Anything can happen on Halloween. A dog can turn into a cat. Canada can eliminate daylight savings. Shigeru Miyamoto can drop a new holiday altogether. This morning, Nintendo announced a spur of the moment Nintendo Direct. In it, Miyamoto declares that tomorrow, November 1st, will henceforth be known as ‘Pikmin Day.’ While the Direct had updates for two of the most recent Olimar adventures, it did not provide information about any new games.
“Starting this year, we’re going to start calling November 1st Pikmin Day,” says Miyamoto behind a banner of clovers and distant Pikmin chants. “Going forward, I want people to know more about Pikmin.”
Released on the GameCube in the fall of 2001, the original Pikmin only debuted around this time of year. Miyamoto’s reasoning is that if three Pikmin stood shoulder to shoulder, they would resemble the date ‘11.1.’ Though this conflicts with the Day of the Dead, experienced players know there are probably some deceased Pikmin spirits you could atone to. It doesn’t hurt that in two weeks, the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Pikmin 4 will drop. While the surprise Direct didn’t provide any surprise new games, it did bring information on what the new edition will offer, plus an update on the mobile Pikmin Bloom.
Using the built-in microphone, the Switch 2 version of Pikmin 4 will allow you to command your pooch-like assistant Oatchi vocal instructions. Hopefully more dependably than what Hey You, Pikachu! could pull off. The new version will also feature an exclusive new mode, ‘Dandori Academy,’ a timed treasure rush. You will only get one try in this mode on Friday through Sunday, where your score will be submitted, but you will be allowed to practice and hone the trial through the upcoming week. A demo for this new mode will be available on Monday, ahead of the November 12th launch.
As for Pikmin Bloom, the Pikmin’s even tinier adventure, you’ll soon be able to send your lil’ dudes underground. Caves are being added to the mobile game. Akin to the gauntlets of the console series, these caves promise heaps of treasure at the risk of total Pikmin devastation. The direct ended on a new animated Pikmin short, adding that the once mysterious cartoons will soon be a monthly occurrence. Miyamoto also introduced actress and Pikmin ambassador Fuka Koshiba, who caught his eye crocheting hats.
Happy Pikmin Day eve, everyone. I hope you are doing well.
