Pikmin 4

A group of Pikmin fighting a Bulborb

Pikmin 4 focuses on the staple gameplay of the Pikmin series - players control a minuscule leader, who must spend a day on an Earth-like planet, raising pikmin to use in defeating enemies, securing objects and achieving specific goals in various locations.[2] Pikmin 4 adds a new mechanic to deploy Pikmin, and a camera option much closer to the ground,[3] as well as introducing new species of Pikmin with new abilities to help solve puzzles and tackle enemies, such as Ice Pikmin who can freeze water and enemies. In addition, the player will also be able to command a dog-like creature in the game, who can help carry objects, or transport Pikmin across water.[4] The game's main story will focus on rescuing castaways of a new humanoid race upon the same planet used in the Pikmin series.

On September 7, 2015, Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed to Eurogamer that Pikmin 4 was in development, and "very close to completion".[5][6] On July 7, 2016, Miyamoto said in an E3 interview with Game Rant that Pikmin 4 was still in development, though at a lower priority.[7] On June 19, 2017, Miyamoto reassured Eurogamer that the game was still "progressing".[8]

Pikmin 4 was announced by Shigeru Miyamoto in a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2022.[2] The teaser glimpses at the game, without any gameplay or story details.[9] Nintendo also announced that the Pikmin T-shirt worn by Miyamoto during the announcement would be released at the Nintendo New York store and Nintendo's website.[3][10] In the February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct, Pikmin 4 was revealed to launch on July 21, 2023.[1]