Just over three years since its initial Nintendo Switch release, Pikmin 4 has finally arrived on the Switch 2 as of November 12, 2026. The Switch 2 edition is fairly similar to the original, with the addition of enhanced visuals and gameplay modes specifically designed for the new Switch 2 hardware. The updated Pikmin 4 also comes with an exclusive DLC: Dandori Academy.
New Features
The new voice command feature allows players to give orders to Oatchi, their in game pet dog. Oatchi is able to receive commands to drop, fetch, and “take care of business elsewhere” that he is given vocally, though players still have the option to use their controllers.
Another notable addition is multiplayer compatibility “via GameShare locally or online via GameChat.” With this feature, “two players on the same system [Nintendo Switch 2] can work together or battle it out,” even if one player does not own the updated Pikmin 4. Friends can either explore the story in “Co-Op Mode,” or they can “battle it out” in the new Dandori Academy DLC.
Dandori Academy
In the Pikmin universe, “Dandori is the art of commanding Pikmin effectively.” The Dandori Academy DLC essentially serves as a training ground where players lead their Pikmin through various exam stages. Passing an exam earns players a virtual medal, and while there are currently only six stages to train on, Pikmin developers promise a total of seventy two stages, releasing six new ones per month.
Since the original title is cross compatible with the Switch 2, players who already own Pikmin 4 are able to purchase an upgrade pack for a reduced price. This pack includes all of the changes made for the Switch 2 version of the game, including Dandori Academy. Players are warned, however, that this upgrade pack is only compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 systems; if they attempt to download and play it on their first edition Switch consoles, they will be met with an error message.