Splatoon

The Splatoon series are third person shooters with a focus on competitive online multiplayer gameplay. Players select from a range of water guns and oversized painting equipment that they use to spread their ink across the floors and walls of the gameplay area and to damage enemies. During gameplay players can freely alternate between a humanoid "inkling" form and a "squid" form with the press of a button. While in human form they can use their weapons to spread ink across surfaces and damage enemy players. While in squid form, players can swim through their own team's ink and pass under and around metal fences and meshes, as well as move vertically up ink spread over walls. Players are discouraged from standing in ink pools that are not their own team's color with harsh movement penalties. Additionally, players can only replenish their ammunition by standing or swimming in their own team's ink. Nintendo Direct Splatoon gameplay overview video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQsZPYB0vMw

"Turf War" is the main gameplay mode in the Splatoon franchise. Two teams of four players start on either side of a symmetrical map and compete to spread as much of their team's ink across as much of the floor space of the map as possible before the match ends. While players are not awarded points for doing so, it is possible to kill enemy players, referred to as "splatting", to temporarily remove them from the game so that they cannot contest the spread of ink. This is further encouraged by most weapons being very powerful but with extremely limited range, resulting in more frantic player vs player engagements.

"Splatfests" are special and recurring in-game festival events that take place in the games, where players are asked a question and pick a team based on the answer that they chose. For example, players could be asked to pick between mayonnaise or ketchup,{{Cite web |date=21 July 2017 |title=Mayo and ketchup go head to head in Splatoon 2's next Splatfest |url=https://www.destructoid.com/mayo-and-ketchup-go-head-to-head-in-splatoon-2-s-next-splatfest-450368.phtml |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.destructoid.com/mayo-and-ketchup-go-head-to-head-in-splatoon-2-s-next-splatfest-450368.phtml |url-status=dead }} or if they prefer using a fork or a spoon.{{Cite web |date=17 August 2018 |title=The Next Splatoon 2 Splatfest For North America Is A Battle Of Fork vs. Spoon |url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-next-splatoon-2-splatfest-for-north-america-is-a-battle-of-fork-vs-spoon/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127140347/https://www.siliconera.com/the-next-splatoon-2-splatfest-for-north-america-is-a-battle-of-fork-vs-spoon/ |url-status=live }} Similarly to the first game, Splatoon 2 features Splatfest events that include crossovers with other brands, both from other Nintendo properties such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate{{cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |title=Super Smash Bros. Inspired Splatfest Will Take Place In Splatoon 2 Next Week |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/super_smash_bros_inspired_splatfest_will_take_place_in_splatoon_2_next_week |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=26 July 2023 |date=6 December 2018 |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162529/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/super_smash_bros_inspired_splatfest_will_take_place_in_splatoon_2_next_week |url-status=live }} and Super Mario, and third-party franchises including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, McDonald's, Uniqlo,{{cite web |author=Brian |title=Splatoon 2 – Japanese Splatfest #5 announced |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-2-japanese-splatfest-5-announced/ |website=Nintendo Everything |access-date=26 July 2023 |date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162415/https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-2-japanese-splatfest-5-announced/ |url-status=live }} Nike,{{cite web |title=Japan's Latest Splatoon 2 Splatfest Is Brought to You by Nike |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/japan-splatoon-2-splatfest-nike/ |website=DualShockers |access-date=26 July 2023 |date=18 March 2018 |last=Hobbs |first=Emily |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164750/https://www.dualshockers.com/japan-splatoon-2-splatfest-nike/ |url-status=live }} Sanrio,{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistair |title=Splatoon 2 Gets A Collaboration With Sanrio Characters In Japan |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/05/10/splatoon-2-gets-collaboration-sanrio-characters-japan/ |website=Siliconera |publisher=Curse |access-date=26 July 2023 |date=10 May 2018 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162411/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-gets-collaboration-sanrio-characters-japan/ |url-status=live }} Meiji,{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-ignites-chocolate-war|last=Moyse|first=Chris|language=en|access-date=26 July 2023|date=6 August 2018|title=Splatoon 2's next Japanese splatfest ignites chocolate war|website=Destructoid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204192618/https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-ignites-chocolate-war/|archive-date=4 December 2022|url-status=live}} Pocky,{{cite web |author=Sato |title=Splatoon 2's Next Japanese Splatfest Is A Battle Of Pocky |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/26/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-is-a-battle-of-pocky/ |website=Siliconera |publisher=Curse |access-date=26 July 2023 |date=26 October 2018 |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403104553/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/26/splatoon-2s-next-japanese-splatfest-is-a-battle-of-pocky/ |url-status=live }} and NPB.{{cite web|url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/05/08/next-japanese-splatfest-partnering-with-nippon-professional-baseball|title=Next Japanese Splatfest partnering with Nippon Professional Baseball|language=en|last=Berg|first=Ricky|website=Nintendo Wire|date=9 May 2019|access-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128085233/https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/05/08/next-japanese-splatfest-partnering-with-nippon-professional-baseball|archive-date=28 November 2022|url-status=live}} For Splatoon 3, there are three sides to choose from and just like in the first two games, crossover Splatfest events are included with other Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/7/23392540/splatoon-3-pokemon-splatfest|title=Splatoon 3's next Splatfest asks a difficult question: what's the best pokémon type?|language=en-US|date=7 October 2022|access-date=26 July 2023|last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles|website=The Verge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326180016/https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/7/23392540/splatoon-3-pokemon-splatfest|archive-date=26 March 2023|url-status=live}} and The Legend of Zelda.{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=14 April 2023 |title=Splatoon 3 is getting a Zelda-inspired Splatfest map |url=https://www.polygon.com/23683377/splatoon-3-splatfest-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-kingdom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601064656/https://www.polygon.com/23683377/splatoon-3-splatfest-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-kingdom |archive-date=1 June 2023 |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=Polygon}}

Players then play a series of turf war matches and contribute scores to the side they picked. A scoring system decides the winning side based on the overall score of those who played. Although all Splatfests in Splatoon 2 ended in July 2019, themes have been repeated since then, and a Splatfest with a unique theme, "Super Mushroom vs. Super Star", happened from 15 to 17 January 2021 in celebration of the Super Mario 35th Anniversary.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2020 |title=Splatoon 2 gets a Splatfest themed around Mario power-ups |url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/splatoon-2-gets-a-splatfest-themed-around-mario-power-ups-602533.phtml |access-date=10 December 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224204139/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/splatoon-2-gets-a-splatfest-themed-around-mario-power-ups-602533.phtml |url-status=live }}

