is a
real-time strategy
Real-time strategy (RTS) is a Video game genre, subgenre of strategy video games that does not progress incrementally in turn-based game, turns, but allow all players to play simultaneously, in "real time." By contrast, in Turn-based strategy, tur ...
and
puzzle video game
Puzzle video games make up a broad genre of video games that emphasize puzzle solving. The types of puzzles can test problem-solving skills, including logic, pattern recognition, Sequence, sequence solving, Spatial ability, spatial recognition, ...
series created by
Shigeru Miyamoto
is a Japanese video game designer, video game producer, producer and Creative director#Video games, game director at Nintendo, where he has served as one of its representative directors as an executive since 2002. Widely regarded as one o ...
, and published by
Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto. It develops, publishes, and releases both video games and video game consoles.
The history of Nintendo began when craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi ...
. The games focus on directing a horde of
plant
Plants are the eukaryotes that form the Kingdom (biology), kingdom Plantae; they are predominantly Photosynthesis, photosynthetic. This means that they obtain their energy from sunlight, using chloroplasts derived from endosymbiosis with c ...
-like creatures called Pikmin to collect items by destroying obstacles, avoiding hazards, and fighting
fauna
Fauna (: faunae or faunas) is all of the animal life present in a particular region or time. The corresponding terms for plants and fungi are ''flora'' and '' funga'', respectively. Flora, fauna, funga and other forms of life are collectively ...
that are hazardous to both the player character and the Pikmin.
The ''Pikmin'' series features four main entries as well as two spin-offs. The first two, ''
Pikmin
is a real-time strategy and puzzle video game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto, and published by Nintendo. The games focus on directing a horde of plant-like creatures called Pikmin to collect items by destroying obstacles, avoiding hazards, ...
'' (2001) and ''
Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' (2004), were made and released for the
GameCube
The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the suc ...
and later
ported
In software engineering, porting is the process of adapting software for the purpose of achieving some form of execution in a computing environment that is different from the one that a given program (meant for such execution) was originally desig ...
to the
Wii
The Wii ( ) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, f ...
as ''
New Play Control!
is a series of first-party GameCube games ported to the Wii by Nintendo. Games in the ''New Play Control!'' series feature enhancements such as widescreen support, enhanced graphics and the implementation of the Wii's motion controls with th ...
'' titles in 2008 and 2009. ''Pikmin 2'' was re-released in the ''
Nintendo Selects
''Nintendo Selects'' (and its predecessor; ''Player's Choice'') was a marketing label previously used by Nintendo to promote best-selling video games on Nintendo game consoles. ''Nintendo Selects'' titles were sold at a lower price point (usually ...
'' series in 2012. Both titles were remastered for the
Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
in 2023 as ''Pikmin 1+2''. A third installment, ''
Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'', was released for the
Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
in 2013. An enhanced port of ''Pikmin 3'' for the
Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
, ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'', was released in 2020. The series' first handheld game, ''
Hey! Pikmin
''Hey! Pikmin'' is a 2017 platform video game developed by Arzest and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. A spin-off of the ''Pikmin'' series, it is the series' first installment on a handheld console. ''Hey! Pikmin'' was released worl ...
'', was released for the
Nintendo 3DS
The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console produced by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS, the console was released originally on February 26, 2011 and went through various revisions in its lifetime, ...
in 2017. ''
Pikmin 4
''Pikmin 4'' is a 2023 real-time strategy video game co-developed by Nintendo EPD and Eighting, and published by Nintendo. It is the fourth main installment of the Pikmin, ''Pikmin'' series, following ''Pikmin 3'' (2013), and the fifth installme ...
'' was released for the
Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
in 2023. ''
Pikmin Bloom'', the series' mobile spin-off, was released for iOS and Android in 2021. ''
Pikmin Finder'', an
augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality (MR), is a technology that overlays real-time 3D computer graphics, 3D-rendered computer graphics onto a portion of the real world through a display, such as a handheld device or head-mounted ...
browser-based mobile game, was released in 2023.
Gameplay
The series' gameplay combines elements of
action platformer
A platformer (also called a platform game, and sometimes a jump 'n' run game) is a subgenre of action game in which the core objective is to move the player character between points in an environment. Platform games are characterized by levels wi ...
with
puzzle
A puzzle is a game, problem, or toy that tests a person's ingenuity or knowledge. In a puzzle, the solver is expected to put pieces together ( or take them apart) in a logical way, in order to find the solution of the puzzle. There are differe ...
and
strategy
Strategy (from Greek στρατηγία ''stratēgia'', "troop leadership; office of general, command, generalship") is a general plan to achieve one or more long-term or overall goals under conditions of uncertainty. In the sense of the " a ...
gameplay. The ''Pikmin'' games focus on exploring an
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to Planetary habitability, harbor life. This is enabled by Earth being an ocean world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all ...
