Pikmin 4 for Switch 2 gets a demo on Nov. 2

Nintendo's Pikmin Day Direct, a 9-minute, 34-second video presentation released Saturday, came with one date that matters: the Pikmin 4 demo for Switch 2 arrives Monday, Nov. 2, according to Nintendo's Japanese Direct page. The demo covers Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy.

There was no news beyond that. The video description had warned that "there will be no new game announcements," and the Direct stuck to the franchise.

The full game was already set for Nov. 12, so the demo gives players ten days to try it. The date comes from the Japanese page, which leaves open when the demo will appear on the Mexican eShop.

Owners of the original Pikmin 4 on Switch do not have to buy it again. Nintendo's U.S. store sells an Upgrade Pack for $9.99 that requires the original game. Everyone else gets the game and the expansion together in the full edition. Prices so far are in dollars only.

The package adds improved graphics and Dandori Academy, with 72 stages in all. Oatchi takes voice commands through the console's microphone. Dandori Battles run on GameShare, locally or through GameChat, and work even when friends do not own the game.

Pikmin Bloom, the series' mobile game, will get an update built around a treasure hunt with Pikmin. Nintendo's Japanese site also lists a Pikmin Bloom event, Journey in Kobe, for Nov. 21 and 22.

Sunday, Nov. 1, is Pikmin Day: the red, blue and yellow Pikmin form the number 1 on the celebration's poster. That day at 9 a.m. PT (11 a.m. in Mexico City), Nintendo holds its Treehouse Plays session for the game.