Pikmin 4 is on course to hit Nintendo Switch consoles on July 21 – but if you can't wait till then, why not take its free demo for a spin right now?
The fourth evolution of Nintendo's long-serving real-time strategy series is as endearing as ever, and is the perfect game for relaxing, soaking up its gorgeous world, and exploring at your own pace. There's challenge there for those who dare look for it, but as the first mainline series entry in 10 years, Pikmin 4 is the perfect entry point for new players.
This is the first-ever Pikmin game to include customisable characters, for example, meaning you can craft your own pint-sized avatars before setting off to rescue the adorable Captain Olimar who's posted absent without leave. In doing so, you'll be joined by new canine pal Rescue Pup Oatchi, with two new Pikmin types – Ice, who can freeze enemies and environments such as bodies of water; and Glow, who can stay out at night, fly, and merge to form one united ghost-like blob – joining the familiar cast of red, blue and yellow critters.
Through all of this, Pikmin 4 is designed to suit players of all tastes. It's for fans of cosy games who want nothing more than to explore and experiment in a beautiful and thoughtful world; to kick back and chill out, and to go on an adventure with some of the cutest characters to have ever graced our screens.
Fancy that? Of course you do! Which is why you should check out Pikmin 4's free demo – which not only lets you sample over two hours' worth of gameplay, but also lets you transfer your progress into the main game, should you choose to grab it at launch on July 21.