-like planet named PNF-404,
and controlling a crowd of the titular Pikmin. Pikmin are intelligent, loyal, multicolored, plant-animal
hybrid
Hybrid may refer to:
Science
* Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding
** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species
** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two diff ...
s that follow the orders of their leader. There have been multiple leaders throughout the series, with the first and most notable being Captain Olimar, a tiny
alien from the planet Hocotate introduced in the original ''Pikmin''. ''Pikmin 2'' features Louie and The President, Olimar's co-worker and boss, respectively, who are also playable leaders. ''Pikmin 3'' features leaders from a new alien species. The leaders are Alph, Brittany, and Charlie, who come from the planet Koppai and are similar to the Hocotatians, but also possess some different features from them. ''Pikmin 4'' features a customizable character who is part of an interplanetary rescue team, assisted by
Oatchi, a space dog with exclusive abilities.
Pikmin are directed to perform several tasks, with the primary one being the retrieval of items integral to the mission of each game.
The player must direct the Pikmin to overcome obstacles and PNF-404's fauna.
[ Because individual Pikmin are small and weak against most ]predator
Predation is a biological interaction in which one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey. It is one of a family of common List of feeding behaviours, feeding behaviours that includes parasitism and micropredation ...
s, and some are best suited for certain tasks, it is the responsibility of the player to direct the Pikmin appropriately to ensure successful retrievals of any items, avoid any hazards, and quickly tend to any obstacles and predators. Game time is divided into individual days, each of which consists of approximately 13 minutes, in which the player is encouraged to accomplish as much as possible before sunset.[
Pikmin appear in a variety of colors, which signify the Pikmin's abilities and resistance to environmental hazards. The number of Pikmin and their abilities have shifted throughout the franchise, with the first ''Pikmin'' game featuring three colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue. Red Pikmin are immune to fire, Blue Pikmin can move through the water thanks to their ]gill
A gill () is a respiration organ, respiratory organ that many aquatic ecosystem, aquatic organisms use to extract dissolved oxygen from water and to excrete carbon dioxide. The gills of some species, such as hermit crabs, have adapted to allow r ...
s, and Yellow Pikmin can be thrown higher than other Pikmin, and can carry bomb rocks.
In ''Pikmin 2'', Yellow Pikmin have lost their ability to carry bomb rocks in exchange for being immune to electric
Electricity is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter possessing an electric charge. Electricity is related to magnetism, both being part of the phenomenon of electromagnetism, as described by Maxwel ...
al hazards, and White and Purple Pikmin are introduced. White Pikmin are the fastest, resistant to poisonous gases, capable of poisoning enemies, and capable of spotting objects buried underground. In comparison, Purple Pikmin are significantly stronger and heavier than the other types, which makes them excellent at inflicting damage and carrying heavy items, due to their stunning shockwave.
''Pikmin 3'' introduced two more types: the black-colored Rock Pikmin, and the pink-colored, bee inspired Winged Pikmin. Rock Pikmin can break crystalline materials and cannot be crushed or impaled. They inflict the most damage out of all Pikmin types when thrown. In comparison, Winged Pikmin can fly freely and can fly high which enables them to recover elevated items and attack airborne enemies with ease. Their aerial maneuverability makes it easier to transport things to the ship/Onion. [ In addition to making each type capable of carrying bomb rocks, ''Pikmin 3'' also adjusted the abilities of Yellow, Blue, White, and Purple Pikmin. Yellow Pikmin are tied with Rock Pikmin for the fastest digging speed; Blue Pikmin are capable of swimming; White Pikmin are tied with Winged Pikmin for the lowest attack strength, and slowest digging speed; Purple Pikmin are tied with Red Pikmin for second highest attack strength, and second fastest digging speed, while removing their stunning ability.
''Pikmin 4'' introduced two other types: Ice Pikmin, which can work during the day like most Pikmin; and Glow Pikmin, which operate at night and can only be used at night as a first in the series. Ice Pikmin can freeze enemies and bodies of water, and are invulnerable to being frozen, at the cost of having low attack power. They can freeze enemies by attacking them enough, or by being eaten, similarly to White Pikmin. With the Offensive Method, Ice Pikmin trigger a sort of "Freeze Meter", and if the ring fills, the enemy is frozen. But with the Sacrificial Method, the ring fills significantly upon death, like how the White Pikmin kill their attacker on death. They can float on bodies of water when the water isn't frozen. Depending on the size of the body of water, you may need a whole party of Ice Pikmin to freeze it, leaving only the player and Oatchi left. Glow Pikmin are immune to all the elements of fire, water, electricity, and poison, and can stun enemies when a group is charged together. However, they cannot be used during the day, and require an item to be used to get them in cave areas. ''Pikmin 4'' readjusted the previous Pikmin types again. Bomb rocks are no longer carried by the Pikmin. Instead, they are items the player can acquire and use at their discretion. Rock Pikmin can now be crushed on hard surfaces, and when taking elemental damage. They also cannot dig fast like Yellow Pikmin, who dig even faster than before. Purple Pikmin's attack strength is the same as in ''Pikmin 3'', but their shockwave stun returns and gives them extra damage upon impact.]
