Pikmin 3

Did You Know?

• In Japan, Pikmin 3 sold about 93,000 copies in its first two days and helped sell 22,200 Wii U systems.
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe was ported by Eighting, which handled planning, development, and coordination of new elements.

Plot

In the year 20XX, the planet Koppai faces famine due to overpopulation and poor planning. Scouts identify the planet PNF-404 as rich in cultivable food, so three captains—engineer Alph, botanist Brittany, and captain Charlie—are sent to retrieve seeds. Their ship, the S.S. Drake, crash-lands, separating them. Charlie is eaten by a Vehemoth Phosbat in the Distant Tundra. Alph awakens in the Tropical Wilds, meets Red Pikmin, and learns the cosmic-drive key is missing. He finds Brittany in the Garden of Hope with Rock Pikmin, and they rescue Charlie. The trio recover data from Captain Olimar, who has the key, mistaking it for treasure. They mistakenly rescue Louie, who steals their food and Charlie's rubber duck. After interrogating Louie, they learn Olimar is in the Formidable Oak. They defeat the Plasm Wraith, save Olimar, and retrieve the key. The captains offer Olimar and Louie a ride home, and all return to their planets.

Development

Shigeru Miyamoto hinted at a new Pikmin game in July 2007, noting the Wii interface suited the series. A new entry was confirmed at E3 2008, though details were scarce. At E3 2011, Miyamoto stated development had moved to the Wii U, citing its HD graphics and GamePad as better suited. The game was shown at E3 2012, demonstrating Rock Pikmin and GamePad controls. Its release was delayed from the Wii U launch to mid-2013. Miyamoto confirmed Purple and White Pikmin would appear, but only in Mission Mode and Bingo Battle. He also planned animated Pikmin shorts for the Nintendo 3DS before launch; these were released on the Nintendo eShop on November 5, 2014.

Release

Pikmin 3 launched in Japan on July 13, 2013, followed by Europe on July 26, Australia on July 27, and North America on August 4. Downloadable content included the Collect Treasure stage pack (October 1, 2013), Battle Enemies stage pack (November 6, 2013), and a third pack of new stages (December 2, 2013). An update added stylus control and free missions. The game and DLC were de-listed from the Wii U eShop in August 2020 after the announcement of Pikmin 3 Deluxe, then re-listed without direct DLC purchases; indirect in-game purchases remained until the eShop closed on March 27, 2023. Redownloading purchased content remains possible. Pikmin 3 Deluxe, an enhanced Switch port by Eighting, released on October 30, 2020, adding a prologue and epilogue, difficulty modes, co-op story, the Piklopedia, and all DLC.