After a long wait, Pikmin 4 release date is finally around the corner. The latest installment brings back the beloved franchise to the Nintendo Switch. Since it was first mentioned by Shigeru Miyamoto in 2015, anticipation for the new entry has been building. Now, with the release date approaching, we’ve gathered all the available details to keep you informed.
Pikmin 4 release date
Nintendo confirmed during Nintendo Direct in February that Pikmin 4 will hit store shelves on July 21, 2023. This eagerly anticipated summer release is set to follow the highly acclaimed launch of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Pre-orders for Pikmin 4
Pre-orders for Pikmin 4 are now live, allowing fans who are certain of their day one purchase to reserve their copies ahead of time. If you’re eagerly anticipating the game, this is a great opportunity to secure your place among the first to embark on the Pikmin 4 adventure.
Pikmin 4 different editions and preload access
While many modern game releases offer various editions with exclusive content or physical collectibles, at this time, only a standard version of Pikmin 4 has been announced. Physical media enthusiasts can opt for the physical edition, but choosing the digital version will grant players access to the game as soon as the Pikmin 4 preload becomes available. This means you can start playing the game immediately upon its release.
Pikmin 4 trailers: A glimpse into the world of Pikmin
Nintendo has unveiled several trailers for Pikmin 4, each providing unique insights into the game’s mechanics and features. Here are the key trailers released so far:
- Custom Character Trailer: The most recent trailer showcases the ability to create a custom character at the start of the game, allowing players to personalize their experience.
- Gameplay and Mechanics Trailer: Released as part of a Nintendo Direct in February 2023, this trailer offered a comprehensive look at the gameplay and new mechanics introduced in the latest installment.
- Reveal Trailer: The initial announcement of Pikmin 4 came during a Nintendo Direct in September 2022. Although the trailer was brief, it confirmed the highly anticipated return of the franchise.
Pikmin 4 platform exclusivity
Pikmin 4 will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, making it unavailable on any other platforms or consoles.
Pikmin 4 story and new gameplay mechanics
The gameplay of Pikmin takes you on a journey through several stages located on diverse planets around the cosmos. With difficult barriers, threatening animals, treasures, and delicious fruits to discover, each stage provides a huge and varied world to explore.
Commanding the adorable Pikmin
As the player, you control one of the space travelers who leads a group of adorable Pikmin creatures. These charming beings come in different types, each with its own unique functionality. For example, the Rock Pikmin can be thrown at walls and structures to break them, opening up new paths and facilitating traversal.
Time management and urgency
The time-based mechanic is a standout feature of Pikmin’s gameplay. Before the sun sets, gather materials and finish activities quickly since the night brings new difficulties and hazards. Your decisions now need to be made with greater urgency, which calls for thorough planning and prioritization.
New additions: Ice Pikmin and Glow Pikmin
Pikmin 4 introduces exciting new elements to the gameplay. The Ice Pikmin, a newly introduced Pikmin type, possesses the ability to freeze enemies and bodies of water. This grants you access to previously inaccessible areas, unveiling new puzzles and opportunities for exploration.
The game also introduces the Glow Pikmin, a new type that enables you to explore the world during nighttime—a first for the series. These Pikmin only emerge after dark and have the ability to combine into a large green orb. This orb can be launched at airborne enemies, presenting unique strategies and combat opportunities.
Furthermore, Pikmin 4 offers a unique perspective by allowing players to experience the game from the viewpoint of the Pikmin themselves. While previous games featured a three-quarter isometric view, this fresh perspective provides an immersive and novel gameplay experience. The details regarding how this perspective will be implemented are yet to be revealed by Nintendo.
Oatchi: your loyal canine companion
Joining you on your Pikmin adventure is Oatchi, a faithful canine companion. Oatchi not only fights alongside you but also brings additional gameplay enhancements. You can unlock and upgrade Oatchi’s abilities, such as riding him in water for faster movement and access to new areas. Oatchi can also break through obstacles, expanding your exploration possibilities and adding a new layer of gameplay dynamics.
Competitive multiplayer: Dandori Battles
Pikmin 4 features Dandori Battles, a competitive multiplayer mode where players compete against each other to gather the most objects within a time limit. These battles add an exciting multiplayer aspect to the game, challenging players to showcase their skills, speed, and strategic thinking.