Outside of coloration, all types of Pikmin share the same method of indicating their strength and swiftness: the stalk atop their heads will sport either a leaf
A leaf (: leaves) is a principal appendage of the plant stem, stem of a vascular plant, usually borne laterally above ground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", while the leav ...
, bud
In botany, a bud is an undeveloped or Plant embryogenesis, embryonic Shoot (botany), shoot and normally occurs in the axil of a leaf or at the tip of a Plant stem, stem. Once formed, a bud may remain for some time in a dormancy, dormant conditi ...
or flower
Flowers, also known as blooms and blossoms, are the reproductive structures of flowering plants ( angiosperms). Typically, they are structured in four circular levels, called whorls, around the end of a stalk. These whorls include: calyx, m ...
, which develops when Pikmin are fed nectar
Nectar is a viscous, sugar-rich liquid produced by Plant, plants in glands called nectaries, either within the flowers with which it attracts pollination, pollinating animals, or by extrafloral nectaries, which provide a nutrient source to an ...
or left planted in the ground for a certain amount of time.[ By extension, all types of Pikmin are stored in their respective motherships, referred to as "Onions", for safety after sunset, as they are vulnerable to ]nocturnal
Nocturnality is a ethology, behavior in some non-human animals characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal", versus diurnality, diurnal meaning the opposite.
Nocturnal creatur ...
predators. The Onions play a vital role in Pikmin reproduction
Reproduction (or procreation or breeding) is the biological process by which new individual organisms – "offspring" – are produced from their "parent" or parents. There are two forms of reproduction: Asexual reproduction, asexual and Sexual ...
: when any food, such as prey or pellets, is delivered to an Onion, it propagates seed
In botany, a seed is a plant structure containing an embryo and stored nutrients in a protective coat called a ''testa''. More generally, the term "seed" means anything that can be Sowing, sown, which may include seed and husk or tuber. Seeds ...
s, which grow and are plucked from the ground as fully developed Pikmin.[ An Onion serves as an incubator for all Pikmin of its respective color, housing the Pikmin. The Onions travel alongside Olimar as he flies to different locations on the planet.
]
Plot
Characters
Protagonists
The main protagonist of the series is Captain Olimar, an employee of the Hocotate Freight Company, who flies a rocket ship known as the S.S. Dolphin, a reference to the GameCube
The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the suc ...
's developmental code name. He has a wife, son and daughter. ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' introduces Louie, a co-worker of Olimar, who places the Hocotate Freight Company in debt after losing a shipment of gold "Pikpik" brand carrots to a "ravenous space bunny". The names "Olimar" and "Louie" are based on Mario
Mario (; ) is a Character (arts), character created by the Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He is the star of the ''Mario (franchise), Mario'' franchise, a recurring character in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise, and the mascot of the Ja ...
and Luigi
Luigi (; ) is a character created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Part of Nintendo's ''Mario'' franchise, he is a kind-hearted, cowardly Italian plumber, and the younger fraternal twin brother and sidekick of Mario. Like ...
, who were also created by Shigeru Miyamoto
is a Japanese video game designer, video game producer, producer and Creative director#Video games, game director at Nintendo, where he has served as one of its representative directors as an executive since 2002. Widely regarded as one o ...
.
In ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'', three new characters succeed Olimar as playable leaders: Alph the engineer, Brittany the botanist, and Captain Charlie. All three characters come from Koppai, a planet whose inhabitants are similar to the Hocotatians, and they interact with each other through in-game dialogue. Though not playable during the game's story, Olimar and Louie both appear later in the game's story and become integral to its plot, are playable in Bingo Battle Mode and five of the downloadable mission levels, and Olimar's expedition logs are later discovered by the crew and offer helpful advice regarding PNF-404. Olimar and Louie are playable in the Olimar's Comeback side story missions unique to '' Pikmin 3 Deluxe''.
In ''Pikmin 4
''Pikmin 4'' is a 2023 real-time strategy video game co-developed by Nintendo EPD and Eighting, and published by Nintendo. It is the fourth main installment of the Pikmin, ''Pikmin'' series, following ''Pikmin 3'' (2013), and the fifth installme ...
'', the main character is customizable by the player, and works as a rookie member of the Rescue Corps organization. They are tasked with rescuing the other Rescue Corps members, as well as Olimar. This player character is one of two playable characters in the main story, along with the Rescue Corps' dog Oatchi. Though not playable during the game's story, Olimar and Louie both appear later in the game's story and become integral to its plot, with Louie appearing in a more antagonistic role. While not playable in the main story, Olimar is playable in the Olimar's Shipwreck Tale side story. Whilst the three playable characters of Pikmin 3 do not appear within the fourth instalment, three similar characters do appear: Yorke, Nelle and Don Bergman.
Pikmin creatures
After becoming stranded on the unknown planet in ''Pikmin'', Olimar becomes acquainted with the species of plant-like beings that he names "Pikmin" because they resemble the "Pikpik" brand of carrots on his home planet of Hocotate. They are small, brightly colored creatures who are each as tall as a US dime. They follow any command: from attacking enemies and defending Olimar to retrieving large artifacts. Pikmin are generally very weak unless they are used in hordes, as the Pikmin are excellent at working together. Pikmin speak with strange, squeaking noises. Simple commands can, however, be communicated to them by the use of a whistle or any other device capable of producing high-pitched noises.
