Pikmin 4’s free Switch 2 demo arrives November 2

Nintendo’s surprise Pikmin Direct announced a free demo of Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy for November 2, 2026. The broadcast also introduces Hello! Pikmin shorts and details the cave expeditions coming to Pikmin Bloom this winter.

Two Academy stages to practice in

The demo will include Sun-Speckled Terrace, Pikmin 4’s opening area, plus two Dandori Academy stages. That gives you a chance to try the Academy ahead of its Dandori Exams.

The exams are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with one attempt and medals based on performance. Practicing beforehand will matter when you only get one shot at an exam.

Hello! Pikmin begins with “Frog”

Nintendo has named November 1 Pikmin Day, starting in 2026. The Direct has already shown Hello! Pikmin #01, “Frog,” the opening short in a new original series from Nintendo Pictures with Miyamoto.

The shorts are coming to Nintendo Today! and other channels. Another short is scheduled for the day after the presentation, followed by one more later in November and monthly releases beginning in December.

Secret Caves bring expeditions to Pikmin Bloom

Pikmin Bloom’s Secret Caves update is scheduled for this winter, with cave maps that may arrive attached to postcards and let you send Pikmin to explore, fight creatures and collect treasures. If Pikmin take too much damage, they will withdraw and recover after a while. Players who take Dandori Academy exams will also be able to receive special cave maps for the app.