Nintendo has declared November 1 “Pikmin Day” in a surprise Direct posted to YouTube on October 31, with Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto announcing the date as an annual fixture.
In the roughly nine-minute presentation, Miyamoto made the declaration official: “Starting this year, we’re going to start calling November 1st Pikmin Day.” He said he chose the date because the original red, blue and yellow Pikmin standing side by side look like the numbers 11.1, and added, “Going forward, I want people to know more about Pikmin.”
A free demo arrives November 2
Today’s first Pikmin Day comes with playable news. Nintendo confirmed on its official Direct page that a free demo of Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy launches November 2. It covers the opening Sunspeckled Terrace area and two Dandori Academy stages, and save data carries over to the full game, which releases November 12.
Dandori Academy is a timed treasure-rush mode: players practice during the week and get one scored attempt on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to earn medals. The Switch 2 version also uses the console’s built-in microphone for voice commands to Oatchi, such as “Rush” and “Go to work.” Switch 1 owners can upgrade for $9.99, while the physical release retails for $69.99.
Nintendo Treehouse is marking the occasion with a Treehouse Plays stream today at 9 AM PT.
Shorts, Bloom caves, but no new game
The Direct also introduced Hello! Pikmin, a series of animated shorts made with Nintendo Pictures, the studio formerly known as Dynamo Pictures. The first short, #01 Frog, debuted during the presentation, with a second arriving today and monthly episodes to follow through the Nintendo Today! app. Miyamoto also introduced actress and Pikmin ambassador Fuka Koshiba, known for her knitted Pikmin hats. Pikmin Bloom, Niantic’s mobile game, is adding a Secret Caves feature this winter, with underground battles and treasure, and extra cave maps can be earned by completing Dandori Academy exams.
What the Direct did not include is just as notable: no new Pikmin game was announced, and there was no word on Pikmin 1 or 2 joining Nintendo Switch Online. The full game, Pikmin 4: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy, launches November 12.
