Summary
- Nintendo is reportedly working on a new Pikmin spin-off with different gameplay mechanics and art style.
- Previous spin-offs like Pikmin Bloom and Hey Pikmin have explored different genres within the franchise.
- President Shuntaro Furukawa sees Pikmin as a flagship IP for Nintendo, hinting at more developments.
According to a well-known insider, a spin-off to the Pikmin franchise is being developed by Nintendo, and it will make some unexpected changes to its gameplay. The Pikmin franchise is one of the Japanese giant's most well-regarded series, despite its relative obscurity in comparison to the likes of Super Mario Bros. And The Legend of Zelda.
Pikmin 4 was released last year to critical acclaim, and is considered one of the best games in the series, and one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. The Pikmin series has also benefited from being on the Switch with rereleases of the first three games on the same system in the lead-up to Pikmin 4's release. With the Pikmin series enjoying this new renaissance in 2024, some fans may be wondering what will be next for the franchise. According to a reliable insider, Nintendo is currently working on a new spin-off, and it will stand out from previous entries with its new gameplay mechanics.
What's Your Favorite Type of Pikmin?
Every time we get a new Pikmin game, we also get a bunch of new Pikmin types introduced. From the classic Red Pikmin to the eerie, ghost-like Glow Pikmin, these creatures come in all shapes and colors nowadays. While I think Winged Pikmin are one of the most practical types, Rock Pikmin are my favorite. I just think it's fun when you get to throw them and break stuff.
This rumor comes from Twitter user Nash Weedle, who has a record of reliable leaks. They claim that the next game in the series will be a spin-off and that it will "stand out" from the mainline Pikmin games with a new type of gameplay. Moreover, this spin-off will allegedly be changing its core art style to something different, with the approximate release window being in the next fiscal year. The numbered titles will continue using the classic gameplay that fans are familiar with. Another well-known leaker, Necro Felipe, responded to the tweet to seemingly corroborate Nash Weedle's claims.
Pikmin's Past Spin-off Titles
The Pikmin series has delved into different genres with its two spin-off games, Pikmin Bloom and Hey Pikmin. Pikmin Bloom was first released in 2021 for iOS and Android devices in 2021, and is an AR game similar to Pokemon GO, though some fans note that it is hampered by its gameplay loop. The 3DS exclusive Hey Pikmin is a dramatically different entry from the numbered games, as it is a 2D platformer that adapts a lot of mechanics for a portable gaming console. Mechanics include using Olimar's Pikmin to attack enemies, collect fuel, and build bridges to cross gaps.
The possibility of another Pikmin spin-off being in the works may not be too far-fetched. In a debriefing for the March 2024 fiscal year, President Shuntaro Furukawa shared how the company considers Pikmin to be one of Nintendo's flagship IPs. Like with any rumor, these claims should be taken with a grain of salt until more information is revealed.
Pikmin is an imaginative and colorful strategy and puzzle release created by the iconic Shigeru Miyamoto. The title follows the mysterious adventurer Olimar, as well as an array of other characters in later installments, as they befriend tiny multi-colored creatures called Pikmin. Players must use hordes of these adorable lifeforms to navigate puzzles and defeat enemies.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info