Pikmin 3 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) – Ubernerd’s Gaming Backlog Review

This is the first full Pikmin game I’ve ever played. I don’t know why Pikmin has never crossed my radar before, but after seeing the trailer for Pikmin 4, I wanted to give it a try. Before this, my only Pikmin experience was playing Olimar in Smash Bros., the mini-game in Nintendo Land (Wii U), and the mobile title Pikmin Bloom. For this review, I only played the single-player mode and did not try multiplayer. So the impressions of this game will only come from the single-player story mode.

One more thing, before jumping in, I actually tried to find the Pikmin 1 & 2 combo pack, but couldn’t track it down anywhere. Yes, I could have gotten the digital version, but I am a gamer who likes his physical copies. Since I couldn’t find a physical copy of Pikmin 1 & 2, I decided to start looking up where a good jumping-off point was. Most fans online suggested Pikmin 3 Deluxe, so that’s where my journey began.

What I Loved:

• The game is delightful overall, the preparation is satisfying, and the gameplay is fun (even if a little stressful at times).
• It looks gorgeous on the Switch, with crisp visuals and colorful environments.
• While I enjoyed the solo experience, it really feels like a game that would shine with a friend.

What I Didn’t Love:

• The game felt very short — I beat it in just a few weeks.
• I wasn’t a huge fan of managing three explorers at once, though it might be more enjoyable in co-op.
• The daily time limit mechanic wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t really like stopping and starting, or having to ensure that all my Pikmin were in the spaceship at the end of the day (that’s a personal preference).
• Honestly, I think Pikmin would make a fantastic open-world game someday.

Final Thoughts:
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a charming and beautifully made strategy adventure that’s perfect for newcomers to the series. It may be short, but it left me wanting to explore more of this odd yet lovable world.

Backlog Status: ✅ Completed
Would I Recommend? Absolutely, especially if you love strategy games, quirky adventures, or anything with a Nintendo-style twist. Though if you have a hard time dealing with more than one thing at a time, you might not like this game.