Pikmin come in several colors, each with strengths and weaknesses. In ''Pikmin
is a real-time strategy and puzzle video game series created by Shigeru Miyamoto, and published by Nintendo. The games focus on directing a horde of plant-like creatures called Pikmin to collect items by destroying obstacles, avoiding hazards, ...
'', there are three types of Pikmin: Red Pikmin, who are better in combat and can withstand extreme heat and fire; Yellow Pikmin, who can be thrown higher, can use bomb rocks (''Pikmin'' and ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'', although all Pikmin types are capable of using bomb rocks in this game), are immune to electricity (''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' onward), and can dig faster (''Pikmin 3'' onward); and Blue Pikmin, which have gills and can walk in water (or get splashed with water-based attacks) without drowning. There are also Mushroom Pikmin who attack the other types of Pikmin. They are created when regular Pikmin are infected by spores let out by the Puffstool.
In ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'', three new species of Pikmin were introduced: Purple Pikmin, White Pikmin, and Bulbmin. Purple Pikmin move slower than normal Pikmin, but have ten times the strength and weight of other Pikmin, giving them the ability to pick up much heavier objects and attack and destroy obstacles and other enemies with fewer numbers. They also have the potential to stun enemies when they land near or on them. White Pikmin, when ingested by enemies, damage the enemy by being toxic. White Pikmin themselves are immune to poison, can locate buried treasure with their special eyes, and can run faster than other Pikmin. Bulbmin are a subterranean parasitic species of Pikmin that infect Bulborbs (the most common enemy found within the ''Pikmin'' series) and take control of them. These Pikmin are found exclusively within certain cave systems in the game, usually as a pack of up to 10 juvenile Bulbmin and a single adult Bulbmin. While the adult forms of these Pikmin are hostile towards Olimar, the juvenile Bulbmin will follow Olimar like regular Pikmin once the adult is killed. They are immune to most hazards (save explosions, being eaten, being crushed, and bottomless pits), and will not follow Olimar when he leaves the cave they are found in. The only way to "keep" them is if they are transformed into other Pikmin species by Candypop Buds.
''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' introduced two new species of Pikmin: Rock Pikmin and Winged Pikmin. The gray-colored Rock Pikmin look like small rocks and can smash through glass, crystals, ice, and the carapaces of large creatures. These Pikmin can also survive crushing attacks from boulders and enemies and are invulnerable to piercing attacks as well. Rock Pikmin also cause more initial damage when thrown at an enemy, though they are unable to latch onto them. The pink-colored Winged Pikmin are the smallest species of Pikmin and hover in the air using their small, transparent wings. They can fly over hazards such as water and pits and can carry items in the air.
''Pikmin 4
''Pikmin 4'' is a 2023 real-time strategy video game co-developed by Nintendo EPD and Eighting, and published by Nintendo. It is the fourth main installment of the Pikmin, ''Pikmin'' series, following ''Pikmin 3'' (2013), and the fifth installme ...
'' also introduced two new species of Pikmin: Ice Pikmin and Glow Pikmin. Ice Pikmin can freeze enemies and water. Glow Pikmin are ghost-like Pikmin that only come out at night and are invulnerable to all elemental hazards. They can only be used during night expeditions or in caves.
Other characters
Another main character in ''Pikmin 2'' is the President of Hocotate Freight, a large man who runs the company and keeps debt collectors away. The president is forced to sell the Dolphin, and it is replaced by an unnamed ship that can speak, name, and value the treasure on the planet.
Development
2001–2003: ''Pikmin''
''Pikmin'' is the first game in the series, released on October 26, 2001. The game's plot focuses on Captain Olimar's predicament of having crash-landed on an unknown planet and befriending plant-animal creatures that he dubs Pikmin because of their similarity to the brand of carrots called "Pikpik". Olimar has to gather the missing pieces of his broken spaceship to escape before his air supply completely runs out and he succumbs to the planet's oxygen
Oxygen is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group (periodic table), group in the periodic table, a highly reactivity (chemistry), reactive nonmetal (chemistry), non ...
-rich atmosphere, which is poisonous to his species. ''Pikmin'' features three endings, which are dependent on the number of spaceship parts reclaimed. Reclaiming all thirty parts by the final day results in the best ending: Olimar waves goodbye to the Pikmin, who proceed to defend themselves on their own at nighttime, while Onions of various colors observe his departure as he looks back on the unknown planet before returning home. Reclaiming at least the twenty-five required parts by the final day results in the normal ending: Olimar quickly departs, while one of each type of Pikmin runs toward his ship to watch him depart. Lastly, failing to reclaim the twenty-five required parts by the final day results in the worst ending: Olimar crash-lands back onto the planet, succumbs to oxygen poisoning, and is taken by several Pikmin to be placed into an Onion, which converts him into a Pikmin-Hocotatian hybrid.
