Nintendo's surprise Pikmin Day Direct reveals Hello! Pikmin shorts

Nintendo shadow-dropped a Pikmin Day Direct, and series creator Shigeru Miyamoto used it to announce Hello! Pikmin, a new series of shorts.

Yes, Pikmin Day is officially a thing now. Nintendo is calling November 1st the first annual Pikmin Day, and Nintendo Life explains the logic: three ones, like three Pikmin. Cute.

The presentation was short, but it packed in news for more than one Pikmin game. Pikmin 4 on Switch 2 got the most attention.

The big one for Switch 2 players: you'll be able to use the console's built-in microphone to give voice commands to Oatchi, the space dog. Talking to a very good boy to get him to do things sounds about right for this series.

Pikmin 4 is also getting a Dandori Academy mode, which tests your skills in specific challenges. There will be limited tests on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with leaderboards so you can compare stats with other players.

Mobile players weren't left out either. Miyamoto also shared an update for Pikmin Bloom, though The Verge's write-up of the Direct didn't spell out what it includes.

Nintendo hasn't shared when Hello! Pikmin will start rolling out or where you'll be able to watch it.