Anything can happen on Halloween. A dog can become a cat. Canada can eliminate daylight saving time. Shigeru Miyamoto may abandon a new vacation altogether. This morning, Nintendo announced a Nintendo Direct out of the blue. In it, Miyamoto declares that tomorrow, November 1, will henceforth be known as “Pikmin Day.” While the Direct had updates for two of Olimar’s most recent adventures, it did not provide information on any new games. “Starting this year, we’ll start calling November 1st Pikmin Day,” Miyamoto says behind a banner of shamrocks and distant Pikmin chants. “In the future, I want people to know more about Pikmin.” Released for the GameCube in the fall of 2001, the original Pikmin debuted around this time of year. Miyamoto’s reasoning is that if three Pikmin stood shoulder to shoulder, they would look like the date ‘11.1’. Although this conflicts with Day of the Dead, experienced players know that there are probably some deceased Pikmin spirits you could atone with. It doesn’t hurt that the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Pikmin 4 is coming out in two weeks. While the Surprise Direct didn’t provide any surprise new games, it did provide information on what the new edition will offer, as well as an update on the mobile Pikmin Bloom. Using the built-in microphone, the Switch 2 version of Pikmin 4 will allow you to give vocal instructions to your dog-like assistant Oatchi. Hopefully it’s more reliable than what it says Hey, Pikachu! I could do it. The new version will also feature an exclusive new mode, ‘Dandori Academy’, a timed treasure hunt. You will only have one test in this mode from Friday to Sunday, where your score will be sent, but you will be able to practice and perfect the test over the next week. A demo of this new mode will be available on Monday, ahead of the launch on November 12. As for Pikmin Bloom, the even smaller Pikmin adventure, you’ll soon be able to send your little ones underground. Caves are being added to the mobile game. Similar to the gauntlets from the console series, these caves promise heaps of treasure at the risk of total Pikmin devastation. The live ended with a new Pikmin animated short, adding that the once-mysterious cartoon will soon be a monthly occurrence. Miyamoto also introduced actress and Pikmin ambassador Fuka Koshiba, who caught his attention by knitting hats. Happy Pikmin Day eve everyone. I hope you’re well.
