Nintendo has officially designated November 1 as Pikmin Day, establishing an annual celebration dedicated to its beloved strategy-adventure franchise. The announcement was made during the first Pikmin Day Direct, which also featured new details about Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy, upcoming content for the Pikmin Bloom mobile app, and a new series of short films called Hello! Pikmin.
The date has a specific connection to the series’ original creatures. Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto explained that November 1 was selected because the date, written as 11.1, resembles the original Red, Blue, and Yellow Pikmin standing in a line. The presentation also included actress Fuka Koshiba, who is known for sharing handmade Pikmin-inspired knitted hats.
The announcements give fans several ways to celebrate the franchise, with new gameplay features, mobile content, merchandise, and animated shorts arriving across Nintendo’s platforms.
Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition Adds Dandori Academy and Oatchi Voice Commands
One of the main highlights was Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy, which launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 12, 2026. The enhanced release introduces Dandori Academy, a new mode built around collecting treasures as quickly and efficiently as possible. Players must plan their routes, choose the right Pikmin, and complete timed challenges to earn medals.
The mode will feature exams every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving players regular opportunities to test their strategies. Nintendo also confirmed that the Rescue Pup Oatchi can now respond to nine voice commands through the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Players can use instructions such as “Rush!” and “Go to work!” to direct him during their adventures.
A free demo became available on the Nintendo eShop on November 2. It includes the opening Sun-Speckled Terrace area from the main story and two Dandori Academy stages, allowing players to try the new features before the full release.
Pikmin Bloom Gets Secret Caves This Winter
Nintendo also revealed a new Pikmin Bloom adventure called Secret Caves, scheduled to arrive this winter. Players will need cave maps to enter these areas, which may arrive alongside postcards collected by their Pikmin.
Inside the caves, players can send groups of Pikmin to explore, battle creatures, and collect treasures. The update will also connect with Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy. Players who link the two games can send their Dandori Academy exam results to Pikmin Bloom and receive special rewards, including cave maps.
Hello! Pikmin Shorts and New Merchandise Expand the Celebration
The Pikmin Day Direct also introduced Hello! Pikmin, an ongoing series of short movies produced by Nintendo Pictures in collaboration with Miyamoto. Two episodes are already available through the Nintendo Today! app and other Nintendo channels. Nintendo’s presentation outlined a release schedule that includes another short in November, followed by one new episode each month from December onward.
Actress Fuka Koshiba also appeared alongside Miyamoto during the presentation. She is known for creating and sharing Pikmin-inspired knitted hats, and Nintendo plans to work with her to introduce the franchise to more people.
Fans also have new merchandise to look forward to through the Pikmin Ability Collection. Inspired by the distinctive abilities of different Pikmin types, the collection launched on November 1 at Nintendo NEW YORK, Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO, and the Nintendo Store.
Nintendo confirmed that all four mainline Pikmin games are playable across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, giving newcomers an opportunity to explore the series while the franchise celebrates its newly established annual day.
