Pikmin 4 on Switch 2: upgrade pack or the new edition?
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- Already own Pikmin 4? Buy only the upgrade pack. Nintendo's store says to get just the pack if you have the game.
- Don't own it yet? Either route ends up the same. Nintendo describes a Switch 2 Edition as the Switch game and its upgrade pack bundled together.
- It all arrives November 12. That's the date on Nintendo's US store.
- Your Switch copy keeps working on a Switch. The new features only play on Switch 2.
In this guide
Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy comes out on November 12. Nintendo is selling it two ways, and the names are close enough to cause mistakes.
Here's which one you need.
Upgrade pack or full edition?
It depends on whether you already own Pikmin 4 for Switch.
| You have | What to buy |
|---|---|
| Pikmin 4 for Switch (physical or digital) | The upgrade pack only |
| No Pikmin 4 at all | The Switch 2 Edition, or the Switch game plus the upgrade pack |
Nintendo's support page defines a Switch 2 Edition as "a bundle that includes the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade pack." So both routes get you the same thing. The upgrade pack requires the full Pikmin 4 game, so it won't do anything on its own.
One more thing to check first. Nintendo says Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can download certain upgrade packs at no extra cost. The Pikmin 4 store page doesn't say this pack is one of them, so if you're a member, look in the Nintendo Switch Online menu in the eShop before you buy.
What does the Switch 2 Edition add?
Nintendo's store page lists four things:
- Sharper visuals in TV mode and handheld mode
- Dandori Academy, a set of challenge stages. Nintendo says 72 will be released over time.
- Voice commands for Oatchi through the Switch 2 microphone
- Dandori Battles over GameShare, so a friend can join without owning the game
The upgrade pack itself is a small download. Nintendo lists it at about 1.2GB.
Can you still play on your old Switch?
Yes. Nintendo's support page says the original Switch game can still be played on Nintendo Switch after you upgrade. The Switch 2 Edition features only play on Switch 2.
That helps if the family has both consoles and the kids trade off.
The picks
Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy Upgrade Pack (Digital Code)
UpgradeGet this if you own Pikmin 4 for Switch and want the Switch 2 features.
Skip it if you don't own Pikmin 4. The pack needs the full game.
- Release date
- November 12, 2026
- Requires
- Pikmin 4 for Nintendo Switch
- Download size
- About 1.2GB
- Sold by (Oct 5)
- Amazon.com Services
It was open for pre-order when I checked and unlocks on release day.
Check price on AmazonPikmin 4 (Nintendo Switch)
Base gameGet this if you don't own Pikmin 4 and want to start now. Add the upgrade pack later for the Switch 2 features.
Skip it if you'd rather wait for the all-in-one Switch 2 Edition box.
- System
- Nintendo Switch
- Rating
- E (Everyone)
- Plus upgrade pack
- Matches the Switch 2 Edition
The Switch 2 Edition box wasn't listed on Amazon when I checked, so this is the way in for now.
Check price on AmazonWho can skip this
If you play on the original Switch, nothing changes for you. Your copy works as it always has.
The pack is optional. It adds the four features above to the same game.