''Pikmin'' was ported to the Wii
The Wii ( ) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, f ...
in 2009 as a New Play Control!
is a series of first-party GameCube games ported to the Wii by Nintendo. Games in the ''New Play Control!'' series feature enhancements such as widescreen support, enhanced graphics and the implementation of the Wii's motion controls with th ...
title, which was made available on the Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
's Virtual Console
The Virtual Console was a line of downloadable retro video games for Nintendo's Wii and Wii U home video game consoles and the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld systems. The Virtual Console lineup consisted of titles originally released on pa ...
service in North America in 2016. An HD remaster of the game was released for Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
in 2023.
2004–2012: ''Pikmin 2''
''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'', released in 2004, takes place immediately following the events of ''Pikmin''. When Olimar returns to his home planet Hocotate, he discovers that his employer, Hocotate Freight, has gone into severe debt. When the company's president discovers that the souvenir that Olimar has brought back with him is significantly valuable, he orders Olimar and Louie, another employee, to journey back to the Pikmin planet and gather treasure to pay off the debt. The main objective of ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' is to collect human garbage that is referred to as treasure on Hocotate, including bottle caps and gadgets. The player controls both Olimar and Louie, alternating between the two characters to divide and accomplish more tasks during a single day. Unlike the first game, ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' has no deadline, so the player can spend as many days as desired to collect all the treasure.
Like its predecessor, ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'' was ported to the Wii
The Wii ( ) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, f ...
in 2009 (or 2012 in North America) as a New Play Control!
is a series of first-party GameCube games ported to the Wii by Nintendo. Games in the ''New Play Control!'' series feature enhancements such as widescreen support, enhanced graphics and the implementation of the Wii's motion controls with th ...
title was made available on the Wii U's Virtual Console service in Europe in 2016. An HD remaster of the game was released for Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
in 2023.
2013–2022: ''Pikmin 3'' and spin-offs
Shigeru Miyamoto
is a Japanese video game designer, video game producer, producer and Creative director#Video games, game director at Nintendo, where he has served as one of its representative directors as an executive since 2002. Widely regarded as one o ...
hinted about the possibilities of a new ''Pikmin'' game in a July 2007 interview with IGN, saying "I certainly don't think we've seen the last of ''Pikmin''. I definitely would like to do something with them, and I think the Wii interface in particular is very well suited to that franchise." A later CNET.com interview in April 2008 reported that "For now, Miyamoto looks ahead to other projects for the Wii, mentioning his desire to continue the ''Pikmin'' series." A new ''Pikmin'' game was confirmed at E3 2008
E3 (short for Electronic Entertainment Expo) was an annual trade event for the video game industry organized and presented by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). It was held principally in Los Angeles from 1995 to 2019, with its final ...
during Nintendo's developer roundtable, in which Miyamoto stated that his team was working on a new entry in the series. Miyamoto confirmed that ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' would be released on the Wii
The Wii ( ) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006, in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, f ...
. He also stated that the Wii's controls were "working well" with the game. The announcement in October 2008 of a re-release of the first two ''Pikmin'' games on the Wii with updated motion controls, raised concerns about whether ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' was in development. However, a subsequent interview with IGN clarified that the re-releases of ''Pikmin'' and ''Pikmin 2'' under the ''New Play Control!
is a series of first-party GameCube games ported to the Wii by Nintendo. Games in the ''New Play Control!'' series feature enhancements such as widescreen support, enhanced graphics and the implementation of the Wii's motion controls with th ...
'' series was separate from ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
''. The game was not shown at E3 2009
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009 (E3 2009) was the 15th E3 held. The event took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. It began on June 2, 2009, and ended on June 4, 2009, with 41,000 total attendees.
Majo ...
, E3 2010
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010 (E3 2010) was the 16th E3 held. The event took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. It began on June 14, 2010, and ended on June 17, 2010, with 45,600 total attendees. The ...
, or E3 2011
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 (E3 2011) was the 17th E3 held. The event took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. It began on June 7, 2011, and ended on June 9, 2011, with 46,800 total attendees. E3 20 ...
, but Miyamoto confirmed in June 2010 that the game was still in development. At Miyamoto's roundtable discussion at E3 2011
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 (E3 2011) was the 17th E3 held. The event took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. It began on June 7, 2011, and ended on June 9, 2011, with 46,800 total attendees. E3 20 ...
, Miyamoto stated that ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' development was moved to Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
, the Wii successor. He said that the HD graphics for the next system and its special screen-based controller would work better for it. On April 15, 2012, Miyamoto said in a Spanish interview that a new ''Pikmin'' game and a new ''New Super Mario Bros.
is a 1985 Platformer, platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is the successor to the 1983 arcade game ''Mario Bros.'' and the first game in the ''Super Mario'' series. It was origi ...
'' game will both be showcased for the Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
at E3 2012
The Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012 (E3 2012) was the 18th E3 held. The event took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. It began on June 5, 2012, and ended on June 7, 2012, with 45,700 total attendees. It was ...
