The first Nintendo Direct of 2023 was full of exciting announcements, including a confirmed release date and official trailer for Pikmin 4. After the game was announced in September 2022, fans have been eagerly awaiting a full-length trailer, and this one not only confirmed the game's July 21, 2023, release date, it also introduced a new dog companion that will appear in Pikmin 4.
Pikmin 4 is a direct sequel to Pikmin 3, a game that released July 13, 2013, for the Wii U, meaning there will have been more than a decade-long gap between games. The main companions to the Hocotate and Koppai protagonists across this series have primarily been Pikmin, plant-animal hybrid creatures found on planet PNF-404 where Olimar and other heroes explore. Alongside a new type of Pikmin, the Pikmin 4 trailer delved into the abilities of a dog named Oatchi that will aid players their quest to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles around the planet.
Oatchi, Pikmin 4's Canine Companion
On the official website, Nintendo describes Oatchi as "resident good boy and dependable partner," and clarifies that his name is pronounced "oat-chee." Oatchi is being called a canine by Nintendo and by fans, though it's more accurate to call the creature dog-like, since Oatchi isn't quite a dog by human standards, despite distinctly dog-like features such as floppy puppy ears, a canine muzzle with a wagging tongue, and an adorable red collar.
The most notable difference is Oatchi's bipedal nature, as the creature has two legs instead of four - though there are still cute paws at the bottom of those legs. As for his muzzle, Oatchi has a noticeably empty face because he has no nose. Oatchi's tail is also reminiscent of a dandelion, hinting that Oatchi may be an animal-plant hybrid creature like the Pikmin. Nintendo has not confirmed whether players can pet Oatchi in Pikmin 4, but many fans have expressed interest in the new non-Pikmin companion.
What Oatchi Can Do in Pikmin 4
Oatchi will serve a unique gameplay role, as in the official Pikmin 4 trailer he can be seen performing a wide variety of tasks for characters and Pikmin like swimming across pools of water while carrying the players' entire party, protecting fragile Pikmin of varying colors from water and other obstacles. Oatchi can also be seen aiding the team in battles with Pikmin clinging to his backside.
Oatchi will also be able to put his size to good use in other ways. The dog has a charge move, and in the trailer he can be seen dashing into obstacles at high speed in order to break them, including things like large pots. Like any good dog, Oatchi is also willing to play tug of war, seen dragging a Bulborb enemy in the trailer. It's likely his strong jaws can drag various objects around the world too, helping players navigate puzzles and obstacles. Additionally, Oatchi seems to have a good sense of smell for a dog given characters in the trailer congratulate Oatchi for finding a castaway, so it's safe to assume that Oatchi will aid players in locating lost characters and items.
While fans of the Pikmin series don't know everything about Oatchi quite yet, one thing is abundantly clear: He will be a very good, very helpful companion. Fans have to wait for the game's official release to see the dog-like creature in action, but hopefully some interesting new Pikmin gameplay mechanics will be in the future for both players and Oatchi.
Pikmin 4 launches July 21 for Nintendo Switch.
