Nintendo Pictures Debuts with First Official Pikmin Animation Short 'Close To You'

Nintendo Pictures, the recently rebranded animation division of Nintendo, has officially released its first fully produced animation short, 'Close To You,' based on the popular Pikmin franchise.

Announced via official Nintendo social media platforms, this milestone marks the inaugural project from Nintendo Pictures, solidifying the studio's dedicated role in creating animated content for the company's iconic video game properties. The 'Close To You' short is the first animated film delivered by Nintendo Pictures Co., Ltd., following Nintendo's strategic rebranding of its animation workforce to focus on projects that further extend the company’s gaming universes.

Both parts of the Pikmin short premiered on October 7 and 8, with the second installment available exclusively through Nintendo Today!—a free app for smart devices.

The official statement from Nintendo emphasized the significance of this launch: "We hope you enjoyed the two 'Close To You' videos released on October 7 and 8.

These are the first short films created by Nintendo Pictures Co., Ltd.

Nintendo Pictures will continue to produce more content in the future." The Pikmin series has long held a unique spot in Nintendo’s portfolio, with critically acclaimed releases on Nintendo Switch and earlier platforms, and strong sales supported by a dedicated fan base.

The debut of 'Close To You' not only celebrates the series but also demonstrates Nintendo Pictures' commitment to delivering high-quality animation tied to major Nintendo franchises.

While some fans speculated that the animated shorts might hint at the announcement of a new Pikmin game, Nintendo has clarified that these projects serve to enrich the narratives of existing titles—not tease future game development. Nintendo Pictures, formerly known as Dynamo Pictures before its acquisition and rebranding in mid-2022, is rapidly becoming a significant player in the company's diversified strategy.

By investing in original animated works, Nintendo aims to bring its beloved characters and worlds to a wider audience through digital and mobile platforms such as the Nintendo Today app and, potentially, the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch in future releases. As the gaming industry continues to see an increased crossover between interactive entertainment and cinematic storytelling, Nintendo Pictures' first project represents an exciting step for both fans and the company.

With promises of more animated content to come, Nintendo enthusiasts can look forward to additional shorts and projects that build on the legacy of classics like Pikmin and other staple properties.

Stay tuned for the next wave of Nintendo Pictures productions and further integration with core gaming experiences.

Nintendo Pikmin Nintendo Pictures Close To You Pikmin series Nintendo Switch Nintendo Today app