Nintendo Updates ‘Close To You’ Short Film With Pikmin Cameos

Nintendo has quietly updated its mysterious animated short film Close To You — and this time, the little plant-like creatures from Pikmin have joined the action. The revised version debuted on Nintendo Today! on October 8, 2025, featuring fresh animation details, added music, and, most notably, a swarm of Pikmin taking center stage.

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Nintendo’s Close To You Update Adds Pikmin and New Music

In this updated version of Close To You, (thanks to ProsafiaGaming for a Youtube-ready video!), Nintendo swaps out the mysterious elements from the original short for a clear Pikmin connection! The new cut showcases multiple Pikmin species throughout, hinting at the franchise’s signature charm and environmental storytelling.

A reworked score accompanies the changes, making the short feel more in line with Nintendo’s tone we all know and love. While fans speculated about connections to The Super Mario Bros. Movie or other upcoming projects, this update confirms the short’s true inspiration lies in the Pikmin universe.

Original Version Sparked Mystery and Speculation

Close to You Pikmin - Pacifier | Image: Nintendo Hall

The first release of Close To You, which appeared unexpectedly on the Nintendo Today! app and YouTube, told a curious story of a baby taking its first steps with the help of a sentient pacifier. Many viewers drew comparisons to Pixar’s Toy Story for its heartfelt premise and polished animation. However, it lacked any direct Nintendo references—no Mario, no consoles, not even a familiar mascot. Subtle cues, such as the music and a few mysterious background movements, led fans to theorize that Pikmin might be involved all along.

A Pikmin Connection — Or Something Bigger?

With this update, Nintendo has confirmed that Close To You belongs firmly within the world of Pikmin. Still, questions remain. Is this short teasing a new Pikmin game, or perhaps an upcoming animated series?

Nintendo has yet to comment, leaving fans eager for answers. Regardless, the return of the colorful explorers has reignited excitement among longtime fans of the series and raised curiosity about what else the company may have planned next!

Pikmin’s Expanding Presence

The Pikmin franchise has seen renewed life in recent years, following the success of Pikmin 4 and ongoing updates to Pikmin Bloom. This new short could mark the next step in Nintendo’s multimedia expansion for the series.

Where to Watch

Both the original and updated versions of Close To You are currently available through the Nintendo Today! app and official YouTube channel. Scroll up if you missed it in the article!

What’s Next for Nintendo Animation

Following projects like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and ongoing Pikmin content, Close To You may signal a broader push into animated storytelling for Nintendo’s beloved characters.