[2] Both characters have received a generally positive reception, with some critics identifying them as key elements of Splatoon 2 which drew significant fan interest.

Pearl and Marina appear in Splatoon 2, serving as the idols of Inkopolis News that introduce competitive modes and updates to the multiplayer, replacing Callie and Marie from the first game.

Pearl and Marina aid Agent 8 in getting to the surface area and assist in the final battle against the Telephone, who wishes to destroy the Inkling and Octoling species.

Pearl and Marina feature in more prominent roles in Wave 2 of the game's Expansion Pass, Side Order.

Later, after completing the Spire for the first time, you unlock the option to travel to Inkopolis Square, where Pearl and Marina can be seen there as part of decoration.

Similarly to the Squid Sisters in the unlockable "Inkopolis Plaza" area in Wave 1, Pearl and Marina continue to perform for each Splatfest in the Square.

For the Grand Festival Splatfest, Pearl and Marina collaborated together with Callie and Marie, along with Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, to form the supergroup Now Or Never Seven to perform a new song in recognition of the celebration.

"[17] Writer Jess Joho suggested that Marina's higher degree of popularity stems from her more revealing clothing and Pearl's younger appearance.

[20] Digital Trends' Gabe Gurwin noted that their popularity came from Marina's "cheery personality" and design and Pearl's "gangsta-rap chops.

[27] Hardcore Gamer's Kirsten Swalley wished to have learned more about Marina's backstory and why she was a part of Inkopolis despite being an Octoling, and expressed an interest in a game that explored this.

[28] The outfits worn by Pearl and Marina in Octo Expansion were speculated by fans and critics to be in reference to rappers The Notorious B.I.G.

[29][30] When asked for clarification, Nogami chose to be mum on the issue, feeling that answering the question would take away from the mystery.

Writer Patricia Hernandez felt that the writing in the final Splatfest was leaning towards a romantic relationship but that it was vague enough to allow for either interpretation.