Due to the polarizing nature of the choices offered during Splatfests, the themes themselves tend to be the subject of media attention. The themes range from preference questionnaires (e.g. cats vs. dogs,{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=James |date=5 July 2015 |title=Dogs cheat Cats out of North American Splatfest victory |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/dogs-cheat-cats-out-of-north-american-splatfest-victory-3421001/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameZone |language=en-US |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212013617/https://www.gamezone.com/news/dogs-cheat-cats-out-of-north-american-splatfest-victory-3421001/ |url-status=live }} arts vs. sciences),{{Cite web |date=11 September 2015 |title=North America's Next Splatoon Splatfest is a Battle of Art and Science |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/north_americas_next_splatoon_splatfest_is_a_battle_of_art_and_science |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/north_americas_next_splatoon_splatfest_is_a_battle_of_art_and_science |url-status=live }} to paradoxes (e.g. chicken or the egg),{{Cite web |date=3 March 2018 |title=Next Splatoon 2 splatfest will attempt to answer a question as old as time |url=https://www.destructoid.com/next-splatoon-2-splatfest-will-attempt-to-answer-a-question-as-old-as-time-492619.phtml |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213129/https://www.destructoid.com/next-splatoon-2-splatfest-will-attempt-to-answer-a-question-as-old-as-time-492619.phtml |url-status=dead }} or sometimes be part of a real-life corporate partnership or sponsorship with Nintendo (such as a Transformers-themed Splatfest with Hasbro,{{Cite web |title=Wii U's Splatoon Getting Transformers-Themed Event |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-us-splatoon-getting-transformers-themed-event/1100-6429851/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213132/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-us-splatoon-getting-transformers-themed-event/1100-6429851/ |url-status=live }} the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants-themed ones with Nickelodeon,{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=26 April 2018 |title=Splatoon 2's new Splatfest is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/26/17284520/splatoon-2-splatfest-date-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214624/https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/26/17284520/splatoon-2-splatfest-date-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=14 April 2016 |title=Nintendo and Nickelodeon Bring the Next Splatfest to a Pineapple under the Sea |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160414005411/en/Nintendo-Nickelodeon-Bring-Splatfest-Pineapple-Sea |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213131/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160414005411/en/Nintendo-Nickelodeon-Bring-Splatfest-Pineapple-Sea |url-status=live }} or one with McDonald's).{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=11 September 2017 |title=In Splatoon 2's McDonald's showdown, nuggets take narrow victory |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/11/16287590/splatoon-2-chicken-mcnuggets-french-fries-splatfest-results |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206161739/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/11/16287590/splatoon-2-chicken-mcnuggets-french-fries-splatfest-results |url-status=live }}

In most Splatfests, the outcome tends to only affect the player's level of in-game reward at the end of the event{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=4 August 2017 |title=What the Heck is Splatoon 2's Splatfest? |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-is-splatoon-2-splatfest |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=USgamer |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201145114/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/what-is-splatoon-2-splatfest |url-status=dead }} and typically have no impact on the overall playability of the game. However, the exception to the last Splatfest of each game, which has marked the end of developer support for the game.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2016 |title=Nintendo ends Splatoon support with final Splatfest |url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/06/30/nintendo-ends-splatoon-support-with-final-splatfest-5976189/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Metro |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144051/https://metro.co.uk/2016/06/30/nintendo-ends-splatoon-support-with-final-splatfest-5976189/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title='Splatoon' isn't dead, but it's still saying goodbye |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/22/splatoon-final-splatfest/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Engadget |date=22 July 2016 |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/22/splatoon-final-splatfest/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=8 June 2019 |title=Splatoon 2's final Splatfest is Chaos versus Order |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/8/18658067/splatoon-2-final-splatfest-chaos-versus-order-date |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106014456/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/8/18658067/splatoon-2-final-splatfest-chaos-versus-order-date |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric Van |date=22 July 2019 |title=Chaos Reigns In Splatoon 2's Final Splatfest |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/chaos-reigns-in-splatoon-2s-final-splatfest |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=USgamer |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207091128/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/chaos-reigns-in-splatoon-2s-final-splatfest |url-status=dead }} It was revealed that the outcome of the last Splatfest in Splatoon affected the story mode of Splatoon 2, in which the losing protagonist Callie became an antagonist.{{Cite web |date=26 July 2019 |title=Splatoon: Now That Chaos Reigns Supreme, What's The Future Of Inkopolis? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/splatfest-chaos-reigns-splatoon-3/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://www.thegamer.com/splatfest-chaos-reigns-splatoon-3/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=18 July 2019 |title=Splatoon 3 not in production yet according to producer |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/569333-splatoon-3-not-in-production-yet |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GameRevolution |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020740/https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/569333-splatoon-3-not-in-production-yet |url-status=live }} This was later confirmed by a developer after Splatoon 3's theme and setting seemed to be based on the winner of Splatoon 2's final Splatfest, "Chaos vs. Order".{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Sarah |date=8 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 Dev Reveals How Splatoon 2's Chaos vs Order Splatfest Impacted Creative Direction of the Sequel |url=https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328200554/https://gamerant.com/splatoon-3-splatoon-2-final-splatfest-creative-direction/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Jess |last2=Yaden |first2=Joseph |title='Splatoon 3' release date, trailer, Splatfest, weapons, and story details |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-little-buddy-nintendo-switch |access-date=15 September 2022 |website=Inverse |date=10 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213128/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/splatoon-3-release-date-trailer-little-buddy-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}

Due to the availability of competitive game modes in Splatoon, competitive esports tournaments with sponsored prizing have been held as early as 2016 in Japan.{{Citation |title=Japanese Splatoon eSports Tournament Offers Over $1 Million in Prize Money - IGN |date=19 August 2015 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/19/japanese-splatoon-esports-tournament-offers-over-1-million-in-prize-money |language=en |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112104557/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/19/japanese-splatoon-esports-tournament-offers-over-1-million-in-prize-money |url-status=live }}

With the release of Splatoon 2, Nintendo established the Splatoon 2 World Championships and began hosting competitive tournaments in 2018.{{Cite news |date=June 2018 |title=Live from Squid Research Lab |url=https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/174601167747/the-splatoon-2-world-championship-is-almost-here |access-date=14 March 2020 |newspaper=Tumblr |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112104715/https://splatoonus.tumblr.com/post/174601167747/the-splatoon-2-world-championship-is-almost-here |url-status=live }}Wikipedia:SPS Teams of four compete in a series of online qualifiers or live tournaments to earn invitations to play at the World Championships, which are played at the Nintendo World Championships alongside other Nintendo games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.{{Cite web |title=Splatoon 2 World Championship 2019 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/event/splatoon-2-world-championship-2019 |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Gematsu |date=9 May 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214625/https://www.gematsu.com/event/splatoon-2-world-championship-2019 |url-status=live }} The event is typically held during Nintendo's E3 events and livestreamed.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2019 |title=CBS to air 2019 Nintendo World Championships in partnership with ELEAGUE |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/cbs-to-air-2019-nintendo-world-championships-in-partnership-with-eleague/ |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Nintendo Enthusiast |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/cbs-to-air-2019-nintendo-world-championships-in-partnership-with-eleague/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Lanier |first=Liz |date=9 May 2019 |title=Nintendo Details E3 Plans With Tournaments, Direct Video |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/nintendo-e3-2019-plans-1203209741/ |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=Variety |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213128/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/nintendo-e3-2019-plans-1203209741/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 May 2019 |title=Nintendo aims to do competitive gaming their way |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26857358/nintendo-aims-do-competitive-gaming-their-way |access-date=14 March 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213132/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/26857358/nintendo-aims-do-competitive-gaming-their-way |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

File:Inklings Splatoon.png.]]

