Nintendo has designated Nov. 1 as Pikmin Day and will release a free Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition demo on Nov. 2 ahead of the full game’s Nov. 12 launch.
Nintendo has designated Nov. 1 as an annual celebration of Pikmin, with creator Shigeru Miyamoto announcing the change during a surprise Pikmin Day Direct posted Saturday. The roughly nine-minute presentation also set out the company’s plans for Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy, including a free demo arriving Nov. 2 and a full release on Nov. 12.
Miyamoto said the date was chosen because the original red, blue and yellow Pikmin arranged together resemble the numbers 11.1. The announcement gives Nintendo a recurring date for Pikmin-related news and activities, while the Direct focused on the existing series rather than unveiling a new mainline game.
“Starting this year, we’re going to start calling November 1st Pikmin Day.” — Shigeru Miyamoto
Demo content and Switch 2 features
The demo will cover the opening Sunspeckled Terrace area and two stages from Dandori Academy, a timed mode built around collecting treasure under a score target. Progress from the demo will carry into the full game, allowing players to continue their save when the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches.
Dandori Academy will let players practice during the week before making one scored attempt on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Results award medals. The Nintendo Switch 2 version also uses the console’s built-in microphone for voice commands directed at Oatchi, including “Rush” and “Go to work.”
- The free demo launches Nov. 2.
- Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy releases Nov. 12.
- Nintendo Switch owners can upgrade for $9.99, while the physical release costs $69.99.
Nintendo also introduced Hello! Pikmin, a series of animated shorts produced by Nintendo Pictures. The first episode, titled “#01 Frog,” debuted during the presentation. A second short is scheduled for Nov. 1, with additional episodes planned monthly through the Nintendo Today! app and other social media platforms.
More Pikmin projects
The presentation featured actress and Pikmin ambassador Fuka Koshiba and included an update for Pikmin Bloom, Niantic’s mobile game. A Secret Caves feature is planned for this winter, adding underground battles and treasure. Players will be able to earn additional cave maps by completing Dandori Academy exams.
Nintendo’s first Pikmin Day Direct did not announce a new Pikmin game or confirm the addition of Pikmin 1 or Pikmin 2 to Nintendo Switch Online. The company instead centered the event on the Switch 2 edition of Pikmin 4, the new animated shorts and upcoming Pikmin Bloom content.
