The European ratings board PEGI quietly rated Pikmin 3 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 28, 2025, sparking speculation that Nintendo might release a proper Switch 2 Edition of the 2020 strategy game. This separate rating filed by Nintendo of Europe SE comes months after the game received free updates fixing compatibility issues when played through backward compatibility, suggesting Nintendo has bigger plans than just bug fixes. Pikmin 3 Deluxe originally launched for Nintendo Switch in October 2020 as an enhanced port of the Wii U classic, but fans have long criticized it for maintaining the original’s 720p resolution and 30fps framerate despite the Switch’s superior hardware.
What The PEGI Rating Reveals
The new PEGI rating lists December 28, 2025 as the filing date and maintains the same PEGI 3 classification as the original Switch version, indicating content suitable for all ages with occasional, very mild violence in a comical or abstract context. The rating uses the same brief game description as the 2020 release, explaining how players command three explorers and legions of Pikmin to solve puzzles, battle predators, and recover food for their depleted home planet. However, the crucial detail is that this appears as a completely separate entry from the 2020 Switch rating rather than an update to existing documentation.
When games receive Switch 2 Editions, PEGI treats them as distinct titles requiring separate ratings even if content remains identical. This administrative requirement explains why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received a new rating for its Switch 2 Edition despite being fundamentally the same game with enhanced performance. The fact that Nintendo filed this rating suggests they’re planning something more substantial than the free compatibility updates already released. Otherwise, there would be no need for separate rating documentation.
Nintendo hasn’t announced anything officially, which is typical for the company. They prefer controlled reveals through Nintendo Directs or social media rather than letting ratings boards spoil surprises. The timing is interesting since December typically sees Nintendo winding down announcements before the January Direct that kicks off the new year. If a Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2 Edition exists, expect formal announcement in early 2026 alongside pricing and availability details.
The Troubled Compatibility History
Pikmin 3 Deluxe became somewhat infamous among early Switch 2 adopters for running worse on the new console than the original Switch. Players reported constant screen flickering, visual glitches, texture problems, stuttering, input lag on menus, crashes, and an ominous red glow persisting on screen. The flickering issue particularly affected transitions between days, making the game borderline unplayable during these critical moments. YouTube videos documenting these problems showed just how broken the experience became, with some players calling it “borderline broken” due to frequent hard crashes.
Nintendo released a patch in June 2025 that partially addressed the screen flickering issue, but problems persisted. The update notes specifically mentioned fixing “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.” The vague “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2” suggested other bugs were also targeted, though Nintendo’s notoriously cryptic patch notes left specifics unclear.
A more comprehensive update arrived later with detailed patch notes for version 1.4.2 that fixed the flickering completely and addressed other visual bugs, crashes, and performance issues. Players who tested the updated version confirmed it ran smoothly on Switch 2 without the previous problems. However, even with bugs fixed, the game still runs at 720p and 30fps just like the Wii U original from 2013, which feels increasingly dated on hardware capable of much more.
Why Fans Want A Proper Switch 2 Edition
The Pikmin community has vocally criticized Nintendo’s handling of the franchise on Switch 2. None of the four available Pikmin titles received free performance upgrades despite many other Nintendo games getting them. Titles like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet all received free patches improving resolution, framerate, and visual quality on Switch 2. Meanwhile, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Pikmin 1+2, and even the recent Pikmin 4 got nothing beyond bug fixes for compatibility.
The absence of mouse controls feels particularly egregious. The Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 controllers support gyroscopic aiming that functions like mouse pointers, perfect for real-time strategy games requiring precise cursor control. Pikmin gameplay revolves around throwing tiny plant creatures at enemies and objectives, making pointer controls the obvious ideal input method. The Wii version of Pikmin used motion controls to great effect. That Switch 2 doesn’t offer this for any Pikmin title represents a massive missed opportunity that fans can’t understand.