Inklings are a fictional species of terrestrial squid and are the primary playable characters.

The player characters of Splatoon were originally anthropomorphic rabbits with the ability to burrow through virtually any solid surface so long as it was covered in ink. This was considered due to the game's area control-centric gameplay and the fact that rabbits are naturally territorial animals. While the team liked the idea, it was objected to by others around the company, who felt that there was a clash between the characters' appearances and the ink-based gameplay.{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Lucas |date=21 March 2018 |title=Splatoon could have starred rabbits, not squids, but Nintendo devs had questions |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-could-have-starred-rabbits-not-squids-but-nintendo-devs-had-questions/ |accessdate=22 March 2019 |work=GamesRadar |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225121601/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-could-have-starred-rabbits-not-squids-but-nintendo-devs-had-questions/ |url-status=live }}{{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 |work=Nintendo Life |last=Vogel |first=Mitch |date=9 April 2015 |accessdate=22 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020740/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration |url-status=live }} The designers then came up with the idea for squid-like Inklings that were able to hide and swim in ink.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon |title=How Nintendo is reinventing the shooter with Splatoon |work=Eurogamer |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=20 June 2014 |accessdate=22 March 2019 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon |url-status=live }} When designing the Inklings the designers centered around it being female at first, which they stated was because there were not many other female leads in Nintendo games at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-devs-on-inkling-girl-design-focus-squid-sisters-and-more/|title=Splatoon devs on Inkling girl design focus, Squid Sisters, and more|date=26 July 2015|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135711/https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-devs-on-inkling-girl-design-focus-squid-sisters-and-more/|url-status=live}} The Inklings were designed to be teenagers since the developers wanted to give the image of a strong, rebelling character, while having the attitude of being "cool".{{Cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-staff-talk-about-the-inkling-design-more-on-the-squid-sisters-and-other-topics/|title=Splatoon staff talk about the Inkling design, more on the Squid Sisters, and other topics|date=17 August 2015|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135706/https://nintendoeverything.com/splatoon-staff-talk-about-the-inkling-design-more-on-the-squid-sisters-and-other-topics/|url-status=live}}

Inklings can switch between humanoid and squid forms. As humanoids, they are able to wield weapons. As squids, they are able to hide in and swim through ink.{{Cite web|url=https://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|date=9 April 2015|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=11 April 2015|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|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Paintball turf war: With Nintendo's 'Splatoon,' slinging vivid paint means having a ball|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/05/27/paintball-for-turf-with-all-ages-splatoon-slinging-vivid-paint-means-having-a-ball/|access-date=2 June 2021|issn=0190-8286}}

The Inklings' aesthetic design have received a positive critical reception from multiple video game publications following the release of the first Splatoon,{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-was-tested-with-yoshi-as-a-main-character |title=Splatoon was Tested with Yoshi as a Main Character |work=US Gamer |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=21 March 2018 |accessdate=22 March 2019 |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135707/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/splatoon-was-tested-with-yoshi-as-a-main-character |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/ |title=Splatoon review |work=GamesRadar |last=Roberts |first=David |date=27 May 2015 |accessdate=22 March 2019 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141530/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-review/ |url-status=live }} and have since become a popular subject for cosplay activities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-cosplay-from-tokyo-game-show-2018/2900-2274/#1|title=The Best Cosplay from Tokyo Game Show 2018|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-cosplay-from-tokyo-game-show-2018/2900-2274/#1|url-status=live}} The integration of the Inklings' physiological characteristics into the gameplay mechanics of the Splatoon series have been praised, as it allowed players to explore a unique tactical concept.{{Cite web|url=http://retronauts.com/article/400/with-arms-nintendo-is-smart-to-recognize-that-nostalgia-isnt-always-best|title=With ARMS, Nintendo is smart to recognize that nostalgia isn't always best|website=Retronauts|date=15 June 2017|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135710/https://retronauts.com/article/400/with-arms-nintendo-is-smart-to-recognize-that-nostalgia-isnt-always-best|url-status=live}} Polygon staff in particular ranked two notable Inkling characters, the "Squid Sisters" Callie and Marie, among the 70 best video game characters of the 2010s decade; they were described as an example of how Nintendo elevated "anthropomorphized squids and made them into pop sensations".{{Cite web|date=27 November 2019|title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|access-date=3 July 2021|work=Polygon|archive-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101231120/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|url-status=live}} A seemingly-intentional decision to remove gendered language from player character customization in Splatoon 3's English localization was praised by some American publications.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/18/22288108/splatoon-3-gender-style-nintendo-switch|title=Splatoon 3's post-apocalyptic world destroys the concept of gender|first=Ana|last=Diaz|date=18 February 2021|website=Polygon|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201135705/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/18/22288108/splatoon-3-gender-style-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}

{{Timeline of release years

| 2015 = Splatoon

| 2017 = Splatoon 2

| 2018 = Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion

| 2022 = Splatoon 3

| 2024 = Splatoon 3: Side Order

|range1_color=#212121 #bdbdbd|range1=2015 -}}

Splatoon was developed for the Wii U by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development. It originally consisted of 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|date=17 July 2014|access-date=15 March 2020|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}} The game was subsequently developed to incorporate squid-like creatures, now called Inklings, which could switch between humanoid and squid forms in order to be able to hold weapons as a humanoid, while being able to hide or swim through ink as a 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|date=9 April 2015|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020740/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/a_splash_of_new_details_emerge_on_splatoons_development_and_inspiration|url-status=live}} In 2014, Splatoon was revealed during a Nintendo Direct video presentation at E3 2014, and a playable demo version was made available on the show floor.{{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|date=12 June 2014|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=21 August 2014|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|url-status=live}} Subsequently, a time-limited multiplayer demo, the "Global Testfire", was made available on 8, 9 and 23 May 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://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|website=Kotaku UK|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162416/https://kotaku.com/search?blogId=9&q=you%20can%20play%20splatoon%20for%20three%20hours%20this%20saturday|url-status=live}} The game was seen as a surprising reveal as Nintendo unveiled a new IP during the underperformance of the Wii U. The full game was released globally between 28 and 30 May 2015 and included a single-player story campaign mode as well as several online multiplayer modes.

