Pikmin 4Explainer
Release date
Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition: Nov. 12 release date, a $9.99 upgrade and $69.99 for the physical game
Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy comes out on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. If you already own Pikmin 4 on Switch, the upgrade pack costs $9.99 and is up for pre-order on Nintendo's US eShop. The physical Switch 2 Edition costs $69.99 on Nintendo's US store and ships on Nov. 12. Nintendo hasn't listed a price for the digital Switch 2 Edition yet. Expected price: about $69.99, our estimate, the same as the physical copy and the $59.99 game plus the $9.99 upgrade. The new version adds Dandori Academy, a set of 72 challenge stages released over time, voice commands for Oatchi through the console's microphone, sharper visuals and Dandori Battles you can share with friends who don't own the game.
- Switch 2
Pikmin 4’s Switch 2 Edition is set for Nov. 12, and Switch owners can upgrade for $9.99. Here’s what each version costs, what’s new and what Nintendo hasn’t said yet.
When does Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition come out?
On Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. Nintendo showed it in its Sept. 9 Nintendo Direct, and both the upgrade pack and the physical edition list Nov. 12 on Nintendo’s US store. It’s for Nintendo Switch 2 only. It shares the day with Metaphor: ReFantazio on Switch 2, one week after the Ocarina of Time remake on Nov. 5.
How much is Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
It depends on what you already own. If you have Pikmin 4 on Switch, the upgrade pack costs $9.99 on Nintendo’s US eShop and is up for pre-order. It works with the full game only, not a demo. If you’re starting fresh, the physical Switch 2 Edition costs $69.99 on Nintendo’s US store, with pre-orders open and shipping on Nov. 12.
Nintendo hasn’t listed a price for the digital Switch 2 Edition, and it isn’t up for pre-order yet. Expected price: about $69.99, our estimate. That matches the physical copy, and it’s what the $59.99 Switch game plus the $9.99 upgrade adds up to. Nintendo priced its other Switch 2 Editions the same way: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Legends: Z-A each cost $69.99 as Switch 2 Editions, with $9.99 upgrades.
Nintendo’s store page says you can start on the Switch version and pre-order the upgrade pack so you’re ready on day one. The original Pikmin 4 has been out since July 21, 2023, and still costs $59.99.
What’s new in the Switch 2 Edition?
The biggest addition is Dandori Academy, a series of Dandori exam stages that earn in-game medals. Nintendo says 72 stages will be released over time, with a range of difficulty levels, so they won’t all be there on Nov. 12.
Oatchi, the space dog who joins your explorer, can follow voice commands through the Switch 2 microphone. Dandori Battles, the competitive mode, works with a friend on the same system, and through GameShare you can play it with friends who don’t own the game, nearby or online over GameChat. Nintendo also promises sharper, higher-resolution visuals in TV and handheld mode. It doesn’t give a frame rate.
What else should I know?
The game supports one or two players on one system, and Save Data Cloud backup needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo’s US listings don’t say whether the physical edition holds the full game on the card or downloads it.
Our upcoming Switch 2 games page lists every Nintendo game set for the rest of 2026, and new games in November 2026 has the whole month.
This page is updated as soon as Nintendo prices the digital Switch 2 Edition or shares more about Dandori Academy.
FAQ
When does Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition come out?
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. The upgrade pack and the physical game both list that date on Nintendo’s US store.
How much is the Pikmin 4 Switch 2 upgrade?
$9.99 on Nintendo’s US eShop. You need the full Pikmin 4 game for Switch to use it, and you can pre-order it before Nov. 12.
How much is Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
The physical Switch 2 Edition costs $69.99 on Nintendo’s US store. Nintendo hasn’t priced the digital version yet. Expected price: about $69.99, our estimate, matching the physical copy and the $59.99 game plus the $9.99 upgrade.
Can I pre-order Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
Yes. The $9.99 upgrade pack is up for pre-order on Nintendo’s US eShop, and the $69.99 physical edition is up for pre-order on Nintendo’s US store. The digital Switch 2 Edition isn’t up for pre-order yet.
What's new in Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
Dandori Academy, a series of 72 Dandori exam stages released over time that earn in-game medals; voice commands for Oatchi through the Switch 2 microphone; improved high-resolution visuals in TV and handheld mode; and Dandori Battles you can share with friends through GameShare.
Does Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition run at 60fps?
Nintendo hasn’t said. Its store listings promise sharper, higher-resolution visuals in TV and handheld mode but don’t give a frame rate.
Is Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition on the original Switch?
No. The Switch 2 Edition and its upgrade pack are for Nintendo Switch 2 only. The original Pikmin 4 stays on sale for Switch at $59.99.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
How many Dandori Academy stages does Nintendo plan for Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo says 72 stages will be released over time, with a range of difficulty levels.
Your call
Will you get Pikmin 4 Switch 2 Edition?
