Pikmin 4: Expected Release Time

Pikmin 4 is set to launch for the Nintendo Switch on July 21 and marks the newest numbered entry in the real-time strategy series in over ten years, making its release quite the big deal for hardcore fans. Instead of playing as Captain Olimar (who most people know from Super Smash Bros. At this point) or any of his space explorer comrades, gamers will get to customize their own character (a series first). There are not too many options available, but it's still a step forward in terms of a character creator in a Nintendo first-party title.

Pikmin 4 comes out in a couple of days and retails for $59.99, the same price as most other major games on the Switch. People who decided to pre-order the game digitally via the Switch eShop are probably wondering just when they'll be able to actually boot the game and start playing --that's where this guide comes into play.

What's the Release Time for Pikmin 4 on Nintendo Switch eShop?

Before we get into it, it's worth pointing out that this is the expected release time for Pikmin 4 --it has not been officially confirmed by Nintendo just yet. However, the Japanese gaming company tends not to share that information for each individual release; although there is information on its support page regarding the time most first-party Switch games should release.

According to the support page, "Digital software that is also sold physically will usually be available at 9:00 p.m. PT the night before the physical game's release date." This gives us the confirmation that Pikmin 4 will more than likely be available to start playing the night before launch, at least in the United States. Fans on the west coast will be able to jump in at 9 PM PT on Thursday night, and those on the east coast (NYC) should be able to play it around midnight.