Splatoon 2 was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development for the Nintendo Switch and was announced in January 2017.{{Citation|title=Splatoon 2 Announced for Nintendo Switch - IGN|date=13 January 2017|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/splatoon-2-announced-for-nintendo-switch|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112043128/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/splatoon-2-announced-for-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}} It takes place approximately two years after the events of the final Splatfest in the first game, an in-game festival event where players voted for one of the two protagonists, the Squid Sisters, and fought it out by playing a series of turf war matches. It was later revealed that the results of the Splatfest directly influenced the story of Splatoon 2.{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-last-splatfest-actually-influenced-splatoon-2s-stor-1794624123|title=The Last Splatfest Actually Influenced Splatoon 2's Story, Holy Shit|website=Kotaku|date=25 April 2017|language=en-us|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=4 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213126/https://kotaku.com/the-last-splatfest-actually-influenced-splatoon-2s-stor-1794624123|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-squid-sister-stories-final-splatfest-changed-callie-maries-lives/|title=Splatoon 2 "Squid Sister Stories" On How The Final Splatfest Changed Callie & Marie's Lives|date=28 April 2017|website=Siliconera|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=6 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406043714/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoon-2-squid-sister-stories-final-splatfest-changed-callie-maries-lives/|url-status=live}} Splatoon 2 features a redesigned user interface due to the lack of the Wii U GamePad's touch screen, and includes new maps, weapons and abilities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review|title=Nintendo's excellent shooter Splatoon is even better on the Switch|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=18 July 2017|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109014840/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/18/15986256/splatoon-2-nintendo-switch-review|url-status=live}} A new player versus environment mode known as "Salmon Run" was introduced{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16021902/splatoon-2-salmon-run-online-multiplayer|title=Splatoon 2's best mode has a frustrating quirk|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=24 July 2017|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=25 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125041223/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16021902/splatoon-2-salmon-run-online-multiplayer|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|title=Splatoon 2 redeems the most clever online shooter series in years|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=18 July 2017|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032911/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|url-status=live}} along with a new competitive multiplayer mode called "Clam Blitz" added in December 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/new-clam-blitz-mode-highlights-the-best-and-worst-of-sp-1821272308|title=New Clam Blitz Mode Highlights The Best and Worst of Splatoon 2|website=Kotaku|date=13 December 2017|language=en-us|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204180126/https://kotaku.com/new-clam-blitz-mode-highlights-the-best-and-worst-of-sp-1821272308|url-status=live}} In March 2017, a "Splatoon 2 Global Testfire" event was made available.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2017/February/Prepare-for-summer-with-the-free-Splatoon-2-Global-Testfire-demo-event-starting-March-24th-1191111.html|title=Prepare for summer with the free Splatoon 2 Global Testfire demo event, starting March 24th|website=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=en-GB|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418050115/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2017/February/Prepare-for-summer-with-the-free-Splatoon-2-Global-Testfire-demo-event-starting-March-24th-1191111.html|url-status=live}} A second demo which featured the in-game festival Splatfest was released on 15 July 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/07/06/theres-another-chance-to-play-splatoon-2-before-release-and-itll-splatfest-hemed|title=There's Another Splatoon 2 Demo Coming Before Release, and it'll be Splatfest-Themed!|website=Kotaku UK|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162418/https://kotaku.com/search?blogId=9&q=theres%20another%20chance%20to%20play%20splatoon%202%20before%20release%20and%20itll%20splatfest%20hemed|url-status=live}} The full game was subsequently released on 21 July 2017. SplatNet 2, a service contained within the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app was released which allows players to view their in-game statistics, earn digital wallpapers by completing challenges, and communicate with other players through voice chat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-nintendo-switch-online-app-out-now-heres-what/1100-6451803/|title=Free Nintendo Switch Online App Out Now, Here's What It Does|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810162059/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-nintendo-switch-online-app-out-now-heres-what/1100-6451803/|url-status=live}} During a Nintendo Direct in March 2018, Nintendo announced Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion, a paid downloadable content (DLC) expansion,{{Citation|title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion Announced - IGN|date=8 March 2018|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/08/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-announced|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117074627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/08/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-announced/|url-status=live}} which features a new single-player campaign and a new playable race of cephalopod known as Octolings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-03-08-splatoon-2-is-getting-single-player-dlc|title=Playable Octolings are coming to Splatoon 2 in first paid expansion|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=8 March 2018|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020100621/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-03-08-splatoon-2-is-getting-single-player-dlc|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-splatoon-2-devs-discuss-the-many-details-not-revealed-to-the-players/|title=The Splatoon 2 Devs Discuss The Many Details Not Revealed To The Players|date=23 July 2018|website=Siliconera|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614040605/https://www.siliconera.com/the-splatoon-2-devs-discuss-the-many-details-not-revealed-to-the-players/|url-status=live}} The DLC was made available globally on 13 June 2018. On 22 April 2022, the same day as the Splatoon 3 release date trailer, the DLC was added as a benefit to members of the Switch Online Expansion Pass.{{Cite web |title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC added as Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefit! |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2022/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-dlc-added-as-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack-benefit/ |access-date=29 April 2022 |website=www.nintendo.com |language=en-us |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429124455/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2022/splatoon-2-octo-expansion-dlc-added-as-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack-benefit/ |url-status=live }}

Splatoon 3 was announced in a Nintendo Direct on 17 February 2021, now with three featured idols. It was released on 9 September 2022, as confirmed by a trailer on 22 April 2022 and was being developed by Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development.{{Cite web|author1=Jordan Gerblick|date=9 February 2022|title=Splatoon 3 is launching summer 2022|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-is-launching-summer-2022/|access-date=9 February 2022|website=GamesRadar+|language=en|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209224411/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-3-is-launching-summer-2022/|url-status=live}} Splatoon 3 takes place about five years after Splatoon 2 ended, and, using the corrupt CEO of Grizzco, the Splatoon 3 story mode differs from any of the other games in the series. The game features new maps, weapons, abilities, and movement options, along with a new mode based on card games, known as "Tableturf Battle".{{Cite web |title=スプラトゥーン3：イカ研究所極秘レポート {{!}} Nintendo Switch {{!}} 任天堂 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/switch/av5ja/report/index.html |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=任天堂ホームページ |language=ja |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162542/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/switch/av5ja/report/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite tweet|title=Remember the discovery of the Tableturf Battle minigame in our Splatoon 3 Direct? SRL here—we wanted to make sure this competitive card game didn't get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. Collect cards, build out your deck, and see who can ink the most 2D table turf to win!|user=SplatoonNA|number=1564961223980027907 |access-date=1 February 2023|language=en|date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106135422/https://twitter.com/SplatoonNA/status/1564961223980027907|archive-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}} An early-access demo titled "Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere" was held on 27 August 2022 with a rock-paper-scissors Splatfest theme.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=10 August 2022 |title=Splatoon 3's First Splatfest Will Be Playable Later This Month In Free Demo |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/splatoon-3s-first-splatfest-will-be-playable-later-this-month-in-free-demo |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822234837/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/splatoon-3s-first-splatfest-will-be-playable-later-this-month-in-free-demo |url-status=live }} In addition, the Nintendo Switch Online app includes SplatNet 3 with in-game stats, voice chat, and other features. In the 14 September 2023 Nintendo Direct, the paid DLC Splatoon 3: Side Order was announced,{{cite web |title=Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass - Side Order DLC - Nintendo Direct 9.14.2023 |date=14 September 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WkvLvhqYoo |publisher=Nintendo of America |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209054741/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WkvLvhqYoo |url-status=live }} featuring a new single-player campaign designed to be replayable{{cite web |title=Expansion Pass |url=https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/expansion-pass/ |website=Splatoon 3 for Nintendo Switch |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172409/https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/expansion-pass/ |url-status=live }} which was released on 22 February 2024.{{cite web |title=Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass - Side Order DLC Release Date Reveal |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veclhHrUpqc |website=Youtube |date=24 January 2024 |publisher=Nintendo of America |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210215055/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veclhHrUpqc |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

