If Shigeru Miyamoto could choose to expand one of Nintendo’s properties in the coming years, it’sPikmin, of all things. Nintendo’s been at the top of its game recently: withhigh hopes for the Switch 2’s sales, several of its flagship properties tapped for movie adaptation, and not one, but multiple brand-new theme parks devoted to its impact on gaming history, Nintendo’s recent success is undeniable. Even after concerns oftariff-related price increasesandchallenging Switch 2 preorder processes, Nintendo is still charging ahead boldly.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the director behind some of Nintendo’s best-known properties, was recently spotted wandering the new Super Nintendo World theme park at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. He also stopped to give an interview withIGN, where he spoke about his interest in theme parks, his plans for future innovation, and, perhaps most importantly,his desire to bringPikminto a wider audience. But what is it aboutPikminthat sets it apart from the rest of Nintendo’s big-name properties? Miyamoto provides some insight.
Shigeru Miyamoto Wants To Do More With Pikmin
After discussing his experience with the new theme park, the subject of Miyamoto’sIGNinterview turned to the Pikmin scattered around Epic Universe as a sort of Easter egg for eagle-eyed fans. Although the conversation soon turned to the interactive Power-Up bands parkgoers use to interact with the various elements of Super Nintendo World,Miyamoto soon steered itbacktowardsPikmin, referring to the property as an exception among Nintendo IP for its ability to blend easily with other game universes, likeMarioandZelda.
Then, Miyamoto discussedhis interest in expanding thePikminuniverse- not just into more games, but perhaps even into other forms of media. While he’s reluctant to give a straight yes-or-no answer on the future ofPikmin, he uses an interesting metaphor, comparing Nintendo to a talent agency that comes up with a game concept first, and then determines which of its properties might fit into it best.Pikmin, he says, are uniquely flexible:
“So looking at things from that perspective, I think Pikmin has a lot of potential to be used in many different occasions… I think Pikmin has this unique ability to have appeal across a broad range in that it’s still appealing for both younger audiences and older audiences and in Japan. And so I’m hoping that we can expand that globally.”
Pikmincould be considered one of Nintendo’s more overlooked properties; I’ve always thought it a bit odd that Nintendo considers it one of its “big four.” it doesn’t have the popularity ofZelda, the ubiquity ofMario. It’s lucky to get one game in a generation, whereZeldamight get four. But as its creator, Miyamoto’s passion for it is obvious.
Pikmin Could Make A Big Showing On The Switch 2
The Two Have A Lot To Offer Each Other
And hopefully, that passion leads to morePikmininnovation - and Pikmin releases in the near future.The Switch 2 is the perfect console for a newPikmingame- hopefully, this generation’s iteration ofPikmincomes out a little earlier.The Switch 2’s mouse controlswould bring new depth toPikmin’s strategy gameplay, allowing for more precise placement. And the stronger graphical capabilities of the Switch 2 could allow even more Pikmin to be rendered at once, giving you control over a veritable army of little creatures.
So, it’s hard to say what the future ofPikminmight look like, at least at this early point. But it’s clear that Shigeru Miyamoto himself is looking out for the series, and wants to build on its foundations in the future. The Switch 2 has a lot of potential in store for aPikminsequel - hopefully, Nintendo seizes it and does right by one of its most unique franchises.
