Nintendo has announced its first official Pikmin Day on November 1, with a dedicated Direct presentation revealing a Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition demo, a new Pikmin Bloom update and additional animated shorts. The broadcast was hosted by series creator Shigeru Miyamoto, who explained the significance of the date.
November 1 was chosen to honour the original Pikmin, which launched on Nintendo GameCube in 2001 and introduced the red, blue and yellow Pikmin. Miyamoto explained that imagining the three Pikmin as the number one inspired the date. Nine different Pikmin types have been discovered so far.
The main announcement was Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Dandori Academy demo, which launches on November 12. The updated release introduces voice commands for Oatchi through the Switch 2’s built-in microphone, alongside a new Dandori Academy mode focused on collecting treasure within time limits.
Dandori Academy challenges players to collect fruits, vegetables and other treasures as efficiently as possible. Choosing the right Pikmin and planning routes are important, with certain abilities offering advantages. For example, a single purple Pikmin can carry treasure that would otherwise require several Pikmin.
Players can also take timed exams after practising in the mode. These exams take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each offering a single attempt. Performance determines which medals players receive.
A free demo for Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition arrives on November 2. It includes the opening area, Sunspeckled Terrace, and two Dandori Academy stages. Nintendo also confirmed that all four mainline Pikmin games are playable on both Switch and Switch 2.
The smartphone game Pikmin Bloom is also getting new content this winter with its Secret Caves update. Players will be able to explore caves, defeat creatures and collect treasure. Access requires a cave map, which can sometimes be found attached to postcards.
Pikmin explore the caves independently and begin fighting when they encounter creatures. Players can direct their attacks or whistle to call them back. Those that take too much damage retreat and recover later. Treasure will also become a new collection category, while special in-game cave maps can be earned by taking exams in the Switch 2 version of Pikmin 4.
The presentation also introduced actress Fuka Koshiba, who will help Nintendo promote the series. Miyamoto said he first noticed her through Instagram, where she shares knitted Pikmin hats. Koshiba explained that she started making them because she struggled to win the hats from claw machines.
Koshiba also introduced a new original short from the Hello Pikmin series, produced by Nintendo Pictures. Another episode will arrive the following day, with a further instalment scheduled for November. From December onwards, Nintendo plans to release one video each month.
