For the mobile app released for streaming music from the Splatoon series, see Nintendo Music.
Music is a core part of the Splatoon series's identity. Though the series' music is composed by real composers working at Nintendo, many songs are presented as being produced and performed by in-universe musicians and bands.
Each entry in the series heavily features a set of flagship idol characters. These idols are presented as very popular musicians and performers in-universe; they host Splatfests, performing live throughout the events' duration.
Each game release contains a substantial amount of music between the plaza, battle, hero mode, Splatfest and news songs. Additional multiplayer battle songs are typically added to the available roster in subsequent post-launch updates.
In Splatoon and Splatoon 2, each game's soundtrack may be listened to when playing the minigames Squid Beatz and Squid Beatz 2, respectively. Most Splatoon music did not return in Splatoon 2; certain Splatoon-exclusive songs could be unlocked in Squid Beatz 2 via the use of amiibo.
In Splatoon 3, the game's soundtrack is available in-game via the jukebox in the lobby that was added to the game in version 3.0.0. A substantial amount of Splatoon and Splatoon 2 songs returned in this game, which play in the lobby at scheduled intervals. Additionally, previously game-exclusive idol songs such as City of Color and Color Pulse received significant new remixes, heard during Splatfests if the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass has been purchased.
Nintendo has held various live virtual concerts featuring the idol characters alongside a live band at various events. The concerts typically feature medleys of multiplayer battle songs and live renditions of the associated idols' songs.
Soundtrack albums
Collections of each game's original soundtrack have been released as merchandise in the form of album CDs. These albums are typically bundled with booklets containing lyrics to the idol songs as well as in-universe story information.
The following albums have been released:
Splatune containing the music available as of Splatoon's initial launch
On 30 October 2024 the music streaming application Nintendo Music was released, which prominently features Splatoon 3's soundtrack as heard in Splatune 3. Music from Splatoon 2 and its downloadable content Octo Expansion as heard in Splatune 2 and Octotune was added to the app's library on 3 December 2024.