. He also added the comment "Anyone who played the original ''Pikmin'' games will enjoy playing it." On June 5, 2012, at Nintendo's E3 press conference, ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' was announced and featured a trailer that revealed the inclusion of the new Rock Pikmin. Six days later, a second trailer was released that revealed the new Winged Pikmin and other aspects of the game. Although originally intended to be released within the Wii U's launch window, ''Pikmin 3'' was delayed and instead released in mid-2013.
On August 5, 2020, Nintendo announced '' Pikmin 3 Deluxe'', an enhanced port of ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' for the Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
, for release on October 30, 2020, via Twitter.
A Nintendo 3DS
The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console produced by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS, the console was released originally on February 26, 2011 and went through various revisions in its lifetime, ...
entry in the series was announced in a Nintendo Direct
Nintendo Direct is a series of online presentations or live shows produced by Nintendo, where information regarding the company's upcoming content or franchises is presented, such as information about games and consoles. The presentations began ...
in September 2016 as a side-scrolling action game due for release in 2017. In another Nintendo Direct in April 2017, the game's title was announced as ''Hey! Pikmin
''Hey! Pikmin'' is a 2017 platform video game developed by Arzest and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. A spin-off of the ''Pikmin'' series, it is the series' first installment on a handheld console. ''Hey! Pikmin'' was released worl ...
'' and its release date was announced to be July 28, 2017. The game was developed by Arzest
is a Japanese video game development company that develops games for video game consoles. It was formed on June 25, 2010 by key members of Artoon, which was also founded by Executive Vice President Naoto Ohshima, best known as the character des ...
.
On March 22, 2021, Niantic
Niantic may refer to:
* Niantic people, tribe of American Indians
* Niantic, Inc., mobile app developer known for the mobile games ''Ingress'' and ''Pokémon Go''
* Niantic Correctional Institution, now known as York Correctional Institution
...
, known primarily for the mobile game ''Pokémon Go
''Pokémon Go'' (stylized as ''Pokémon GO'') is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game originally developed and published by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android devices. It uses mobile devic ...
'', announced a Pikmin game for mobile devices. Little was known at the time of announcement, except that it will feature similar gameplay to ''Pokémon Go'', using augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality (MR), is a technology that overlays real-time 3D computer graphics, 3D-rendered computer graphics onto a portion of the real world through a display, such as a handheld device or head-mounted ...
technology. A playable prototype was released for select users in Singapore the same day the game was announced. On October 26, 2021, the game was revealed to be titled '' Pikmin Bloom'' and launched immediately in Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
and Singapore
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. The country's territory comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet. It is about one degree ...
.
2023–present: ''Pikmin 4'' and spin-offs
In September 2015, Miyamoto said that ''Pikmin 4
''Pikmin 4'' is a 2023 real-time strategy video game co-developed by Nintendo EPD and Eighting, and published by Nintendo. It is the fourth main installment of the Pikmin, ''Pikmin'' series, following ''Pikmin 3'' (2013), and the fifth installme ...
'' was in development, and "very close to completion". On July 7, 2016, Miyamoto said in an E3 interview with ''Game Rant'' that ''Pikmin 4'' was still in development, though at a lower priority. On June 19, 2017, Miyamoto reassured ''Eurogamer'' that the game was still "progressing". In the years to follow, the game was widely considered vaporware
In the computer industry, vaporware (or vapourware) is a product, typically computer Computer hardware, hardware or software, that is announced to the general public but is late, never actually manufactured, or officially canceled. Use of the w ...
until it was officially unveiled on September 13, 2022.
''Pikmin 4'' was developed using Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine (UE) is a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games, first showcased in the 1998 first-person shooter video game '' Unreal''. Initially developed for PC first-person shooters, it has since been used in a variety of ...
, its first use in an internally developed Nintendo EPD
abbreviated Nintendo EPD, is the largest division within the Japanese video game company Nintendo. The division focuses on developing and producing video games, mobile apps, and other related entertainment software for the company. Nintendo EPD ...
game, although the game was co-developed with Eighting
stylized as 8ing, is a Japanese video game developer and video game publisher, publisher. It was formerly known as It is known for its Shoot 'em up#Scrolling shooters, shoot 'em ups and its licensed fighting games.
History
Raizing and Eigh ...
. Lead staff include veteran Pikmin developer Yuji Kando, who was one of the two directors of ''Pikmin 3'' and returned as chief director and programming director; Yutaka Hiramuki as game design and lead writer, responsible for the level design and story similarly to his responsibilities on ''Pikmin 3''; Takashi Tezuka
is a Japanese video game designer, director, and producer. He is a senior officer in Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development division and is an Executive Officer at Nintendo itself. Tezuka was the right-hand man to Shigeru Miyamoto an ...
, who returned as the mainline series producer, a role he has held since ''Pikmin 2'', and Shigeru Miyamoto, who returned as the general producer, the same position he had in ''Pikmin 3''.
