Nintendo has officially designated November 1 as "Pikmin Day," a recurring celebration for the beloved franchise, as announced by Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto. This new observance begins today.
In conjunction with the announcement, Miyamoto confirmed that a free demo for Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy will be available on November 2. The full game is scheduled for release on November 12. The demo will feature one standard level and two Dandori Academy levels. The Switch 2 version of Pikmin 4 boasts improved visuals and utilizes the console's microphone for voice commands such as "Rush" and "Go to work" directed at the companion Oatchi. The Dandori Academy component offers time trial challenges, with opportunities to post best times on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Beyond Pikmin 4, the mobile game Pikmin Bloom is set to receive a significant update introducing "secret caves." Players will be able to discover maps that lead to these caves, where they can send their Pikmin to battle enemies and find treasures. Maps for these caves can also be acquired by playing Pikmin 4. The cave feature is expected to arrive in Pikmin Bloom later this year.
The presentation also noted that all existing Pikmin games are available on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. However, no new information was provided regarding the potential addition of Pikmin 1 and 2 to the Nintendo Switch Online service. These titles are currently available for individual purchase on the eShop.
Actress Fuka Koshiba, known for her role in Kiki's Delivery Service, appeared during the Pikmin Day presentation to express her fondness for the franchise, even sharing her hobby of knitting Pikmin hats. She also introduced a new Pikmin short film, which depicts an interaction between a Pikmin and a toad. Miyamoto indicated that more short films are planned for the future and will be accessible through the Nintendo Today app. Notably, the game Hey! Pikmin, released in 2017, was not mentioned, suggesting it is unlikely to receive a Switch 2 port soon.