Nintendo Debuts Surprising Animated Short 'Close To You' on Nintendo Today! App and YouTube

Nintendo has caught fans off guard with the surprise launch of its new animated short film, 'Close To You,' now streaming on the Nintendo Today! app and on major platforms such as YouTube and social media.

Breaking from its traditional approach, the renowned developer and publisher behind global franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pikmin has introduced an entirely original narrative, absent of its recognizable mascots, yet brimming with the company’s hallmark creativity. 'Close To You' is a whimsical four-minute animation centered on a baby learning to walk with the surprising support of a sentient pacifier.

The short, first revealed to users of the Nintendo Today! app before garnering widespread attention elsewhere, quickly drew comparisons to beloved Pixar works, notably 'Toy Story,' thanks to its high-quality animation and emotive storytelling.

The film’s unique style and lack of direct references to classic Nintendo icons generated immediate buzz among the gaming community. A representative statement from Nintendo, paraphrased for clarity, emphasized the company’s commitment to exploring new forms of storytelling and connecting with fans in innovative ways.

The spokesperson noted that 'Close To You' is part of Nintendo’s ongoing exploration into multimedia projects, aiming to expand the boundaries of its creative universe beyond traditional video game hardware like the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop. Keen-eyed viewers have already begun analyzing the short for hidden details.

Some community members noted subtle visual clues and audio motifs reminiscent of the Pikmin franchise.

At around one minute and thirty-eight seconds, for example, there appear to be ambiguous movements beneath a bed, prompting speculation about possible secret cameos.

However, 'Close To You' does not contain overt references to Mario, Joy-Con controllers, or other signature Nintendo items, marking an unexpectedly fresh direction for the company’s creative output. Since its release, 'Close To You' has amassed tens of thousands of views on YouTube and is trending on social media platforms.

The animated short further underscores Nintendo’s ability to surprise and engage its fans with original content outside of its usual character-driven narratives.

Noteworthy is the film’s warm reception among animation enthusiasts for its compelling storytelling and visual polish, aligning with Nintendo’s track record of high production standards. The release of 'Close To You' follows a series of successful multimedia projects by Nintendo, including the widely acclaimed 'Super Mario Bros.

Movie,' which grossed over $1.3 billion globally, and ongoing collaborations with animation studios.

As Nintendo continues to grow its media presence, this initiative reinforces the company’s role as an innovator not only in gaming, but also in entertainment at large. Fans can watch 'Close To You' directly on the Nintendo Today! app, YouTube, and official Nintendo social channels.

For ongoing updates, stay tuned for potential announcements during future Nintendo Direct presentations and check the Nintendo eShop for news on upcoming projects.

Nintendo YouTube Nintendo Today Close To You Nintendo Today app Pikmin Toy Story Pixar