It's been a long while, but Pikmin 4 is finally here, and with it the Pikmin franchise is alive and well.

First mentioned by Shigeru Miyamoto all the way back in 2015, before the Switch was even announced, fans were starting to worry that Pikmin might not get another game, but we've got all the (at this point scant) details on it for you right here - also check out our review of the game here!

Pikmin 4 release date

Pikmin 4 came out on 21 July 2023, as confirmed by a Nintendo Direct in February.

This made it a major summer release for Nintendo, coming after The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom which had already launched to absolutely stellar reviews (including our own).

How to buy Pikmin 4

Since the game is out, you can now easily buy Pikmin 4.

Pikmin 4 trailers

The most recent trailer for Pikmin 4 doesn't give us a huge amount of new information beyond one key tidbit - it shows that we'll be making a custom character when we start the game.

Pikmin 4 got its second major trailer in February 2023 as part of a Nintendo Direct, and it shows us plenty of gameplay and some new mechanics arriving in the game.

The reveal trailer that confirmed Pikmin 4 came during another Nintendo Direct in September 2022, and while the news it brought was very welcome, the trailer is about as brief as they come.

That's it, just a glimpse of one gameplay environment, then a title card and release window with no more detail. That Nintendo Direct had bigger fish to fry, announcing Fire Emblem Engage and the title of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, so we were able to forgive Nintendo for it.

Pikmin 4 platforms

Pikmin 3 first came out on the Wii U, but we're in a new era for Nintendo now, and have been for quite a few years.

Pikmin 4, therefore, will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, and won't be available to play on any other consoles or platforms.

Pikmin 4 story and gameplay

Pikmin's world is one where humanity is extinct, and you play as a tiny space explorer seeking to survive the wilds by corralling the titular Pikmin.

These little munchkins, all primary coloured with little seedlings sprouting from their head, can be (somewhat loosely) directed around to counter threats and overcome obstacles, letting you explore new areas and grow new Pikmin again.

Story isn't necessarily the biggest focus of the Pikmin series, but it has built up a backlog of lore for you to explore. Playing Pikmin 3 is a great way to figure some of this out - and it's been rereleased on Switch to make that easier than ever.

On the gameplay side, Pikmin 4 will involve more real-time strategy as we move Pikmin around in herds to accomplish objectives like collecting food and defeating nasty monsters.

We know that there is at least one new type of Pikmin to control - Ice Pikmin, which have the ability to freeze both enemies and bodies of water to unlock new areas to explore.

On top of that, one of Pikmin 4's trailers also showcased a faithful pooch, Oatchi, who we'll be able to ride around for quicker movement and some extra boosts.

For now, those are the only additions we know of, but we're confident that Nintendo will give further looks at Pikmin 4 before it comes out in July.