The reviews are in for Pikmin 4, and it is now one of the highest-rated new video game releases of the year. Nintendo's Pikmin franchise has been fairly consistent since its inception, with all main series entries earning a great deal of acclaim from critics.
Considering Pikmin's track record, expectations have been high for Pikmin 4. There was some concern when it came to light that Pikmin 4 would not have the same co-op mode found in Pikmin 3 Deluxe, but if the reviews are any indication, that doesn't seem to be as big of a roadblock to enjoying the game as some might have thought.
The reviews are in for Pikmin 4, with critics generally showering the game with praise. Right now, Pikmin 4 has an 88 overall rating according to review aggregate site Metacritic. It's possible that the game's review score will fluctuate one way or the other, but chances are good it will stay around the 88 mark. This makes Pikmin 4 one of the highest-rated new video game releases of the year, standing tall alongside recent releases like Diablo 4 and Final Fantasy 16. It's also yet another big win for the Nintendo Switch in what is proving to be a remarkable year for Nintendo's home console/handheld hybrid.
Pikmin 4 Reviews
While many think the Nintendo Switch is on its way out, the console is still putting out high-quality, critically-acclaimed new game releases on a consistent basis. Right now, the highest-rated game of the year is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which has a 96 overall rating. The number 2 and 3 spots are also taken by Switch exclusives, with Metroid Prime Remastered the second-highest rated game of the year and visual novel/rhythm game Jack Jeanne in third, both with 94 overall ratings. It's true that the Switch has been missing out on big third-party releases, but the console is definitely still holding its own.
2023 will likely be remembered as one of the Switch's best years when it's all said and done. Besides the fact that Pikmin 4 is launching to rave reviews and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the highest-rated game of 2023 so far, there's even more for fans to look forward to in the months ahead. This includes exclusive games like Disney Illusion Island, Detective Pikachu Returns, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, WarioWare: Move It, Super Mario RPG, and more. If Nintendo is preparing to phase out the Nintendo Switch in favor of a Switch 2 console as rumored, it's safe to say that it's going out with a bang and will be ending its run as one of the best Nintendo consoles in history.