Nintendo is stepping into a bold new creative era — and fans are buzzing. The company has unveiled its very first short films produced under Nintendo Pictures, marking an exciting expansion of the brand’s storytelling beyond video games. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: these short films are centered around the beloved Pikmin franchise, titled “Close to You,” and they signal the beginning of a new chapter for how Nintendo brings its characters to life on screen.
Earlier this week, Nintendo released the Pikmin-inspired “Close to You” animated shorts, confirming that these charming videos are the inaugural creations from Nintendo Pictures, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The announcement was shared via Nintendo’s official channels, sparking conversations among fans eager to see how far Nintendo Pictures will venture into filmmaking.
“We hope you enjoyed the two ‘Close to You’ videos released on October 7 and 8,” the company stated. Interestingly, the second short is featured on Nintendo Today!, a free mobile app that offers easy access to the latest Nintendo content straight from your smart device. This subtle move hints at how Nintendo is blending its gaming ecosystem with accessible entertainment experiences for fans worldwide.
Nintendo further emphasized its long-term creative ambitions: Nintendo Pictures will continue to explore new forms of artistic expression through video content. This statement suggests we may soon see more experiments that bridge animation, storytelling, and gaming — possibly even crossovers that expand Nintendo’s fictional worlds far beyond the console.
And this is the part most people might overlook: Could Nintendo Pictures be paving the way for a full-fledged cinematic universe, much like what Marvel and others have done? While the company is known for its cautious approach, this latest step feels like a quiet but confident signal that Nintendo wants a lasting presence in the animation and entertainment industries.
What do you think? Is this the beginning of Nintendo competing head-to-head with animation giants like Pixar, or should the company stick to what it does best — gaming? Share your thoughts below — the debate over Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions is just getting started.
