Dandori Academy adds 72 new exam stages to Pikmin 4 on Switch 2
Nintendo released Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy on Thursday, November 12, 2026, as a Switch 2 exclusive. The new Dandori Academy mode offers 72 exam stages where players earn medals, and more stages are added over time.
The game is an improved version of Pikmin 4, which came out in 2023, with visuals enhanced for Nintendo Switch 2. In TV mode it supports resolution up to 4K, but the frame rate stays the same as before. Players who already own Pikmin 4 can buy an add-on pack for the new features, and that pack requires the full Pikmin 4 game.
Release date and price of the Switch 2 Edition in the US and Brazil
- Release date: November 12, 2026
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 only
- United States: US$69.99 for the full edition and US$9.99 for the upgrade pack
- Brazil: R$54.90 for the upgrade pack on the eShop, checked on November 11, 2026
- Free demo: available from November 2, 2026
72 Dandori Academy stages, six added each month, with weekend exams
Dandori is the term for planning ahead and working efficiently, and the new mode turns that skill into a series of exams. The stages vary in difficulty, so players can choose the ones that fit their level. Six stages are added each month, and exams can be taken every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each stage’s official attempt allowed once a week. Each course awards up to 125 Dandori Points in Pikmin Bloom, and uploading official results requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Oatchi answers voice commands and friends can join Dandori Battles
Oatchi, the space dog who helps players on their expedition, now responds to voice commands through the Nintendo Switch 2 microphone. Players can also challenge friends in Dandori Battles on the same console, locally through GameShare or online through GameChat. A friend does not need to own the game to take part, but GameShare and GameChat require a Nintendo Switch 2 and the online terms that apply.
Pikmin Bloom rewards and the add-on for Pikmin 4 owners
Owners of Pikmin 4 on Nintendo Switch can buy only the upgrade pack to play the Switch 2 Edition. Pikmin Bloom also offers rewards for players of the game, but some of them are still in development.
Brazilian language support and details still unconfirmed
The Brazilian eShop page for the full edition had not yet shown a price in reais on the eve of launch. Nintendo‘s US store page lists Brazilian Portuguese among the supported languages. Still unconfirmed are the Portuguese name of the Dandori Academy mode, the Portuguese spelling of Oatchi, and any official comment from a Nintendo executive about the launch.
