Nintendo Pictures Debuts with 'Close to You' Pikmin Shorts: A New Era in Nintendo Video Content

Nintendo has officially launched the creative operations of its new studio, Nintendo Pictures, with the release of 'Close to You'—a two-part series of Pikmin-themed short films.

The announcement, shared via Nintendo’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscores the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its presence in original video content.

These short films, rolled out on October 7 and 8, 2023, represent a debut effort for Nintendo Pictures Co., Ltd.

One of the shorts is also available through the Nintendo Today! app, a free application accessible on smart devices, allowing fans to conveniently view the latest creations from the company. A spokesperson for Nintendo explained in a recent post, "We hope fans enjoyed the two 'Close to You' videos released on October 7 and 8.

The second video is now available on Nintendo Today!, a free app for smart devices.

These are the inaugural short films developed by Nintendo Pictures Co., Ltd.

The studio will continue to pursue innovative opportunities in video content." The launch of Nintendo Pictures was first publicized in 2022, with the subsidiary’s mission centered on the internal production of video and animation based on Nintendo’s renowned IP.

'Close to You' is the studio’s first creative output, serving as both a showcase of technical prowess and a statement of intent regarding the type of content Nintendo aims to deliver in the future. While some fans speculated that the Pikmin shorts could hint at forthcoming game releases or tie-ins, Nintendo has clarified that these videos are standalone pieces, not connected to any impending software announcements or updates.

The shorts function mainly as proof-of-concept materials, designed to demonstrate the capabilities of Nintendo Pictures and gauge audience reception to video-based explorations of established characters like those from Pikmin. It’s worth noting that Pikmin 4, the latest major entry in the longstanding franchise, launched for the Nintendo Switch in 2023—a full ten years after the prior installment appeared on Wii U.

This timeline highlights the rarity of new Pikmin projects, intensifying fan enthusiasm for any related content, even in the form of short films. The positive reception of 'Close to You' speaks volumes about the quality and charm Nintendo Pictures brings to its projects.

As the company continues to invest in its video content strategy, fans can look forward to a new era of Nintendo media, with future releases potentially exploring other beloved series across the Nintendo Switch and beyond. With Nintendo Pictures now established as a creative pillar, the gaming giant is poised to further blend its rich gaming heritage with the expanding world of animated entertainment, underscoring its influence not just in software, but now in narrative-driven video media as well.

Nintendo Pikmin Nintendo Pictures game developer developer Close to You Nintendo Switch Nintendo Pictures Co. Ltd. Nintendo Today