The 30fps limitation particularly frustrates players in 2025 when 60fps has become standard even on handhelds. Pikmin 3 originally launched on Wii U in 2013, and the Deluxe edition in 2020 maintained that framerate despite the Switch’s superior processing power. Now in 2025, asking players to experience jerky 30fps real-time strategy feels archaic. Fans point to games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, which received significant free upgrades including HDR support and improved performance, wondering why Pikmin gets second-class treatment.
Free Update Versus Paid Edition
The big question is whether this potential Switch 2 Edition will be a free upgrade for existing owners or require repurchasing at full or reduced price. Nintendo has taken both approaches with Switch 2 games. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received a paid Switch 2 Edition with new content justifying the separate purchase. Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer Switch 2 Editions free to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers or $10 for non-subscribers, recognizing that charging full price again would anger fans.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe sits in awkward middle ground. It’s not a tentpole release like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that can command premium pricing. But it’s also not a recent flagship title like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom where Nintendo wants to drive Online subscriptions. The game launched in 2020 for $60, and while it rarely goes on sale, asking players who bought it five years ago to pay again for performance improvements feels exploitative without substantial new content.
The most consumer-friendly approach would be offering the Switch 2 Edition as a $10-15 upgrade for existing owners while selling it standalone at reduced price for newcomers. This mirrors how some third-party publishers handled cross-generation upgrades during PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 transitions. Alternatively, Nintendo could make it completely free like the dozen-plus games that received free Switch 2 performance patches, though that seems unlikely given the separate PEGI rating suggesting more significant changes than simple compatibility updates.
What A Switch 2 Edition Could Include
At bare minimum, fans expect 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K in docked mode, matching what other Switch 2 Editions deliver. More importantly, 60fps gameplay would transform Pikmin 3’s real-time strategy combat from acceptable to exceptional. The smooth framerate would make throwing Pikmin more precise, dodging attacks more responsive, and managing multiple squads less frustrating. Given that the Switch 2 hardware easily handles these improvements based on more demanding games running beautifully, there’s zero technical excuse for maintaining 30fps.
Mouse-style aiming via Joy-Con 2 gyroscopic controls would be the killer feature differentiating this edition from mere performance patch. Imagine playing Pikmin with pointer precision rivaling Wii motion controls but without the hassle of sensor bars or calibration drift. This single addition would make the Switch 2 Edition the definitive way to play Pikmin 3, justifying separate purchase for enthusiasts who already own the original Switch version. HDR support would also enhance the game’s vibrant cartoon aesthetics, making colors pop on compatible displays.
New content seems unlikely unless Nintendo wants to justify higher pricing. The Deluxe edition already added side-story missions featuring Olimar and Louie, full co-op support for the story campaign, multiple difficulty modes, and all original DLC. There’s not much left to add without creating entirely new levels or challenges, which would represent significant development investment for a five-year-old game. More realistic expectations involve quality-of-life improvements, faster loading times thanks to Switch 2’s improved storage performance, and general polish refining the experience without fundamentally expanding content.
The Broader Pikmin Frustration
The Pikmin 3 Deluxe situation exemplifies broader frustration about how Nintendo treats this franchise. Despite Shigeru Miyamoto calling Pikmin his favorite series, Nintendo gives it minimal promotional support and resources compared to Mario, Zelda, or Splatoon. Pikmin 4 launched in July 2023 to critical acclaim and strong sales, becoming the best-selling entry in franchise history. Yet it received a modest November 2025 content update adding new Decor Pikmin, in-game camera, and difficulty customizations without any Switch 2 performance enhancements.
Fans wonder if commercial success even matters when Nintendo seems ambivalent about capitalizing on it. Pikmin 4 selling over 3 million copies within months should signal that audiences want more, yet the Switch 2 launch happened without a single Pikmin title receiving proper next-generation treatment. This feels especially shortsighted given how perfectly suited the franchise is for the Switch 2’s mouse-style controls and improved processing power. Real-time strategy games with precise cursor control are rare on consoles. Pikmin could own that niche with proper implementation.
