Splatoon Manga App Launches on Nintendo Switch in Japan: Release Date, Features, and Franchise History

Splatoon Manga App Launches on Nintendo Switch in Japan: Release Date, Features, and Franchise History Splatoon has rapidly ascended to the upper echelon of Nintendo franchises, captivating players with its vibrant art style, competitive gameplay, and distinct cultural impact.

From the release of the series’ first title in 2015, the franchise has spawned three mainline games, a host of licensed merchandise, collaborative products, and a popular manga adaptation that has garnered a loyal global audience.

Now, Nintendo of Japan has announced the next step: a dedicated Splatoon manga app launching on Nintendo Switch. According to an official statement released by Nintendo of Japan, the Splatoon manga app will become available on March 13, 2024, for Nintendo Switch users in Japan.

Priced at 100 yen, the app offers fans an accessible way to enjoy the renowned manga directly on their consoles.

While information about the initial content lineup has not been fully detailed, Nintendo has noted that the release model may be similar to that of other digital offerings, such as the Nintendo Music app, with new manga volumes potentially being added over time. A Legacy in Print and Panels: The Splatoon Manga Journey The Splatoon manga’s origins trace back to its debut within the pages of Japan’s CoroCoro magazine on February 29, 2016.

Following its immediate success, the manga was localized for Western readers in 2017, allowing fans worldwide to engage with its unique storytelling and characters.

The original manga series concluded in 2022 but soon made a comeback in 2023 with a new arc titled Splatoon 3: Splatlands, reflecting the latest evolution in the game’s universe.

To date, there are 21 volumes across both manga series, underscoring Splatoon’s enduring appeal beyond video games.

Additionally, an animated adaptation of the manga was produced in 2017, further demonstrating the franchise's versatility and charm.

This adaptation was available through CoroCoro magazine's official YouTube channel, broadening its reach within the anime and manga communities. Nintendo has confirmed that, for now, the Splatoon manga app will be exclusive to the Japanese market.

There remains no official statement regarding a potential Western release or localization efforts for the app through the Nintendo eShop or other digital platforms.

As the app launch approaches, fans are eager to see how Nintendo leverages the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities to deliver this manga experience. With the Splatoon franchise continuing to thrive—with over 18 million copies of Splatoon 3 sold worldwide as of early 2024—the dedicated manga app signals Nintendo's ongoing commitment to expanding its successful IPs across various media formats.

The upcoming launch promises to strengthen the cultural presence of the Splatoon series in Japan and reaffirm its status as a cross-media phenomenon within the gaming industry.

Nintendo Switch Splatoon Nintendo Japan Switch Nintendo of Japan Splatoon manga CoroCoro magazine Splatoon 3: Splatlands Nintendo eShop