Nintendo Considers Pikmin A Flagship IP, Offers Update On Next Gen Console

Based on the latest details from the company’s recent shareholder meeting, Nintendo considers its real-time strategy series, Pikmin, a flagship IP.

Speaking during a Q&A session on the occasion of its financial results briefing for the Fiscal Year Ending March 2024, Shuntaro Furukawa, President and Representative Director of Nintendo, stated that, in terms of software, overall unit sales were slightly lower year-on-year. However, he pointed out that the company released new titles for flagship IP, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder this fiscal year, that many consumers enjoyed.

Furukawa mentioned that this year has been meaningful, both in terms of releasing a steady stream of new Nintendo titles and in terms of increasing the popularity of these kinds of series going forward. This is the first time the company has emphasized the significance of the Pikmin IP.

The Nintendo President also offered a brief update on possible new hardware. He said that he is unable to make any comments beyond saying that the company is constantly conducting research and development on both new hardware and software. He pointed out recent press coverage claiming to reference information released by Nintendo and other speculations that have been appearing mainly on the internet lately. According to him, information that has not been officially announced by Nintendo can mislead consumers and investors. He encouraged investors to exercise good judgment based on the information Nintendo provides on its official websites and social media accounts. He mentioned that it takes a long time and thorough planning to get ready for new hardware, and those plans are not impacted by whatever the latest business conditions might be.

The latest entry in the Pikmin series, Pikmin 4, was released on July 21, 2023. It is co-developed by Nintendo EPD and Eighting. The game marks the series debut of a customizable playable character. It introduces two new species of Pikmin named Ice Pikmin and Glow Pikmin. Additionally, new features include Night Expeditions, where players defend against waves of nocturnal enemies. In the storyline, players take on the role of a newly recruited member of the Rescue Corps. This group requires rescue themselves after a failed attempt to save Captain Olimar.