A Pikmin AR game is being developed by Pokemon Go developer Niantic.
Announced via a brief blog post from the developer explaining the project, Kei Kawai (VP of Product Management at Niantic) explained that: “Niantic and Nintendo are developing an app based on the Pikmin franchise. The app will include gameplay activities to encourage walking and make walking more delightful.”
We're overjoyed to make new memories with our partners at @Nintendo and YOU! 🌱 Imagine exploring the world through the wonder of AR and alongside all of your pals - including your new #Pikmin friends! Learn more about our partnership here: https://t.co/TiQ10S8kMR pic.twitter.com/YUpp4P33NAMarch 23, 2021
The post also details that the app is set to launch later this year and will be the first title created by Niantic’s Tokyo studio after it was established in April 2018. Similar to Pokemon Go, the aim of the app is to interact with the Pikmin characters we all know and love in the real world with the use of augmented reality technology. Niantic also announced that those interested in the app can pre-register for it via their website.
Nintendo’s Pikmin franchise has been laying low since the series’ latest release Pikmin 3 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in October 2020. The series began in 2001 on the Nintendo GameCube and was created by Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto, who recently attended the grand opening of Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan.
Since then, the series has spawned three more games and maintained its unique real-time puzzle strategy gameplay style. Although each game’s story differs, the overall premise is to wrangle a horde of colorful alien-looking plant creatures and get them to complete various tasks and collect items whilst exploring the alien planet of PNF-404.
While you wait for Niantic’s Pikmin game, take a look at our best Nintendo Switch games list