Throughout the series, two styles of gameplay had emerged: a shorter, more focused challenge that encourages resource management and multitasking with an ultimate time limit, seen in ''Pikmin'' (2001) and ''Pikmin 3'', and a longer experience featuring the collection of treasures within dangerous underground caves that focus more on the aspect of resource management without time limits in ''Pikmin 2''. In ''Pikmin 4'', the team aimed to appease fans of both gameplay types by trying to mix both styles into one, as well as make a highly approachable and accessible game, considering the series' relative lack of success in reaching general audiences. Additionally, the team wanted to incorporate new and exciting elements as selling points, such as Oatchi. This resulted in an extended development period, with many discussions among staff.
''Pikmin 4'' was announced by Miyamoto in a Nintendo Direct
Nintendo Direct is a series of online presentations or live shows produced by Nintendo, where information regarding the company's upcoming content or franchises is presented, such as information about games and consoles. The presentations began ...
on September 13, 2022. The teaser trailer gives a brief glimpse of the game's environment, without any gameplay or story details. In the February 8, 2023, Nintendo Direct, ''Pikmin 4'' was revealed to launch on July 21, 2023. A demo was released on June 28, 2023. ''Pikmin 4'' was released on July 21, 2023, for the Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game's level design, visuals, score, large amount of content, and accessibility to newcomers, while criticizing the limited multiplayer options and low difficulty. The game was commercially successful, selling over three million units worldwide, making it the best-selling game in the series.
The first two games in the series were remastered for the Nintendo Switch in September 2023 as ''Pikmin 1+2''. '' Pikmin Finder'' was released in 2023 and is an augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR), also known as mixed reality (MR), is a technology that overlays real-time 3D computer graphics, 3D-rendered computer graphics onto a portion of the real world through a display, such as a handheld device or head-mounted ...
browser-based mobile game. Developed and published by Nintendo using Niantic's 8th Wall development platform, the game involves using the player's mobile camera to display Pikmin and command them to carry treasure back to the player. The game was distributed in early September to coincide with Nintendo Live. On December 31, 2024, Nintendo announced on the game's webpage that ''Finder''s services had been discontinued.
Reception
The ''Pikmin'' series has received generally positive reviews. The series has been praised for its strategic gameplay based on time and resource management, as well as its graphics; Philip Kollar of ''Polygon
In geometry, a polygon () is a plane figure made up of line segments connected to form a closed polygonal chain.
The segments of a closed polygonal chain are called its '' edges'' or ''sides''. The points where two edges meet are the polygon ...
'' described ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
'' as "one of those rare pieces of evidence that a modern Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto. It develops, publishes, and releases both video games and video game consoles.
The history of Nintendo began when craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi ...
can still produce something wholly unique."
Legacy
Olimar was introduced as a playable character in the ''Super Smash Bros.
is a series of platform fighting video games published by Nintendo. Created by Masahiro Sakurai, the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is a crossover featuring many characters from other video game series created by Nintendo and other develope ...
'' series beginning with 2008's ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl
''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' is a 2008 crossover fighting game developed by Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The third installment in the '' Super Smash Bros.'' series and the successor to '' Super Smash Bros. Melee'', it wa ...
'', and has appeared in every subsequent entry. He commands the Pikmin in battle and, like in the ''Pikmin'' series, he is almost entirely dependent on them. Olimar can pluck new Pikmin from the ground at any time unless he has the maximum number of Pikmin allowed; he can command up to six in ''Brawl'', and three in subsequent games. The Pikmin, as in the ''Pikmin'' series, are fragile and can be trounced, but new ones can be plucked from the stage immediately after. Olimar's Final Smash, a signature one-use technique, shows him getting into his Hocotate Spaceship and flying off into the sky, while Red Bulborbs attack the other players on the ground. The ship then plummets to the ground and causes an explosion, dealing damage and knockback to opposing players as Olimar is ejected from it. ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl
''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' is a 2008 crossover fighting game developed by Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The third installment in the '' Super Smash Bros.'' series and the successor to '' Super Smash Bros. Melee'', it wa ...
'' also features a playable stage called Distant Planet, based on the general setting of the Pikmin's home planet featured in the first three ''Pikmin'' games. The same stage returned in '' Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', while ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
and , both commonly referred to together as ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' or ''Smash 4'', are 2014 crossover fighting games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U video game cons ...
'' added a stage based on ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
''; both stages returned in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' is a 2018 crossover fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth installment in the '' Super Smash Bros.'' series, succeeding ' ...
''. Alph from ''Pikmin 3'' appears as an alternate costume for Olimar beginning with ''3DS'' and ''Wii U''.
Pikmin appear in the Nintendo 3DS
The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console produced by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS, the console was released originally on February 26, 2011 and went through various revisions in its lifetime, ...
built-in application '' AR Games''. Pikmin make a cameo during the process of transferring downloadable content from a Nintendo DSi
The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console released by Nintendo. The console launched in Japan on November 1, 2008, and worldwide beginning in April 2009. It is the third iteration of the Nintendo DS, and its primary market rival was ...
to a 3DS, (or transferring from a 3DS to another 3DS or 2DS) with various types of Pikmin carrying the data over. A similar animation occurs when transferring saved data and other information from a Wii to an SD card using the Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
transfer application, and a second animation, picking up where the first one leaves off, appears when completing the transfer from the SD card to a Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
.