{{Video game series reviews

| updated = 31 December, 2024

| sales_title = Units sold
{{small|(in millions)}}

| game1 = Splatoon

| year1 = 2015

| sales1 = 4.95{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii U Software|website=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|language=en|access-date=7 May 2020|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031103300/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|url-status=live}}

| mc1 = 81{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=Splatoon|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162956/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|url-status=live}}

| game2 = Splatoon 2

| year2 = 2017

| sales2 = 13.60{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|website=Nintendo Co., Ltd.|language=en|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525004107/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc2 = 83{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Splatoon 2|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621044102/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/splatoon-2|url-status=live}}

| game3 = Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion

| year3 = 2018

| sales3 = —

| mc3 = 82{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2-octo-expansion/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion|website=Metacritic|language=en|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162950/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-2-octo-expansion/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}

| game4 = Splatoon 3

| year4 = 2022

| sales4 = 11.96{{cite web|title=Financial Results Explanatory Material Fiscal Year Ended March 2023|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf#page=19|access-date=9 May 2023|archive-date=9 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509154008/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf|url-status=live}}

| mc4 = 83{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Splatoon 3 for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001204859/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/splatoon-3 |url-status=live }}

| game5 = Splatoon 3: Side Order

| year5 = 2024

| sales5 = —

| mc5 = 78{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3-expansion-pass-wave-2-side-order/ |title=Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 - Side Order |website=Metacritic |access-date=1 March 2024 |archive-date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301164800/https://www.metacritic.com/game/splatoon-3-expansion-pass-wave-2-side-order/ |url-status=live }}

}}

Games in the Splatoon series have been generally well-received, and its unique gameplay has been credited as a successful reinvention of the third-person shooter genre.{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon|title=How Nintendo is reinventing the shooter with Splatoon • Eurogamer.net|website=Eurogamer |date=26 June 2014|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626005937/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-20-how-nintendo-is-reinventing-the-shooter-with-splatoon|archive-date=26 June 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-28-games-of-the-decade-splatoon-kickstarted-nintendos-revival|title=Games of the Decade: Splatoon kickstarted Nintendo's revival|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=26 November 2019|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027224758/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-28-games-of-the-decade-splatoon-kickstarted-nintendos-revival|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|title=Splatoon 2 redeems the most clever online shooter series in years|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=18 July 2017|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032911/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/07/splatoon-2-review-greatness-hides-behind-a-familiar-coat-of-paint/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/review-almost-a-year-later-nintendo-s-splatoon-is-only/article_c3f2ae04-4990-11e8-a67b-db49d4d4d0e0.html|title=Review: Almost a year later, Nintendo's 'Splatoon 2' is only getting better|last=Foster|first=Braden|date=26 April 2018|website=ocolly.com|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=1 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101161552/https://www.ocolly.com/lifestyle/review-almost-a-year-later-nintendo-s-splatoon-is-only/article_c3f2ae04-4990-11e8-a67b-db49d4d4d0e0.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/25/splatoon-2-review-nintendo-ink-spraying-squid-kids|title=Splatoon 2 review: return of Nintendo's ink-spraying Squid Kids is a blast|date=25 July 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 March 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=1 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101161553/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/25/splatoon-2-review-nintendo-ink-spraying-squid-kids|url-status=live}} The first two games in the series have been nominated and won numerous awards from various gaming publications and organizations.

Splatoon won Best Shooter and Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards 2015,{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=3 December 2015 |title=Here are the winners of The Game Awards 2015 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/12/3/9846760/the-game-awards-2015-winners |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151204023025/http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/3/9846760/the-game-awards-2015-winners |url-status=live }} and was nominated for awards in Game Innovation, Multiplayer and Original Property at the 12th British Academy Games Awards.{{Cite web |title=Games in 2016 {{!}} BAFTA Awards |url=https://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/games |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=awards.bafta.org |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817162949/https://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/games |url-status=live }} It received the award for Best Family Game and Best Nintendo Game at the 33rd Golden Joystick Awards{{Cite news |date=30 October 2015 |title=Golden Joysticks 2015: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt wins five gaming awards |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-34679591 |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325074419/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-34679591 |url-status=live }} The Japan Game Awards labeled it as Game of the Year for 2015 as did the British Academy Children's Awards.{{cite web | url=http://awards.cesa.or.jp/press/pdf/160915_03.pdf | title=日本ゲーム大賞2016「年間作品部門」受賞作品決定！ | work=CESA | date=15 September 2016 | access-date=15 September 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013235414/http://awards.cesa.or.jp/press/pdf/160915_03.pdf | archive-date=13 October 2016 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/childrens/game|title=2015 Children's Game|publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125212601/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/childrens/game|archive-date=25 November 2015|url-status=live|access-date=25 November 2015}}

Splatoon 2 was nominated for Best Family Game and Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards 2017,{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=7 December 2017 |title=The Game Awards crowns The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild best game of 2017 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171208094837/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 |url-status=live }} as well as an award in Multiplayer at the 14th British Academy Games Awards.{{Cite web |title=Games in 2018 {{!}} BAFTA Awards |url=https://awards.bafta.org/award/2018/games |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=awards.bafta.org |archive-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428134616/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2018/games |url-status=live }} It was nominated for Best Multiplayer Game and Nintendo Game of the Year at the 35th Golden Joystick Awards. The game received an Excellence Reward for Game Design at CEDEC 2018.{{Cite web |date=24 August 2018 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild And Splatoon 2 Awarded At CEDEC 2018 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_legend_of_zelda_breath_of_the_wild_and_splatoon_2_awarded_at_cedec_2018 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172433/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_legend_of_zelda_breath_of_the_wild_and_splatoon_2_awarded_at_cedec_2018 |url-status=live }}

Splatoon 3 won Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards 2022, along with a nomination for Best Family Game.{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=9 December 2022 |title=The Game Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2022-winners |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209033254/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2022-winners |url-status=live }} It also received a nomination for the Central Park Children's Zoo Award for Best Kids Game at the New York Game Awards.{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=18 January 2023 |title=New York Game Awards 2023: Elden Ring Wins Two Awards as Phil Spencer Is Honored |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2023-elden-ring-wins-two-awards-as-phil-spencer-is-honored |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118033959/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2023-elden-ring-wins-two-awards-as-phil-spencer-is-honored |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

