Splatoon’s success even surprised Nintendo

If you’re astonished that a Nintendo game that doesn’t feature Pikachu, Mario, or Zelda sold 1 million copies in less than a month, you’re not alone.

Speaking to shareholders during a question and answer session on June 26, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the Japanese company was surprised by Splatoon‘s success. This team-based shooter, which came out in May for the Wii U, focuses on online play, which is unusual for a Nintendo title. It’s also a new franchise, not relying on Nintendo’s stable of popular characters.