Pokémon Go developer Niantic is making a Pikmin game

Let's grow.

News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 30, 2021

A new Pikmin mobile game is in the works from Pokémon Go developer Niantic.

Nintendo and Niantic today announced they will work together on multiple new projects, the first of which will be a mobile AR Pikmin experience due to release in 2021.

"The app will include gameplay activities to encourage walking and make walking more delightful," Niantic exec Kei Kawai said. "This will be the first title created by our Tokyo Studio since it was established in April 2018."

An initial piece of artwork for the game shows the garden strategy series' original three Pikmin varieties carrying various types of fruit. The Red, Yellow and Blue Pikmin also have several different flower colours on their heads. Interesting!

What would it be like to have a more fun walking experience surrounded by #Pikmin? In a new mobile app developed by @NianticLabs and Nintendo coming later in 2021, explore the real world and create memories with your Pikmin friends.

Pre-register here! https://t.co/2wFI9TjHvz pic.twitter.com/LiPEl15YRZ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 23, 2021

Writing on Twitter, Niantic Tokyo boss Tatsuo Nomura said the project would "make walking more fun" while being "very different from Pokémon Go".

Pikmin fans have been waiting patiently for word on the next game in Nintendo's beloved garden strategy series. Pikmin 3 Deluxe, a re-release of the franchise's Wii U chapter, launched on Nintendo Switch last year. Plans for a Pikmin 4 have existed for a while - but you probably know about all that.

No official name for the new game has yet been revealed, but surely it will be Pikmin Go?