Characters from Splatoon such as the Inklings have appeared in other games created by Nintendo, such as Super Mario Maker on the Wii U{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-inkling-jumps-into-super-mario-maker-in-8-bit-fashion|title=Splatoon's Inkling Jumps Into Super Mario Maker In 8-Bit Fashion|author=Sato|date=9 September 2015|access-date=31 March 2022|language=en|website=siliconera.com|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-inkling-jumps-into-super-mario-maker-in-8-bit-fashion/|url-status=live}} and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-mario-kart-8-deluxe-release-date|title=Nintendo Switch: Splatoon's Inklings Join Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|author=GR Staff|website=gamerant.com|date=12 January 2017|access-date=31 March 2022|language=en|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-mario-kart-8-deluxe-release-date/|url-status=live}} and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate additionally features a playable stage, Moray Towers, 26 music tracks, and an Assist Trophy based on the Squid Sisters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-splatfest-splatoon-2-villains/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate-Themed Splatfest in Splatoon 2 Ends with Villains Victory|date=17 December 2018|website=DualShockers|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|last=Compendio|first=Chris|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009123625/https://www.dualshockers.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-splatfest-splatoon-2-villains/|url-status=live}} A crossover event between Splatoon 2 and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp occurred in September 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-splatoon-2-crossover-event/|title=Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Splatoon 2 Crossover Event - Nintendo Official Site|website=www.nintendo.com|language=en-US|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317203122/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-splatoon-2-crossover-event/|url-status=dead}} In July 2019, a Splatoon 2 theme was made available in Tetris 99 to commemorate Splatoon 2{{'}}s "Final Fest" Splatfest on 18 July 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-is-coming-to-tetris-99-in-a-special-crossover-maximus-cup/|title=Splatoon is coming to Tetris 99 in a special crossover Maximus Cup|last=Garst|first=Aron|date=19 July 2019|website=gamesradar|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=25 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225124007/https://www.gamesradar.com/splatoon-is-coming-to-tetris-99-in-a-special-crossover-maximus-cup/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/tetris-99-the-5th-maximus-cup-brings-a-splat-tacular-collaboration-with-splatoon-2/|title=Tetris 99 The 5th MAXIMUS CUP brings a splat-tacular collaboration with Splatoon 2 - Nintendo Official Site|website=www.nintendo.com|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108031629/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/tetris-99-the-5th-maximus-cup-brings-a-splat-tacular-collaboration-with-splatoon-2/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-12-tetris-99s-latest-event-is-a-splatoon-2-farewell-crossover|title=Tetris 99's latest event is a Splatoon 2 farewell crossover|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=12 July 2019|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922153845/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-12-tetris-99s-latest-event-is-a-splatoon-2-farewell-crossover|url-status=live}}

The NES Zapper, which appears in all three games as a usable weapon,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper|title=Nintendo turned the NES Zapper into a paintball gun for Splatoon|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=1 June 2015|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024040229/http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/1/8700457/splatoon-nes-zapper|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://nintendosoup.com/n-zap-85-arrives-splatoon-2-tomorrow/|title=N-ZAP 85 Arrives In Splatoon 2 Tomorrow|last=Iggy|date=8 December 2017|website=NintendoSoup|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009123635/https://nintendosoup.com/n-zap-85-arrives-splatoon-2-tomorrow/|url-status=live}} has become a popular collectible item following its inclusion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/nes-zapper-splatoon-japan-sell/|title=Get Rich Off Your Old NES Zapper (In Japan)|date=20 February 2020|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|last=Baird|first=Scott|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009105713/https://www.thegamer.com/nes-zapper-splatoon-japan-sell/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nes-zappers-selling-for-high-prices-in-japan/1100-6473884/|title=NES Zappers Selling For High Prices In Japan|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=15 March 2020|last=Wright|first=Steven|date=19 February 2020|archive-date=7 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907151117/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nes-zappers-selling-for-high-prices-in-japan/1100-6473884/|url-status=live}}

Water guns modeled after the weapons that appear in the games have been sold as toys.{{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}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.itechpost.com/articles/86775/20170222/splatoon-guns-are-real-and-shoots-ink-too-take-a-look-here.htm|title=Splatoon Guns Are Real And Shoots Ink Too; Take A Look Here|last=Amherst|first=Alessia|date=22 February 2017|website=iTech Post|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224091143/http://www.itechpost.com/articles/86775/20170222/splatoon-guns-are-real-and-shoots-ink-too-take-a-look-here.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2017/07/14/splatoon-2-splat-dualies-toy-coming-japan/|title=Splatoon 2 Splat Dualies toy coming to Japan|date=14 July 2017|website=Nintendo Wire|access-date=15 March 2020|last=Ganos|first=Jason|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009123625/https://nintendowire.com/news/2017/07/14/splatoon-2-splat-dualies-toy-coming-japan/|url-status=live}}

NPR reported on how Splatoon was different from most other shooters in the genre and has created a more welcoming community than other shooters, due to the flexibility of its gameplay, Nintendo's approach to player communication, and the more casual nature of the game compared to other shooters.{{Cite news |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=19 September 2022 |title=How 'Splatoon' carved a welcoming niche in the brutal shooter game genre |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123513204/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-community |access-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004185216/https://www.npr.org/2022/09/19/1123513204/splatoon-3-nintendo-switch-community |archive-date=4 October 2022 |url-status=live}} The more welcoming nature of Splatoon's playerbase, and its including a large number of LGBT people, was analyzed in Xtra Magazine, where Jade King suggested the large queer playerbase of Splatoon was a result of the series' emphasis on individuality, rebellion, self-expression and style, the lack of gender-restricted styles and customization, as well as the lack of a voice chat creating a more welcoming environment.{{Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title='Splatoon 3' lets queer chaos reign {{!}} Xtra Magazine |url=https://xtramagazine.com/culture/splatoon-3-queer-fans-art-237955 |access-date=7 February 2024 |language=en-CA |archive-date=8 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108020235/https://xtramagazine.com/culture/splatoon-3-queer-fans-art-237955 |url-status=live }}

Between January 2016 and March 2017, two webcomic series based on Splatoon appeared in Enterbrain's Weekly Famitsu magazine: Honobono Ika 4koma illustrated by Kino Takahashi, and Play Manga by various doujin writers.{{Cite news |date=7 January 2016 |title=Splatoon Wii U Game Gets 2 Manga |newspaper=Anime News Network |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-07/splatoon-wii-u-game-gets-2-manga/.97288 |access-date=23 October 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820163242/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-07/splatoon-wii-u-game-gets-2-manga/.97288 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=7 January 2016 |title=Splatoon To Get Two Manga Series In Weekly Famitsu Magazine |url=https://www.player.one/splatoon-get-two-manga-series-weekly-famitsu-magazine-501966 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Player.One |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.player.one/splatoon-get-two-manga-series-weekly-famitsu-magazine-501966 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=12 January 2016 |title=Splatoonファンの作家が描く「プレイ漫画」と4コマ、コミッククリアで開始 |trans-title="Play manga" drawn by a Splatoon fan writer and 4 frames, start with comic clear |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/172190 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=コミックナタリー |language=ja |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213121/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/172190 |url-status=live }} The comics were published by Kadokawa Future Publishing on 15 June 2017.{{Cite book |last=スプラトゥーンほのぼのイカ4コマ&プレイ漫画 |title=Supuratun honobono ika yonkoma ando purei manga. |date=June 2017 |publisher=Kadokawa |isbn=978-4-04-734573-7 |oclc=994636839}}

