Pikmin Swarm Nintendo’s “Close to You” Short — But Why Were There Two Versions?
Nintendo has quietly released an updated version of the animated short “Close to You” that clearly shows Pikmin acting in a child’s nursery. The new cut replaces the earlier implication of invisible forces with visible Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin moving toys, tugging a rattle and squabbling over a pacifier.
- Pikmin reveal
- Initial release and fan reactions
- What happens in the updated short
- Franchise context and links
- Nintendo comment and open question
Pikmin reveal
The updated “Close to You” short shows dozens of Pikmin moving around the baby’s room and interacting with objects. Specifically, Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin appear on screen and are shown manipulating blocks, playing with a rattle, and contesting a pacifier.
Initial release and fan reactions
Before the update, Nintendo published “Close to You” through the Nintendo Today app and later on its social channels. Fans quickly identified musical themes from the Pikmin franchise in that version, and some viewers said they noticed a blurred shape that looked like a Pikmin in the background.
Additionally, the Pikmin Bloom website states that Pikmin are invisible to the naked eye.
What happens in the updated short
In the revised cut, the Pikmin are visible for the audience. They run around the room, move toys to and fro, and physically interact with the baby’s items. The child’s mother in the short does not react to the Pikmin activity on screen.
Franchise context and links
Nintendo has produced other Pikmin animated shorts and comics as part of the franchise’s media. Moreover, the franchise is noted to be nearing a milestone; according to reporting around the release, Pikmin will turn 25 years old next year.
For more from Nintendo on the series, see the page of official Pikmin short movies: Pikmin animated shorts.
Nintendo comment and open question
Nintendo did not attach an announcement or teaser to the updated short. The company has not provided a public comment explaining why it released two versions of “Close to You,” and the updated short does not end with any formal reveal or project announcement.
