Pikmin 4 arrives on Nintendo Switch as the latest entry in Nintendo's long-running Pikmin series, released on July 21, 2023.
Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Pikmin 4 follows Pikmin 3 (2013) and Pikmin 2 (2004), closing a decade-long gap since the previous mainline installment.
This review, written after hands-on time with a Nintendo Switch review copy, examines the gameplay changes, new systems, and how the game balances accessibility with the franchise’s signature strategy-action loop.
When a beloved franchise returns after a long hiatus, players typically oscillate between excitement and apprehension.
As one reviewer put it, fans often cheer the announcement but then worry that a ten-year gap could make it hard for a new entry to match the series’ earlier magic.
Pikmin 4 largely answers those concerns by retaining core mechanics while expanding scope and features.
For the first time, Pikmin 4 introduces a hub area where players can create a user avatar, grow Pikmin, and interact with rescued crewmembers before setting out on missions.
The story begins as a rescue operation—searching for Captain Olimar—but evolves into broader objectives including treasure recovery and investigating a mysterious ailment.
Story beats unlock tangible gameplay systems: rescuing a treasure hunter grants access to a treasure log and milestones, while saving a scientist enables material-for-item trades and upgrades.
Gameplay retains the series’ mix of real-time strategy and adventure: command up to 100 Pikmin, exploit unique abilities, solve environmental puzzles, and carry items back to your pod.
Pikmin 4 adds two new types—Glow Pikmin for nighttime missions, and Ice Pikmin that can freeze water and enemies—while reintroducing Pikmin 2–style caves, which restrict respawns and slow the day counter.
New features include the companion dog Oatchi, who can carry, attack, and be trained to perform leader-like tasks, and conveniences such as summoning your pod or Pikmin onion to specific locations.
Multiplayer sees a narrower focus compared with Pikmin 3 Deluxe: Dondori Battles return as frantic one-versus-one contests, while several cooperative modes are more limited; some challenges remain single-player only.
The game’s opening leans toward accessibility with extended guidance that eases after the first hour.
Overall, Pikmin 4 is a refined, larger-scale entry that blends familiar Pikmin systems with meaningful additions.
This review awarded the game a 9/10 (Version Tested: Nintendo Switch; review copy provided by Nintendo), concluding that Pikmin 4 is arguably the series’ most rounded adventure to date.
Developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Pikmin 4 follows Pikmin 3 (2013) and Pikmin 2 (2004), closing a decade-long gap since the previous mainline installment.
This review, written after hands-on time with a Nintendo Switch review copy, examines the gameplay changes, new systems, and how the game balances accessibility with the franchise’s signature strategy-action loop.
When a beloved franchise returns after a long hiatus, players typically oscillate between excitement and apprehension.
As one reviewer put it, fans often cheer the announcement but then worry that a ten-year gap could make it hard for a new entry to match the series’ earlier magic.
Pikmin 4 largely answers those concerns by retaining core mechanics while expanding scope and features.
For the first time, Pikmin 4 introduces a hub area where players can create a user avatar, grow Pikmin, and interact with rescued crewmembers before setting out on missions.
The story begins as a rescue operation—searching for Captain Olimar—but evolves into broader objectives including treasure recovery and investigating a mysterious ailment.
Story beats unlock tangible gameplay systems: rescuing a treasure hunter grants access to a treasure log and milestones, while saving a scientist enables material-for-item trades and upgrades.
Gameplay retains the series’ mix of real-time strategy and adventure: command up to 100 Pikmin, exploit unique abilities, solve environmental puzzles, and carry items back to your pod.
Pikmin 4 adds two new types—Glow Pikmin for nighttime missions, and Ice Pikmin that can freeze water and enemies—while reintroducing Pikmin 2–style caves, which restrict respawns and slow the day counter.
New features include the companion dog Oatchi, who can carry, attack, and be trained to perform leader-like tasks, and conveniences such as summoning your pod or Pikmin onion to specific locations.
Multiplayer sees a narrower focus compared with Pikmin 3 Deluxe: Dondori Battles return as frantic one-versus-one contests, while several cooperative modes are more limited; some challenges remain single-player only.
The game’s opening leans toward accessibility with extended guidance that eases after the first hour.
Overall, Pikmin 4 is a refined, larger-scale entry that blends familiar Pikmin systems with meaningful additions.
This review awarded the game a 9/10 (Version Tested: Nintendo Switch; review copy provided by Nintendo), concluding that Pikmin 4 is arguably the series’ most rounded adventure to date.