A Splatoon manga series illustrated by Sankichi Hinodeya began serialization in Shogakukan's CoroCoro Comic magazine in February 2016, following a one-shot published in CoroCoro in May 2015.{{Cite web |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=15 March 2020 |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 book |title=Splatoon. 1. |publisher=Shogakukan |others=Hinodeya, Sankichi., ひのでや, 参吉 |year=2016 |isbn=978-4-09-142215-6 |oclc=957257731}} The licensing rights to publish the manga in North America was later acquired by Viz Media in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Piedra |first=Josh |date=19 May 2017 |title=VIZ Media Announces Splatoon Manga Based On Nintendo's Game |url=https://www.theouterhaven.net/2017/05/viz-announces-splatoon-manga/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=The Outerhaven |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.theouterhaven.net/2017/05/viz-announces-splatoon-manga/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=24 April 2017 |title=Viz Media Announces Splatoon Manga Western Launch |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/2017/04/24/viz-media-announces-splatoon-manga-western-launch/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=CGMagazine |language=en-CA |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803070823/https://www.cgmagonline.com/2017/04/24/viz-media-announces-splatoon-manga-western-launch/ |url-status=live }} In July 2017, a motion comic adaptation of the manga was announced and then released on CoroCoro{{'s}} YouTube channel the following month.{{Cite web |date=13 August 2017 |title=Splatoon's Manga Gets A Fresh New Animation, Check Out Its First Episode |url=https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-manga-gets-fresh-new-animation-check-first-episode/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=29 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029173749/https://www.siliconera.com/splatoons-manga-gets-fresh-new-animation-check-first-episode/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Nintendo's SPLATOON Gets an Anime Series Adaptation |url=https://nerdist.com/article/splatoon-nintendo-anime-series/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Nerdist |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214627/https://nerdist.com/article/splatoon-nintendo-anime-series/ |url-status=live }} As of February 2018, the manga has over 800,000 copies in print and the series is currently ongoing.

In April 2017, a manga series illustrated by {{Ill|Hideki Goto|lt=|ja|後藤英貴|WD=}} titled Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show was published in Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic.{{Cite book |title=Splatoonイカすキッズ4コマフェス. 1 |publisher=Shogakukan |others=Goto, Hideki., 後藤, 英貴 |year=2018 |isbn=978-4-09-142604-8 |oclc=1022975495}} It was also later acquired by Viz Media, who translated and published the series in North America.{{Cite web |title=VIZ Media Announces New Publishing Acquistions at Anime NYC |url=https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=250431 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=WebWire |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=250431 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=21 November 2019 |title=Viz Media Adds Junji Ito's Venus in the Blind Spot Manga, 1 More |url=https://www.animeherald.com/2019/11/21/viz-media-adds-junji-itos-venus-in-the-blind-spot-manga-1-more/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Anime Herald |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.animeherald.com/2019/11/21/viz-media-adds-junji-itos-venus-in-the-blind-spot-manga-1-more/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=GOTO, HIDEKI. |title=SPLATOON 1 : squid kids comedy show. |publisher=VIZ MEDIA |year=2020 |isbn=978-1-9747-1554-1 |location=[S.l.] |oclc=1128102907}}

The music of Splatoon is composed by Toru Minegishi, Shiho Fujii, and Ryo Nagamatsu, with Toshiyuki Sudo, Yumi Takahashi and Sayako Doi also composing for the third installment.

In the universe of Splatoon, the game's protagonists, the Squid Sisters, Off The Hook, and Deep Cut, are fictional popstars which create and perform the music as heard within the games. Other music heard in the game's singleplayer and multiplayer modes and idle areas are composed by other in-universe musicians. In an 'Ask the Developers' feature from Nintendo, series creator Hisashi Nogami, composer Toru Minegishi, and graphic artist Seita Inoue explained the decision to establish the music of Splatoon as being created by in-universe artists as a way to add to the depth of the game's world and depict the passage of time between each game. In the interview, Inoue described that "...the music can account for not only bands existing in this world, but also things like their history, the relationship between their members and how their approaches to life changed over time, it would add depth to the Inkling world."{{Cite web |title=Ask the Developer Vol. 7, Splatoon 3–Part 1 - News - Nintendo Official Site |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-7-splatoon-3-part-1/ |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=www.nintendo.com |language=en-US |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172437/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-7-splatoon-3-part-1/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=rawmeatcowboy |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 devs detail the importance of music to the franchise |url=https://gonintendo.com/contents/8989-splatoon-3-devs-detail-the-importance-of-music-to-the-franchise |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=GoNintendo |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172441/https://gonintendo.com/contents/8989-splatoon-3-devs-detail-the-importance-of-music-to-the-franchise |url-status=live }}

A series of real-life virtual concerts featuring holograms of the game's protagonists have been held at various locations. The music of Splatoon has been described as eclectic and experimental. Much of the music incorporates genres such as pop, punk rock, hip-hop, metal, funk, pop-punk, and electronic music. Specific songs in the series include inspiration from genres such as J-pop, ska, orchestral, dubstep, reggae, post-punk, lo-fi, Celtic rock, jazz, jazz fusion, and punk jazz; music in Splatoon 3 also incorporates elements of world music, specifically from classical Japanese music, Carnatic music, samba, and funk carioca, due to the Japanese, Indian, and Brazilian influences from the members of Deep Cut.{{Cite web |title=We need to talk about the Splatoon 3 soundtrack |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/splatoon-3/soundtrack |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Pocket Tactics |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510121129/https://www.pockettactics.com/splatoon-3/soundtrack |archive-date=10 May 2023 |url-status=live |last=Johnson |first=Ben|date=12 September 2022 }}{{Cite web |last=rawmeatcowboy |date=7 September 2022 |title=Splatoon 3 devs detail the importance of music to the franchise |url=https://gonintendo.com/contents/8989-splatoon-3-devs-detail-the-importance-of-music-to-the-franchise |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=GoNintendo |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817172441/https://gonintendo.com/contents/8989-splatoon-3-devs-detail-the-importance-of-music-to-the-franchise |url-status=live }}

