Free Pikmin 4 Update Brings Photo Mode, ‘Decor’ Pikmin and New Difficulty Options — Demo Drops in November
Nintendo has confirmed a free Pikmin 4 update arriving in November that adds a photo mode, Decor Pikmin, new difficulty options, and an updated demo. The announcement follows the company’s recent animated Pikmin short, and Nintendo says the update will roll out sometime in November without a specific day yet.
On Wednesday, the publisher announced the upcoming free update for Pikmin 4, confirming multiple features and cross-compatibility with the mobile title Pikmin Bloom. The official post summarizes what players can expect, and Nintendo reiterated that the update is free for existing owners.
Photo mode (Field Camera)
The update introduces a Field Camera photo mode. Players will be able to take in-game photos of their Pikmin, add stamps and frames, and apply filters to personalize shots. In addition, Nintendo teases that the Field Camera “may even be the key to adding Decor Pikmin to your crew,” so photo activities could link to the new Pikmin types.
Decor Pikmin and Pikmin Bloom
Decor Pikmin first appeared in the mobile game Pikmin Bloom, and they arrive in Pikmin 4 with visual accessories—things like donuts around their waists or snow on their heads. Decor Pikmin you find in Pikmin 4 will join your group and can also be transferred to Pikmin Bloom, extending cross-play features between the Switch game and the mobile app. Furthermore, Ice Pikmin from Pikmin 4 will now appear in Pikmin Bloom as well.
New difficulty options
The update adds two difficulty settings you can toggle at any time during a run. Relaxed mode makes enemies only attack when provoked and lowers their durability once engaged, making exploration easier. Meanwhile, Fierce mode increases the challenge for players seeking tougher encounters. Both modes are optional and can be changed mid-playthrough.
Release timing and demo
Nintendo did not give an exact release date, only stating the update will arrive in November. However, the company confirmed that an updated demo will appear on the Nintendo eShop on the same day the update launches. Pikmin 4 is available on Nintendo Switch, and it is backward compatible on the Nintendo Switch 2.
