=Eurogamer|date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601214215/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-01-wii-u-exclusive-splatoon-is-consoles-fastest-selling-new-ip|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2015}} Splatoon debuted at the top of the Japanese software sales chart, with over 144,000 retail copies sold in its launch week and a total of 1.53 million sold by December 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/splatoon_storms_to_top_spot_in_japanese_charts_with_six_figure_sales|title=Splatoon Storms to Top Spot in Japanese Charts With Six Figure Sales|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=3 June 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905094027/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/splatoon_storms_to_top_spot_in_japanese_charts_with_six_figure_sales|archive-date=5 September 2015|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/01/pokemon_sun_and_moon_along_with_3ds_led_2016_sales_in_japan|title=Pokémon Sun and Moon, Along With 3DS, Led 2016 Sales in Japan|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=6 January 2017|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108220936/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/01/pokemon_sun_and_moon_along_with_3ds_led_2016_sales_in_japan|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live|access-date=8 January 2017}} In the U.S., 165,000 combined physical and downloaded copies were sold in May 2015, with another 290,000 sold in June and 85,000 in July.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-the-elder-scrolls-online-top-/1100-6428962/|title=Batman: Arkham Knight, The Elder Scrolls Online Top June 2015 NPD Charts|last=Newhouse|first=Alex|date=16 July 2015|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717153436/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-the-elder-scrolls-online-top-/1100-6428962/|archive-date=17 July 2015|url-status=live|access-date=17 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/08/splatoon_passes_half_a_million_copies_sold_in_the_us_as_wii_u_game_sales_beat_2014_figures|title=Splatoon Passes Half a Million Copies Sold in the US as Wii U Game Sales Beat 2014 Figures|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=14 August 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814155508/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/08/splatoon_passes_half_a_million_copies_sold_in_the_us_as_wii_u_game_sales_beat_2014_figures|archive-date=14 August 2015|url-status=live|access-date=14 August 2015}} By the end of August 2015, over 600,000 copies had been sold in the region.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/11/splatoon-splashes-its-way-through-600k-sales-in-the-us|title=Splatoon Splashes Its Way Through 600K Sales In The US|last=Copeland|first=Wesley|date=11 September 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912062127/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/11/splatoon-splashes-its-way-through-600k-sales-in-the-us|archive-date=12 September 2015|url-status=live|access-date=13 September 2015}} In March 2016, Nintendo announced that one million copies had been shipped in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/splatoon_has_now_shipped_one_million_copies_in_europe|title=Splatoon Has Now Shipped One Million Copies In Europe|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=9 March 2016|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310010405/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/splatoon_has_now_shipped_one_million_copies_in_europe|archive-date=10 March 2016 |url-status=live|access-date=9 March 2016}} By the end of June 2015, 1.62 million copies of the game had been sold worldwide,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-29-nintendo-posts-a-profit-splatoon-sells-1-62m|title=Wii U lifetime sales pass 10 million, Splatoon sells 1.62m|last=Purchese|first=Robert|date=29 July 2015|website=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729182725/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-29-nintendo-posts-a-profit-splatoon-sells-1-62m|archive-date=29 July 2015|url-status=live|access-date=29 July 2015}} and by the end of March 2021, worldwide sales reached 4.95 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|title=Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software|date=30 October 2018|website=nintendo.co.jp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030194145/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|archive-date=30 October 2018|access-date=30 October 2018}} In May 2016, Splatoon was announced to be the most successful new home console intellectual property (IP) in Japan since Wii Sports.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamnesia.com/news/splatoon-is-gamings-most-successful-new-ip-in-japan-since-the-wii-sports-li|last1=Trejos|first1=Fernando|title=Splatoon is Gaming's Most Successful New IP in Japan Since the Wii Sports Line|date=15 May 2016|website=Gamnesia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519003844/https://www.gamnesia.com/news/splatoon-is-gamings-most-successful-new-ip-in-japan-since-the-wii-sports-li|archive-date=19 May 2016|access-date=11 October 2017|url-status=dead}} The game's soundtrack album debuted at number two on Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart[http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2015&month=11&day=2 "Hot Albums"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817171055/https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2015&month=11&day=2 |date=17 August 2024 }} (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2018. and was number 46 on the chart's 2015 year-end list.[http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums_year&year=2015 "Hot Albums Year End"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805135754/http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums_year&year=2015 |date=5 August 2016 }} (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2018.

An artbook for the game titled the Art of Splatoon was released in Japan in September 2015, and in North America and Europe in June 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/12/dark_horse_is_bringing_the_art_of_splatoon_book_to_the_west|title=Dark Horse is Bringing 'The Art of Splatoon' Book to the West|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|website=Nintendo Life|date=21 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-date=22 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222113747/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/12/dark_horse_is_bringing_the_art_of_splatoon_book_to_the_west|url-status=live}} Toy water guns modeled after an in-game weapon were released by Jakks Pacific in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/real-life-splatoon-guns-exist-and-they-shoot-ink-419793.phtml|title=Real life Splatoon guns exist, and they shoot ink|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=20 February 2017|website=Destructoid|language=en|access-date=20 February 2017|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312002208/https://www.destructoid.com/real-life-splatoon-guns-exist-and-they-shoot-ink-419793.phtml|url-status=dead}}

In 2016, a series of real-life virtual concerts featuring the Squid Sisters, known as "Squid Sisters Live" and appearing as holograms, were held at Tokaigi 2016 (Makuhari Messe) in January, Choukagi 2016 in April, Japan Expo (Paris) in July, and Niconico Cho Party in November.{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/12/watch-splatoons-squid-sisters-full-japan-expo-2016-concert/|title=Watch Splatoon's Squid Sisters' Full Japan Expo 2016 Concert|last=Jenni|date=12 July 2016|website=Siliconera|publisher=|access-date=23 July 2016|archive-date=13 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713203951/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/12/watch-splatoons-squid-sisters-full-japan-expo-2016-concert/|url-status=live}}

Splatoon has been adapted into a manga series, which is written and illustrated by Sankichi Hinodeya. It began serialization in Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic in February 2016, and launched in CoroCoro Comic on 15 May 2017.{{Cite news |title=Splatoon Manga Has 800,000 Copies in Print |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-02-19/splatoon-manga-has-800000-copies-in-print/.128010 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601022018/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-02-19/splatoon-manga-has-800000-copies-in-print/.128010 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=New Splatoon Manga Launches on May 15 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-15/splatoon-manga-launches-in-coro-coro-comics-on-may-15/.114875 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=18 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918065812/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-15/splatoon-manga-launches-in-coro-coro-comics-on-may-15/.114875 |url-status=live }} It has also been published in English by Viz Media.{{Cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=19 May 2017|title=Nintendo's Splatoon manga getting an official English translation|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/19/15667484/nintendo-splatoon-manga-english-release-viz-media|access-date=23 November 2021|website=Polygon|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411140510/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/19/15667484/nintendo-splatoon-manga-english-release-viz-media|url-status=live}} CoroCoro Comic gave free access to the entire series for a limited time from 22 June – 13 July 2018.{{Cite web|date=22 June 2018|title=CoroCoro Shares Entire Splatoon Manga Online For Free For A Limited Time|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/corocoro_shares_entire_splatoon_manga_online_for_free_for_a_limited_time|access-date=23 November 2021|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210095955/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/corocoro_shares_entire_splatoon_manga_online_for_free_for_a_limited_time|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}} ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317130733/http://splatoon.nintendo.com/|date=17 March 2017}})
• {{moby game|id=/splatoon}}
• {{IMDb title|3818774}}

{{Splatoon}}

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