In 2016, a concert tour known as "Squid Sisters Live" was held commemorating the sale of 1 million copies of Splatoon.{{Cite web |date=16 December 2015 |title=Splatoon Reaches 1 Million Sales Worldwide, Will Celebrate With Squid Sisters Concert - |url=https://games.mxdwn.com/news/splatoon-reaches-1-million-sales-worldwide-will-celebrate-with-squid-sisters-concert/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=mxdwn Games |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213126/https://games.mxdwn.com/news/splatoon-reaches-1-million-sales-worldwide-will-celebrate-with-squid-sisters-concert/ |url-status=live }} The concerts have taken place at Niconico Tokaigi, Chokaigi and Niconico Cho Party in Japan, and the Japan Expo in Paris.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2016 |title=Move over Tupac, Hatsune Miku: Splatoon's Squid Sisters perform live in Japan |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-squid-sisters-live-performance-amiibo/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=www.digitaltrends.com |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213122/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/splatoon-squid-sisters-live-performance-amiibo/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=29 April 2016 |title=This Splatoon live concert is equal parts weird and wonderful |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11540808/splatoon-concert-squid-sisters-live-april-2016 |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214624/https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11540808/splatoon-concert-squid-sisters-live-april-2016 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jenni |date=12 July 2016 |title=Watch Splatoon's Squid Sisters' Full Japan Expo 2016 Concert |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/07/12/watch-splatoons-squid-sisters-full-japan-expo-2016-concert/ |access-date=23 July 2016 |website=Siliconera |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 }} Similarly, concert tours featuring Splatoon 2{{'}}s Off the Hook was held months after the game's release since 2018.{{Cite web |date=16 December 2018 |title=Splatoon duo Off the Hook to perform live once again at NicoNico Tokaigi 2019 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/splatoon-duo-off-the-hook-to-perform-live-once-again-at-niconico-tokaigi-2019-535205.phtml |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Destructoid |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Off the Hook Performs Live Concert at Splatoon European Championship |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/104318/off-the-hook-performs-live-concert-at-splatoon-european-championship |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Shacknews |date=13 April 2018 |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518071931/https://www.shacknews.com/article/104318/off-the-hook-performs-live-concert-at-splatoon-european-championship |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=13 October 2019 |title=K.K. Slider Makes A Surprise Appearance At Latest Splatoon 2 Concert |url=https://www.siliconera.com/k-k-slider-makes-a-surprise-appearance-at-latest-splatoon-2-concert/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.siliconera.com/k-k-slider-makes-a-surprise-appearance-at-latest-splatoon-2-concert/ |url-status=live }} Recordings from the concerts have been made into albums.{{Cite web |last=株式会社インプレス |date=13 July 2016 |title=「シオカライブ」の音源CD「SPLATOON LIVE IN MAKUHARI」本日発売！ 「シオカライブ」フランス公演の映像も公開中 |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1010045.html |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=GAME Watch |language=ja |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1010045.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=23 May 2019 |title=Splatoon 2 Off the Hook Live concert CD coming soon in Japan |url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/05/23/splatoon-2-off-the-hook-live-concert-cd-coming-soon-in-japan/ |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Nintendo Wire |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213123/https://nintendowire.com/news/2019/05/23/splatoon-2-off-the-hook-live-concert-cd-coming-soon-in-japan/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Dennison |first=Kara |title=Splatoon 2 Live Concert Comes to CD and Blu-Ray |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/28/splatoon-2-live-concert-comes-to-cd-and-blu-ray |access-date=15 March 2020 |website=Crunchyroll |language=en-us |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213125/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/05/28/splatoon-2-live-concert-comes-to-cd-and-blu-ray |url-status=live }} Deep Cut, introduced in Splatoon 3, performed live for the first time in Japan on 9 October 2022, one month following the game's release.{{cite news |last=Bosque |first=Chuy |title=Splatoon 3's Deep Cut to Perform Live in Japan in October |website=Twinfinite |url=https://twinfinite.net/2022/09/animal-crossings-dj-kk-and-splatoon-3s-deep-cut-to-perform-live-in-japan-in-october/ |access-date=28 September 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929121659/https://twinfinite.net/2022/09/animal-crossings-dj-kk-and-splatoon-3s-deep-cut-to-perform-live-in-japan-in-october/ |url-status=live }}

An official soundtrack, Splatune, was released by Enterbrain in Japan on 21 October 2015.{{Cite web |last=株式会社インプレス |date=22 October 2015 |title=「Splatoon」のサントラ「Splatune」レビュー 「シオカラ節」の歌詞、イカ世界的ライナーノーツが要チェック！ |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/726923.html |access-date=16 March 2020 |website=GAME Watch |language=ja |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919054745/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/726923.html |url-status=live }} The soundtrack to the sequel, Splatune 2, and another for the Octo Expansion, Octotune, released on 29 November 2017 and 18 July 2018 respectively.{{cite web |last1=Agent |first1=Lite |date=7 December 2017 |title=Splatoon 2: 18,007 units for Splatune 2 during launch week |url=https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/splatoon-2-18-007-units-splatune-2-launch-week/ |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=Perfectly Nintendo |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213129/https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/splatoon-2-18-007-units-splatune-2-launch-week/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Agent |first1=Lite |date=25 July 2018 |title=Splatoon 2: Octune outsells Splatune 2 at launch, with over 19,000 units sold |url=https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/splatoon-2-octune-outsells-splatune-2-at-launch-with-over-19-000-units-sold/ |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=Perfectly Nintendo |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204213127/https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/splatoon-2-octune-outsells-splatune-2-at-launch-with-over-19-000-units-sold/ |url-status=live }} The soundtrack for the third installment, Splatune 3, and another for Side Order, Ordertune, were released on 26 April 2023 and 11 December 2024 respectively.{{cite web|url=https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/article/651c67be-a50c-45c6-a4e6-d90b3d894797|title=『スプラトゥーン3』のアートブック＆サウンドトラックCDが発売決定。本日より予約開始。|trans-title="Splatoon 3" art book and soundtrack will be released; reservation begins today|language=ja|work=Nintendo|date=15 February 2023|access-date=25 May 2023|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817171956/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/651c67be-a50c-45c6-a4e6-d90b3d894797|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/1ba430b3-d428-45f6-ba7b-43847e57fd63|title=『スプラトゥーン3』のバンカラウォーカー＆サウンドトラックCD第二弾が発売決定。本日より予約開始。|trans-title=The second edition of the Splatoon 3 soundtrack CD, and the BancalaWalker book will be released; reservation begins today|language=ja|work=Nintendo|date=10 September 2024|access-date=26 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910032431/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/1ba430b3-d428-45f6-ba7b-43847e57fd63|archive-date=10 September 2024}}

The soundtrack of the Splatoon series has been widely acclaimed by both critics and fans alike. Ben Johnson in Pocket Tactics favorably compared the music of Splatoon to that of Gorillaz, Daft Punk, and Aphex Twin for its experimental nature, as well as to the soundtrack of Jet Set Radio, and praised the music as eclectic, avant-garde, experimental, and as "genre fusion to the max, in the strangest way possible". Johnson further praised the series' incorporation of the soundtrack with the game as a whole, saying "The games are set in dense cities, with a hyper fixation on fashion and music... As the world itself is so focused on music, it can't be mere background noise."

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