Nintendo Reveals 'Close to You' Animated Video is Connected to the Pikmin Franchise

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the recently debuted animated video titled 'Close to You' is directly connected to the beloved Pikmin franchise.

The Kyoto-based gaming giant made the announcement following a surge of interest and speculation from fans, many of whom correctly identified the video's Pikmin themes upon its initial release. First unveiled on June 6, 2024, via the official Nintendo channels, 'Close to You' immediately caught the attention of the Nintendo community with its distinctive animation style and subtle references.

Nintendo has now taken the initiative to release an alternate version of the short on its "Nintendo Today" platform.

This version highlights various Pikmin species that were previously hidden in the original cut, offering keen-eyed fans an opportunity to spot their favorite creatures from the iconic strategy franchise. A Nintendo representative stated that the updated animation was created to "give fans a closer look at the Pikmin world and celebrate the imaginative spirit of the series." This move underscores Nintendo's ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of Pikmin, which has seen renewed popularity on the Nintendo Switch platform thanks to successful titles like 'Pikmin 3 Deluxe' and the highly anticipated recent release of 'Pikmin 4.' Nintendo Pictures, the company’s dedicated animation division, has been tasked with producing various animated shorts that deepen the lore and whimsical charm of the Pikmin universe.

With the positive reception of 'Close to You,' industry observers expect Nintendo Pictures will continue to deliver more animated content spotlighting the adventures of Captain Olimar and his Pikmin companions. The Pikmin series, first introduced in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube and now a staple on Nintendo Switch, has earned praise for its innovative real-time strategy gameplay and engaging storyline.

The franchise has achieved notable sales milestones, with 'Pikmin 3 Deluxe' surpassing two million units worldwide according to official reports. Nintendo's strategic use of new animated shorts signals the company’s dedication to supporting its franchises well beyond the game console.

These projects enhance brand engagement and serve to introduce new audiences to the charming world of Pikmin, directly accessible to players today through the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch. As Nintendo continues to innovate through animated content and robust game support on its flagship hardware, Pikmin fans have much to look forward to in the months ahead.

For further updates, stay tuned to official Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo Today portal.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pikmin Franchise Close to You Pikmin series Nintendo Pictures