Nintendo Releases 'Close To You' Animated Short: Fans Speculate Pikmin Connection

Nintendo has continued to broaden its entertainment ventures beyond traditional gaming, most recently surprising fans with the release of a whimsical animated short entitled 'Close To You.' The new video debuted unexpectedly this week and has already ignited widespread discussion and theory-crafting within the Nintendo community, largely centered around a possible connection to the acclaimed Pikmin franchise. The Japanese gaming giant is no stranger to innovating beyond video games.

In recent years, Nintendo has made significant strides in multimedia engagement through the development of Nintendo theme park attractions in Japan and overseas, as well as notable movie projects like The Super Mario Bros.

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Further amplifying its creative outreach, Nintendo established the video production subsidiary Nintendo Pictures in 2022, signaling a clear commitment to high-quality, original content across multiple formats. In tandem with its push toward diversified family entertainment, Nintendo also recently launched a unique product line in Japan targeting younger audiences.

This series features items such as rattles and building blocks—each supporting amiibo compatibility, blending the physical and digital worlds Nintendo is known for. The release of 'Close To You' serves as another step in Nintendo's strategic expansion.

The short film, shared via official channels early this week, portrays a curious scenario in which everyday objects are animated by an unseen force—a creative choice that fans and analysts have rapidly linked to Pikmin, the puzzle-strategy series celebrated for its hidden, minuscule helpers living out of human sight. Adding further weight to this theory, viewers have noted that the music in the new animation closely mirrors themes familiar to longtime Pikmin players.

Online communities have also pointed to statements from Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto, who in past interviews described the Pikmin as 'invisible to the naked eye' and suggested 'they’re all around us.' These remarks, frequently cited since the video’s release, have lent credence to speculation that 'Close To You' contains subtle nods to the beloved franchise. As of now, Nintendo has not issued any official comment confirming the connection between 'Close To You' and Pikmin.

The developer’s growing portfolio of animation through Nintendo Pictures, however, suggests an ongoing interest in strengthening and exploring its most cherished intellectual properties beyond traditional game experiences. Fans eager for more answers can revisit 'Close To You' on Nintendo’s official media channels and join the thriving conversations across forums and social media, awaiting further reveals—potentially in future Nintendo Direct presentations or updates to the eShop.

Regardless of its ultimate intent, the animated short exemplifies Nintendo's commitment to charming storytelling and cross-media creativity.

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