''Nintendo Land
is a party video game developed and published by Nintendo as a pack-in launch title for the Wii U home video game console in 2012. The game was first announced at E3 2012 during Nintendo's press conference.
''Nintendo Land'' features twelve mi ...
'' includes the series in a team attraction titled '' Pikmin Adventure'', where players' Mii's fight robotic versions of familiar Pikmin foes. ''Pikmin Adventure'' utilizes the Wii U GamePad
The Wii U GamePad is the standard game controller for Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Incorporating features from tablet computers, the GamePad has traditional input methods (such as buttons, dual analog sticks, and a D-pad), touchscre ...
and Wii Remote
The Wii Remote, colloquially known as the Wiimote, is the primary game controller for Nintendo's Wii home video game console. An essential capability of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with an ...
; the former controls Olimar, whereas the latter allows other players to play as Pikmin. On the Game Boy Advance
The (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld game console, manufactured by Nintendo, which was released in Japan on March 21, 2001, and to international markets that June. It was later released in mainland China in 2004, under the name iQue Game Boy Advanc ...
, the card-based Nintendo e-Reader
The Nintendo e-Reader, commonly abbreviated as e-Reader, is an add-on manufactured by Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto. It develops, publishes, and releases both v ...
peripheral included Pikmin minigames exclusive to Japan following the release of ''Pikmin 2
is a 2004 real-time strategy puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the direct sequel to the 2001 game '' Pikmin'' and the second game in the '' Pikmin'' series. In the game, Olimar returns to the Pikmin ...
'', titled ''Pikmin 2-E''. In the various minigames, players control either Olimar or the Pikmin to complete various puzzles.
''Pikmin'' franchise amiibo
(, ; stylized as amiibo; plural: ''Amiibo'') is a toys-to-life platform by Nintendo, which was launched in November 2014. It consists of a wireless communications and storage protocol for connecting figurines to the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Ni ...
figures can be used to unlock a ''Pikmin'' Mii costume in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
is a 2014 kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It retains the gameplay of previous ''Mario Kart'' games, with players controlling a ''Mario (franchise), Mario'' character in races around tracks. Tracks are theme ...
'', and ''Pikmin'' character costumes in ''Super Mario Maker
is a 2015 platform game and game creation system developed and published by Nintendo. An entry in the ''Super Mario'' series, the game allowed players to create, play, and share courses based on previous ''Super Mario'' titles including ''Sup ...
''.
Several red, yellow, and blue Pikmin can be found across the land on ledges of Super Nintendo World
(stylized in all caps) is a themed area at Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Epic Universe, with a future area under construction at Universal Studios Singapore. A result of a partnership between Nintendo and Un ...
at Universal Studios Japan
is a theme park located in Osaka, Japan. Opened on March 31, 2001, it is one of six Universal Destinations & Experiences, Universal Studios theme parks worldwide and was the first to open outside the United States. The park is owned and operat ...
, with some carrying objects like coins from the '' Mario'' franchise and a berry.
Pikmin gummy candy was released exclusively in Japan in September 2021. This candy included grape-flavored blues, apple-flavored reds, orange-flavored yellows, and lemon-flavored white Pikmin.
A manga
are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long history in earlier Japanese art. The term is used in Japan to refer to both comics ...
-style comic strip
A comic strip is a Comics, sequence of cartoons, arranged in interrelated panels to display brief humor or form a narrative, often Serial (literature), serialized, with text in Speech balloon, balloons and Glossary of comics terminology#Captio ...
based on the ''Pikmin'' series, written by Kino Takahashi, was first published on June 21, 2023.
''Pikmin'' Short Movies
On November 5, 2014, three short, animated ''Pikmin'' movies were released on the Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
and Nintendo 3DS
The is a foldable dual-screen handheld game console produced by Nintendo. Announced in March 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS, the console was released originally on February 26, 2011 and went through various revisions in its lifetime, ...
eShop, after being shown at the Tokyo International Film Festival
The is a film festival established in 1985. The event was held biennially from 1985 to 1991 and annually thereafter. According to the FIAPF, it is one of Asia's competitive film festivals and the second largest film festival in Asia behind the ...
. The films, "The Night Juicer", "Treasure in a Bottle", and "Occupational Hazards", each feature groups of Pikmin and often Captain Olimar as well. To commemorate the films, puzzles related to them were made available in the Puzzle Swap game mode of '' StreetPass Mii Plaza''. They were later uploaded to YouTube
YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...
to promote ''Pikmin 3
''Pikmin 3'' is a 2013 real-time strategy and puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U video game console. It is the sequel to the GameCube games ''Pikmin'' (2001) and '' Pikmin 2'' (2004), and was released in Japan on ...
Deluxe''.
Notes
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pikmin (Series)
Fiction about castaways
Nintendo franchises
Post-apocalyptic video games
Puzzle video games
Real-time strategy video games
Science fiction video games
Video game franchises
Video game franchises introduced in 2001
Video games developed in Japan
Video games set on fictional planets
BAFTA winners (video games)