Nintendo Debuts Heartwarming ‘Close To You’ Animation on YouTube and Nintendo Today

Nintendo has further expanded its creative footprint with the release of “Close To You,” a delightful four-minute animation now available on both YouTube and the Nintendo Today application.

This short film exemplifies the company's ongoing efforts to bring high-quality, emotionally resonant content to a global audience beyond video games. "Close To You" centers on a young toddler left to entertain himself while his mother briefly steps away to answer the door.

Unexpectedly, the child's pacifier begins to float, gently coaxing him to explore the room and take his first confident steps.

When his mother returns, she is rewarded with the heartwarming sight of her child walking for the first time.

The animation is both succinct and deeply expressive, evoking themes of growth, encouragement, and familial love, hallmarks of Nintendo’s storytelling tradition. At the time of publication, Nintendo has not provided an official statement detailing the motivation behind the short film or credited individual creators.

However, given the studio's recent acquisitions and history, the project is likely the handiwork of Nintendo Pictures.

Formerly operating as Dynamo Pictures, the newly named Nintendo Pictures was acquired by Nintendo in July 2022 to bolster the company’s expertise in digital content and animation.

The studio boasts an impressive portfolio, having contributed to projects such as "Metroid: Other M," "The Last Story," the celebratory "Pikmin Short Movies," as well as collaborations on major third-party titles including "Catherine" and "Persona 5." Most notably, Nintendo Pictures has recently provided support and cinematic assets for flagship releases on the Nintendo Switch such as "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" and "Super Mario Bros.

Wonder." This animation pedigree underscores Nintendo’s commitment to blending interactive and non-interactive media, broadening the reach and resonance of their iconic properties. The release of "Close To You" on both YouTube and the Nintendo Today app demonstrates Nintendo’s strategic distribution approach and its dedication to connecting directly with fans across multiple online platforms.

By leveraging these channels, Nintendo continues to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for its content, whether through traditional gaming experiences or innovative storytelling in new digital formats. As Nintendo continues to invest in original video content, initiatives like "Close To You" reaffirm the company’s status as a creative leader within the entertainment industry.

Fans can watch the animation now via YouTube or through the Nintendo Today app, further enriching the Nintendo ecosystem with heartwarming stories that transcend mediums.

Nintendo YouTube Nintendo Today Nintendo Pictures Close To You Dynamo Pictures Metroid Other M The Last Story Pikmin Short Movies Catherine Persona 5 The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Super Mario Bros Wonder