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Sometimes Nintendo makes decisions that leave fans scratching their heads, and this one might require medical attention from all the scratching.
A PEGI rating has surfaced for Pikmin 3 Deluxe on Switch 2, suggesting the five-year-old port of a twelve-year-old Wii U game is getting an upgrade before the much newer Pikmin 4. Meanwhile, Pikmin 4 just received a content update that notably excluded any Switch 2 enhancements, despite the new console being readily available. The prioritization here seems backwards, and fans are understandably confused about Nintendo’s strategy.
The rating that raised eyebrows
Europe’s PEGI ratings board recently uploaded a Switch 2 classification for Pikmin 3 Deluxe. For context, other confirmed Switch 2-enhanced titles like Super Mario Odyssey show similar secondary ratings on the PEGI website. This pattern suggests Pikmin 3 Deluxe will receive a free Switch 2 update with performance and visual improvements.
Notably, this appears to be an update rather than a full “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” release. Games receiving the Edition treatment, like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, have separate ratings entries on PEGI’s site. Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s rating follows the update pattern instead.
Switch 2 enhancement types:
| Enhancement Type | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Free Update | Super Mario Odyssey, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet | Performance/visual upgrades, same game |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Separate purchase, additional content |
The mystery isn’t whether Pikmin 3 Deluxe is getting upgraded. The mystery is why it’s apparently jumping the line ahead of Pikmin 4.
Pikmin 4’s puzzling update
Adding to the confusion, Nintendo just dropped a surprise update for Pikmin 4 that adds genuinely exciting features while completely ignoring Switch 2 capabilities.
The update brings Photo Mode to Pikmin 4, finally letting players capture the adorable chaos of their tiny plant armies up close. Given how visually charming the game is, this addition was long overdue. Pikmin 3 Deluxe had Photo Mode from the start, making its absence in the sequel an odd omission that’s now been corrected.
Decor Pikmin also arrive with this update, migrating from the mobile game Pikmin Bloom. These are regular Pikmin sporting random items as clothing, hidden throughout the game world for players to discover. You can even send them to Pikmin Bloom if you’re playing both titles.
Most significantly, the update introduces the Creature Activity Level system with two new difficulty options. “Relaxed” mode makes enemies passive until attacked and easier to defeat when combat does occur, perfect for leisurely photo sessions. “Fierce” mode promises increased challenge, though Nintendo kept specific details vague beyond describing it as “a more challenging adventure.”
Pikmin 4 update contents:
| Feature | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Mode | Capture screenshots with camera controls | Long-requested addition |
| Decor Pikmin | Hidden collectible Pikmin with accessories | New exploration incentive |
| Relaxed Difficulty | Passive enemies, easier combat | Accessibility improvement |
| Fierce Difficulty | Increased challenge | Addresses “too easy” criticism |
| Switch 2 Enhancements | None included | Notably absent |
The difficulty additions specifically address one of Pikmin 4’s most common criticisms. Many players found the game too easy throughout most of the experience, limiting tension and strategy. Fierce mode should satisfy those wanting genuine challenge.
The elephant in the room
What makes this update genuinely baffling is the complete absence of Switch 2 enhancements. Pikmin 4 launched in 2023 as one of Nintendo’s best games that year. It sold exceptionally well. It reviewed brilliantly. And now, in the year Switch 2 launched, it’s getting substantial new content without any next-gen improvements.
Other major Nintendo titles received Switch 2 updates at the console’s launch. Super Mario Odyssey got one. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet got them. Yet Pikmin 4, a game crying out for higher resolution and smoother framerates, sits on the sidelines.
The omission of mouse controls particularly stings. Pikmin games involve precisely directing groups of creatures across battlefields. The Switch 2’s mouse support would be a natural fit, potentially the best control scheme the franchise has ever had. That Nintendo isn’t capitalizing on this obvious improvement is puzzling.
Reading between the lines
Optimistic interpretation: Nintendo has bigger plans for Pikmin 4 that require more development time. The content update keeps the game fresh and in players’ minds while something more substantial brews behind the scenes.
Other Nintendo Switch 2 Editions have launched alongside DLC expansions. Kirby and the Forgotten Land followed this pattern. A Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition bundled with new explorable areas would justify the delay and exceed what a simple patch could deliver.
Potential Pikmin 4 switch 2 edition features (speculation):
| Feature | Likelihood | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Performance upgrades | Very high | Standard for Switch 2 editions |
| Visual enhancements | Very high | Standard for Switch 2 editions |
| Mouse support | High | Perfect control fit for the genre |
| New areas/DLC | Medium | Follows Kirby edition precedent |
| Additional story content | Medium | Would justify separate release |
Pessimistic interpretation: Nintendo simply isn’t prioritizing Pikmin 4 for Switch 2 enhancement and the Pikmin 3 Deluxe upgrade serves some internal business logic we’re not privy to.
Why Pikmin 3 first makes some sense
Looking at this charitably, there are reasons Nintendo might upgrade Pikmin 3 Deluxe before Pikmin 4.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe represents a straightforward port job. The base game already ran on Wii U hardware, meaning optimization for Switch 2 likely requires less intensive work than enhancing Pikmin 4, which was built specifically for original Switch capabilities.
Additionally, having both Pikmin games available with Switch 2 enhancements makes the franchise more appealing to new players. Someone discovering Pikmin through the buzz around Pikmin 4 might want to experience the previous entry too. Both games looking their best on Switch 2 creates a more cohesive franchise experience.
Still, the timing and prioritization feel off. Pikmin 4 generated significantly more attention and sales than the Pikmin 3 port. It’s the game people are actively playing and talking about. From a pure engagement standpoint, enhancing Pikmin 4 first makes more sense.
What fans really want
The Pikmin community has been clear about their wishes for Pikmin 4 on Switch 2. Higher resolution to appreciate the game’s detailed environments. Smoother framerates for more responsive control during hectic battles. Mouse support for precision Pikmin management. And ideally, new content that extends the adventure.
The content update delivers on some requests while ignoring others entirely. Photo Mode was wanted. Difficulty options were wanted. But Switch 2 support was wanted more than both, and its absence overshadows the additions.
The question now becomes whether this update represents the end of Pikmin 4 support or a bridge to something larger. Nintendo rarely telegraphs their plans, leaving fans to speculate based on ratings classifications and reading tea leaves in press releases.
The waiting game continues
Pikmin 4 remains one of the best games in Nintendo’s recent catalog. Its blend of strategy, exploration, and charm created something special that deserved better ongoing support. The new update helps, but it’s not what the game truly needs.
Perhaps the Pikmin 3 Deluxe rating signals a broader Pikmin initiative, with both games receiving Switch 2 treatment as part of a franchise push. Perhaps Pikmin 4 is getting the full Edition treatment with substantial additions that justify the development time. Or perhaps Nintendo’s priorities simply don’t align with fan expectations.
For now, Pikmin 4 players can enjoy Photo Mode and test themselves against Fierce difficulty. The cute plant creatures have never looked better in screenshots, even if the underlying game isn’t running on upgraded hardware.
Do you think Nintendo is holding back Pikmin 4’s Switch 2 upgrade for a bigger announcement, or has the company simply moved on to other priorities?
