Raising Splatoon 3 age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
Splatoon 3 age rating: the ESRB rates it E10+ (everyone 10 and older) for cartoon violence, with users interacting online and in-game purchases. PEGI rates it 7 in Europe and the UK. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for ages 10 and up.
Splatoon 3 at a glance
- ✓Official rating above age 7
ESRB: E10+ (PEGI 7) - ✓Contact with other players or strangers
ESRB: Users Interact - ✓Purchases with real money
ESRB: In-Game Purchases - –Paid random items
None listed - ✓Violence or scary content in rating descriptors
ESRB: Cartoon Violence - –Government lawsuits, fines, or safety warnings
None found
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count.
| Type | Team paint-shooting game by Nintendo for Switch, released in 2022 |
|---|---|
| US & Canada (ESRB) | E10+ (everyone 10 and older) — Cartoon Violence; Users Interact, In-Game Purchases source |
| Europe & UK (PEGI) | 7 (suitable from age 7) — Violence; in-game purchases source |
| Common Sense Media | 10+ (an independent nonprofit's age guidance) |
| Spin-off | Splatoon Raiders (Switch 2, released July 23, 2026): PEGI 7 — Violence, Fear source |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What is Splatoon 3?
Splatoon 3 is a Nintendo game in which teams of squid-like characters cover an arena in their color of paint. The ESRB calls it a third-person shooter. It came out on Nintendo Switch in September 2022 and also runs on Switch 2. A spin-off, Splatoon Raiders, came out on Switch 2 on July 23, 2026.
Splatoon 3 age rating: what's in it
Short answer: It's 10+ in the US and 7 in Europe.
- US & Canada (ESRB): E10+, for cartoon violence; users interact; in-game purchases.
- Europe & UK (PEGI): 7, for violence; in-game purchases.
- Common Sense Media: 10+.
The ESRB describes paint weapons used against cartoonish enemies and bosses, gunfire and small explosions, and some sequences with a sniper rifle. Common Sense Media mentions guns, bows, and swords that shoot paint.
Online play and purchases
Splatoon 3's battles against other players are online, and online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The ESRB lists "In-Game Purchases." Parents can restrict communication and spending with the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
The habit kids may copy: winning is everything
Every match ends with one team winning and one losing, and the next match starts right away.
Try tonight: a good loser game
Play a quick board or card game. Whoever loses says one thing the winner did well: "Nice move. Again?" Then swap. In our program, this is the lesson "Fair Play": a game is fun only when it's fun for everyone.
Why you can trust this page: the main facts link to their sources, a separate reviewer checks each page before it goes live, and the date shows when we last checked. How we review · Report an error
FAQ
What age is Splatoon 3 for?
The ESRB rates it E10+ (everyone 10 and older) and PEGI rates it 7. Common Sense Media lists it for ages 10 and up.
Is Splatoon 3 violent?
The ESRB lists cartoon violence: paint weapons against cartoonish enemies, gunfire, and small explosions.
Does Splatoon 3 need online?
Its battles against other players are online and require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The ESRB lists "Users Interact."
Does Splatoon 3 have in-game purchases?
Yes. Both the ESRB and PEGI list in-game purchases.
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