That's why Pikmin 4's long journey through development might ultimately be a good thing. Releasing every game possible in 2022 could create a drought of Nintendo exclusives in the Switch's final years. 2022 looks like an exciting year for Nintendo fans, but the company still needs to hang on to a few new games in order to extend the Switch's lifespan. Thankfully, the Switch will remain Nintendo's flagship console for a little while yet, which means Pikmin 4 can wait to release until 2023 or so. With all these exciting games on their way, Pikmin 4 might struggle to get a word in edgewise if it tries to debut in 2022. Later in the year, Switch users have Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3, and The Legend of Z elda: Breath of the Wild 2 to look forward to, alongside rumors of a new Fire Emblem game. The first half of 2022 is stacked so far thanks to Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Strikers: Battle League, and Nintendo Switch Sports. The more content Nintendo reveals for 2022, the less likely it seems that Pikmin 4 will get a surprise release this year. RELATED: Pikmin 4 Should Adapt the Customization Practices of Niantic's Bloom Pikmin 4's Eventual Release The console will apparently stick around for a few more years, so Nintendo still has time to release Pikmin 4 as a core Switch game. If that's the case, then Pikmin 4 may thrive in the Switch's late years. Nevertheless, since Nintendo hasn't publicly canceled Pikmin 4, one can only assume that the game is still in the works for the Switch. It's really a shame that Pikmin 4 hasn't shown its face yet the adorable puzzle strategy franchise is arguably one of Nintendo's unique IPs, thanks to the titular plant-like Pikmin and the various challenges players have to overcome with the help of Pikmin.

That's in spite of repeated assurances that Pikmin 4 is in development and doing well. Fans have been waiting for Pikmin 4 for more than seven years now, and yet Nintendo still hasn't released the game.

In spite of all that, though, there's one Nintendo franchise that still has a somewhat complicated relationship with the Switch: Pikmin. In the last few years, Nintendo fans have seen the company stage unexpected revivals of nostalgic franchises, including Metroid, Mario Strikers, and even Wii Sports by way of Nintendo Switch Sports. Nintendo seems like it's trying to bring every franchise it can muster to the Switch right now.

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