Pikmin 4: Release date, UK launch time, pre-order and latest news
We're here for Oatchi.
Nintendo’s adorable strategy series has returned with Pikmin 4 after just over a decade since the last mainline entry, and Switch players are in for treat, as the reviews have been glowing! So you don’t miss out, we have everything you need to know about the Pikmin 4 release date, UK launch time, pre-order and all the latest news.
First announced back in 2015, the Switch has had to go without its own Pikmin game until now, and we’re excited to to try out all the new features and characters such as the new Ice Pikmin, Glow Pikmin, and even a dog-like creature Oatchi, who is sure to be a fan favourite.
In a series first, we’re even getting a character creator to make cutesy versions of ourselves as we race to save the Pikmin. With so little time before launch, be sure to read on to get the latest about Pikmin 4 and what to expect in your next adventure!
When is the Pikmin 4 release date?
The Pikmin 4 release date is Friday 21st July 2023, Nintendo has confirmed. Given that the game was confirmed some years ago and Nintendo kept quiet on it for ages, it’s nice to finally have that release date locked in.
Fingers crossed it doesn’t get delayed!
What is the UK launch time for Pikmin 4?
The UK launch time for Pikmin 4 is 3PM BST 21st July 2023.
First-party Nintendo games are usually added to the Nintendo eShop at 2PM GMT, but seeing as we are in the height of summer, this means it will be slightly later to account for British Summer Time (if you can believe that Britain actually has a summer).
The launch time hasn't been explicitly stated, but we would be surprised if it were a different time. If it is, we will be sure to update you as soon as possible so that you don't miss a moment of Pikmin 4.
Can I pre-order Pikmin 4?
Yes, you can pre-order Pikmin 4 at different retailers, including through GAME. It’s currently selling at RRP for £49.99.
They're even giving us a nice little keyring as a bonus.
It’s worth bearing in mind that as we near the 21st July release date, you may find it cheaper than £49.99. You can also pre-order the game digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
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Which consoles and platforms can play Pikmin 4?
Pikmin 4 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive developed by Nintendo. It is not available on any other platform and, unless Nintendo has a massive and completely unprecedented change of heart, it will remain a Switch-exclusive game for the foreseeable future.
You won’t be playing this on PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X in any universe. The only way this game is playable on a console that isn’t the Switch is if it’s ported to a future Nintendo console.
Pikmin 4 gameplay and story details
In Pikmin 4, you appear to play as a new character that you can design yourself. It's your job to locate and save space travellers who have become lost during their own missions trying to find seeds and other treasures.
When searching for these lost explorers, you will have to use your Pikmin, as in other games, to defeat enemies, solve puzzles and collect treasures.
Two new kinds of Pikmin have been confirmed, too: the Ice Pikmin and Glow Pikmin. They will be joining your army of Red, Blue, Yellow, White, Purple, Rock and Winged Pikmin.
Ice Pikmin can be used to freeze enemies and bodies of water — just don’t put them in a literal line of fire. That’s what the Red Pikmin are for.
As in previous games, each type of Pikmin has its own strengths and weaknesses and you’ll need to collect and use the correct types against enemies and environmental puzzles.
The Glow Pikmin come into play at night. For the first time in the series, you will complete levels at nighttime. In the Pikmin universe, the enemies are more aggressive at night and you'll need to defend structures filled with glow sap from the baddies until sunrise.
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Another major new gameplay feature is Oatchi. This dog-like creature is larger than you and your Pikmin. You can ride Oatchi and command it to complete tasks.
A strong creature, Oatchi will swim you over bodies of water, charge through breakable objects and carry items with the strength of 10 Pikmin.
Finally, the caves are returning, but it’s unclear if they are randomly generated as they are in Pikmin 2, and nighttime looks as though it could make enemies crazed/more aggressive.
Dandori battles can be played against another player on the same console, too, meaning multiplayer is included.
Is there a Pikmin 4 trailer?
Yes! There is a Pikmin 4 trailer that shows off the game’s gorgeous visuals, story, gameplay and release date. It's perfect for those needing an overview of the game.
Watch it below:
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Authors
Toby Saunders is a freelance writer specialising in Video Game journalism. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is published on many different websites including PCGamesN, Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. He has a degree in Film Studies (he gets to write about Film and TV occasionally, too).