The cynic’s interpretation is that Nintendo sees Pikmin as niche franchise not worth substantial investment despite Miyamoto’s personal attachment. The games review well and have passionate fanbases but don’t generate Mario Kart or Animal Crossing sales numbers. Therefore, they receive functional ports and compatibility fixes but not the premium treatment reserved for guaranteed blockbusters. This PEGI rating might represent Nintendo finally giving Pikmin 3 the Switch 2 edition fans have begged for, or it could be administrative formality for minor updates. Only official announcement will clarify.
Precedent From Other Switch 2 Editions
Looking at Nintendo’s established Switch 2 Edition patterns provides clues about Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s potential treatment. Games receiving free updates typically get vague patch notes about “adjustments to improve gameplay” alongside specific mentions of improved image quality or framerate. Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom all followed this model. These updates are mandatory when playing on Switch 2, automatically downloading when you launch the game.
Paid Switch 2 Editions exist as separate SKUs with distinct store listings, requiring either purchasing the full game again or paying upgrade fees for existing owners. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch 2 Edition adds new courses and battle maps justifying the separate purchase. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launched simultaneously on both platforms with the Switch 2 version commanding premium pricing. The Zelda games occupy middle ground where Online subscribers upgrade free while others pay modest $10 fees, acknowledging the awkwardness of charging full price for games millions already own.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s separate PEGI rating suggests it falls into the paid edition category rather than free update. If Nintendo merely wanted to document compatibility improvements, they wouldn’t need new ratings. The administrative overhead of separate filings only makes sense when creating distinct commercial product. Whether that means full-price repurchase, discounted upgrade option, or free-for-Online-subscribers remains speculation until Nintendo clarifies. But the rating itself strongly implies something more substantial than patches already released.
When We Might Learn More
Nintendo traditionally announces new releases and upgrades through Nintendo Direct presentations rather than press releases or social media drops. The next Direct likely happens in January or February 2026, focusing on spring and summer releases. If Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2 Edition exists for Q1 or Q2 launch, that Direct would be the logical reveal venue. Nintendo might shadow-drop smaller updates without fanfare, but paid editions typically receive proper marketing explaining what’s new and why it’s worth purchasing.
The December 28 PEGI filing date is noteworthy because ratings usually appear weeks or months before official announcements, giving publishers time for marketing preparation and manufacturing if physical versions exist. This suggests any announcement won’t happen immediately. However, given that Pikmin 3 Deluxe is digital-focused with physical copies less emphasized, Nintendo could potentially announce and release quickly if they wanted. The cynical view is that the rating leaked earlier than Nintendo intended, forcing them to either confirm plans prematurely or stay silent while speculation runs wild.
Pikmin fans have learned patience over decades waiting for new entries in Miyamoto’s cherished-but-neglected franchise. If this rating represents genuine Switch 2 Edition plans, great – the community will celebrate finally getting proper next-generation treatment. If it’s administrative formality signifying nothing, fans will add it to the pile of disappointments alongside absent mouse controls and performance upgrades. Either way, official word from Nintendo is the only thing that matters, and until that arrives, the PEGI rating remains tantalizing hint rather than confirmed announcement.
FAQs
When was Pikmin 3 Deluxe rated for Switch 2?
PEGI, the European ratings board, filed a Nintendo Switch 2 rating for Pikmin 3 Deluxe on December 28, 2025. This separate entry from the 2020 Switch rating suggests a Switch 2 Edition may be in development, though Nintendo hasn’t officially announced anything yet. The rating maintains the same PEGI 3 classification for all-ages content.
Will Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2 Edition be free?
Unknown. Nintendo offers both free updates and paid editions for Switch 2 games. The separate PEGI rating suggests a paid edition rather than free patch, but pricing hasn’t been announced. Options could include full-price repurchase, discounted upgrades for existing owners, or free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers like the Zelda games.
