Pikmin 3 Deluxe has released a new patch that should make gameplay run much more smoothly when played on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, including the removal of a particularly irritating issue players have been reporting. While a Pikmin 3 Deluxe update from early June had already been released to deal with the game's transition to the Switch 2, it had only been able to partially alleviate problems, which should now be resolved.
Originally, Pikmin 3 was released on the Nintendo Wii U in July 2013. The game proved popular with fans at the time but was overshadowed in 2020 with the release of the Deluxe version on Nintendo Switch, which sports visual enhancements and features like a new prologue not included in the original version. Soon after its release, it became the fastest-selling game in the Pikmin franchise, until that record was broken by Pikmin 4 in September 2023.
Pikmin Can't Wait Too Long to Make its Mark on The Switch 2
Nintendo has historically taken its time with the Pikmin franchise, but it will hopefully pick up the pace for the next entry on the Switch 2.
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, the new update for the game's version 1.1.3 has been entirely focused on improving gameplay on the new console. Most notably, the update resolves a screen flicker issue that had been causing Switch 2 screens to turn off completely during several scenes before popping back on again. Developers had been trying to resolve the issue even before the Switch 2's release date, but they had only been able to partially resolve it in the version 1.1.2 update in early June.
Well before the launch of the new console, Nintendo had announced that the Switch 2 would be backwards compatible with many games initially released for the original Switch in both their physical and digital forms. That's been good news for many fans who have found the selection of Switch 2 launch games lacking, with Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour being the only new first-party games released alongside the new console. There are currently no announced plans for a new Pikmin game in the Switch 2 era, making backwards compatibility even more important for its fans.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe isn't the only game from the original Switch era that has been giving players problems. Nintendo's Japanese support website lists 185 Switch titles that were supported by the Switch 2 at launch, though there were reports of compatibility issues in a few of those games. For instance, Nintendo has cautioned players to avoid using Mii Fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate when played on a Switch 2, as doing so has resulted in avatar errors and players being booted from online matches. No resolution for these problems has been noted on the support website.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe Version 1.1.3 Patch Notes
The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:
General
- Fixed an issue that occurs when playing on Nintendo Switch 2 where the entire screen will briefly turn off and on again in several scenes of the game, such as at the beginning and end of a day.
- Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- October 30, 2020
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Unreal Engine
- Franchise
- Pikmin
WHERE TO PLAY
Grow a squad of adorable, plantlike Pikmin to traverse a strange world and save your planet
Command a capable crop of different types of Pikmin™ to strategically overcome obstacles, defeat creatures, and find food for your famished home planet! You can even bring a second player along to divvy up tasks as you explore a world that seems larger than life from a pint-sized perspective.
Return to your ship before time runs out, or you (and your Pikmin) could be in big trouble. If you prefer a more casual approach, a variety of difficulty settings, lock-on targeting and optional hints have been newly added. With less pressure, you have more time to strategically command your Pikmin and take in the lush scenery.
Play side-story missions, head-to-head matches and more! This deluxe version of the Pikmin 3 game includes new side-story missions featuring Olimar and Louie, the ability to play Story mode with a friend and all DLC stages from the original release. Feeling competitive? Enjoy fierce head-to-head Bingo Battles against another player!