What problems did Pikmin 3 Deluxe have on Switch 2?
Early Switch 2 adopters experienced constant screen flickering, visual glitches, crashes, stuttering, input lag, and texture problems when playing Pikmin 3 Deluxe through backward compatibility. Nintendo released updates in June 2025 and later that fixed these issues, making the game stable but still limited to 720p resolution and 30fps from the original 2013 Wii U version.
Will the Switch 2 Edition have 60fps?
Not confirmed, but fans desperately hope so. Pikmin 3 Deluxe currently runs at 30fps matching the 2013 Wii U original. Given Switch 2’s superior hardware and that most Switch 2 Editions target 60fps or higher, it would be shocking if a proper edition maintained 30fps. However, until Nintendo announces specifics, 60fps remains hopeful speculation rather than guarantee.
Why didn’t Pikmin games get free Switch 2 upgrades?
Unknown. Nintendo chose to give free performance updates to dozens of games including Mario Odyssey, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, but no Pikmin titles received similar treatment despite obvious benefits from higher resolution and framerates. Fans are frustrated by this apparent neglect of Shigeru Miyamoto’s favorite franchise during the Switch 2 transition.
What features could the Switch 2 Edition add?
Likely improvements include 1080p handheld/4K docked resolution, 60fps gameplay, Joy-Con 2 mouse-style aiming for precise Pikmin throwing, HDR support, and faster loading times. New content seems unlikely since the Deluxe edition already added side missions, co-op, and all DLC from the Wii U original. The focus would be performance and quality-of-life enhancements.
When will Nintendo announce it officially?
Probably during a Nintendo Direct in January or February 2026 if a Switch 2 Edition is actually planned. Nintendo rarely announces new releases through press releases, preferring controlled Direct presentations. The PEGI rating typically appears weeks or months before official reveals, giving time for marketing preparation and manufacturing if physical copies exist.
Is Pikmin 3 Deluxe worth buying now?
If you don’t own it and want to play immediately, yes – it’s an excellent real-time strategy game with charming aesthetics and clever puzzles. However, if you can wait and the PEGI rating indicates an improved Switch 2 Edition is coming, holding off might get you better performance. The current version runs fine on Switch 2 after bug fixes but remains 720p/30fps.
Conclusion
The December 28, 2025 PEGI rating for Pikmin 3 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch 2 represents either exciting news for long-suffering fans or frustrating administrative formality signifying nothing substantial. The separate rating entry strongly suggests Nintendo plans a proper Switch 2 Edition rather than just compatibility patches already released, but without official announcement, speculation dominates discussion. Pikmin enthusiasts have endured years watching Nintendo give minimal attention to Shigeru Miyamoto’s favorite franchise despite critical acclaim and improving sales numbers with Pikmin 4 becoming the best-selling entry. The absence of any Pikmin title from the initial free Switch 2 upgrade list felt like another slap, especially when mouse controls via Joy-Con 2 represent obvious perfect fit for the series’ cursor-based gameplay. If this PEGI rating leads to a Switch 2 Edition with 60fps gameplay, 4K resolution, mouse aiming, and HDR support, it would finally give Pikmin 3 the next-generation treatment it deserves after running at 720p/30fps since 2013. Whether Nintendo prices it fairly as free or discounted upgrade for existing owners or demands full repurchase will determine community reaction. The Zelda games’ model where Online subscribers upgrade free while others pay $10 seems ideal compromise recognizing that charging full price for five-year-old game with performance improvements would anger loyal fans. Until Nintendo officially announces plans, the PEGI rating remains tantalizing hint that proper Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch 2 Edition might exist, giving hope to community that’s learned patience waiting for Nintendo to show this franchise the love it deserves. Whether that hope proves justified or becomes another disappointment in the long history of Pikmin fans wishing Nintendo cared as much about the series as Miyamoto claims to – only time and official word from Nintendo will reveal.