Update

A software update (also known as an update) refers to changes made to an existing piece of software, after its release. This may include either updates downloaded via the internet, or updates printed onto game discs after a certain point. In the PS undefined, only, , and have received downloadable updates after their release. Outside of the Pikmin franchise, titles with Pikmin content such as and  have also received updates.

Software updates are typically meant to fix glitches, though some may also change gameplay or control elements, or add additional content.

In Pikmin and Pikmin 2
Due to the inability to modify the game after it has been printed to a physical disc, updates to these games are only available as new discs made after the initial release. A number, both physically etched on the inside and present within the game data, denotes which version of the game the disc contains. 0 represents the initial release, while 1, 2, or more represents the number of times the game has had a version update. These numbers are also commonly known as 1.00, 1.01, or 1.02 respectively.

An example of an update in Pikmin can be found in the Japanese release. Changes from previous copies include:
 * Version 1.02 onward fixes the sunset cutscene softlock.
 * The ability to go up the rim of the tree trunk in The Impact Site by walking onto it from the cardboard box was added in version 1.02.
 * In version 1.01, If the player whistles several Pikmin together they counter would gradually increase. In version 1.02 however, the Pikmin counter for the Pikmin in the group will instantly jump from the old number to the final number. this error was fixed in all versions after 1.02.

In Pikmin 3
's updates are downloaded off the internet, and each one upgrades the game to a new version. With the release of most of these updates, downloadable content was added to the eShop, and the first stage in a bundle is added to the game for free upon updating. When the player updates their game, all available updates are installed at once, and the game is set to the latest version right away.

Although it is possible to uninstall the updates from the console and return to the original 1.0.0 version, it is not possible to install a version between the first one and the latest one.

Version 1.1.0
The first update to the game was released on 25, and is around 70MB in size.


 * This update adds SpotPass and Miiverse compatibility, as well as the ability to view world record scores for game completion.

Version 1.2.0
Released on 1.
 * With the update, five new Collect treasure! stages are added to the game as downloadable content. These stages are remixes of previous Mission Mode stages. The stage Tropical Forest Remix is given free of charge upon updating, while the others must be purchased in a bundle from the Nintendo eShop, for $1.99 / €1.99 / £1.79:
 * Silver Lake Remix
 * Thirsty Desert Remix
 * Twilight Hollow Remix
 * Shaded Garden Remix


 * Additionally, a new online mode has been added, allowing players to view the world record scores for each stage, Solo or Co-Op.

Version 1.3.0
Released on 6.


 * This update adds no new features, but gives for free the first out of five new Battle enemies! stages, added to the game as downloadable content. These stages are based off of certain parts of areas from Story Mode. The stage Tropical Wilds Remix is given free of charge upon updating, while the others can be purchased as a bundle on the eShop for $1.99 / €1.99 / £1.79:
 * Garden of Hope Remix
 * Distant Tundra Remix
 * Twilight River Remix
 * Formidable Oak Remix

Version 1.4.0
Released on 2.


 * This update provides for free one of the new five Collect treasure! stages and one of the new five Battle enemies! stages. The stage Fortress of Festivity is given free of charge in both modes, upon updating.
 * These stages are brand new, and are themed on human-made environments, such as an abandoned construction site or a living room decorated for Christmas.
 * Other stages function differently, with one stage being partially two-dimensional. One stage, however, is a re-skin of The Forest Navel, probably due to the fact that it is the only area not "remade" in Pikmin 2 – its name, Forgotten Cove, further accentuates this.
 * Olimar and Louie are playable in certain stages. Olimar is available from the start, but Louie is usually trapped or being held by an enemy. By defeating the enemy and carrying Louie back to the SPERO, the player gains access to him.


 * The following stages have been added, besides Fortress of Festivity. The entire pack costs $4.99 / €4.99 / £4.79 on the eShop:
 * The Rustyard
 * Beastly Caverns
 * Forgotten Cove
 * Clockwork Chasm


 * This update also changes the way leaders act when they fall into the abyss – they now receive damage (one third of their maximum health), and respawn differently, rendering some glitches impossible.
 * These adjusted respawn points include the first bridge in the Garden of Hope, the electrical gate near the Dusk Pustules in the Garden of Hope, and leaders that fall off behind the paper bag near the Winged Onion in the Twilight River.

Version 2.0.0
The final update to the game was released on 29.


 * This update offers a new control mode involving the GamePad, using only the touchscreen and the left-side buttons and sticks. This mode works similar to the control scheme from Pikmin Adventure. When playing with the new Stylus mode, 3 buttons are added to the touchpad, used for deploying ultra-spicy spray, dismissing the squad or ordering them to charge, and accessing the KopPad's apps. To switch between leaders, the player must tap their icon. The whistle button is moved from to . Other controls remain the same.
 * When the player starts the game for the first time after this update is installed, a message appears saying "GamePad control style has been set to [Stylus]". Players can switch back to the original controls via the menu.
 * Because of this, a new button appears on the pause menu, to switch between Classic GamePad mode to Stylus mode, even if the player is not playing with the GamePad.


 * When locked-on, two new lines of text appear, saying " = Cancel Lock On" and = Charge". When an explorer is under the Go Here function, if the player switches to them, a message will appear saying " = Cancel Go Here". The background on the " Skip Cutscene" label was now changed to black instead of transparent.
 * Other improvements:
 * The ability to speed up the fruit squeezing and drinking animations at the end of the day was added.
 * A button to retry a mission at the Mission Mode results screen was added.
 * Several major glitches were fixed.
 * Finally, this version also made it possible to perform the pluck cancel trick.

In Pikmin 3 Deluxe
, being on the Nintendo Switch, can receive updates from the the home screen or the Nintendo eShop when connected to the internet. Nearly all of the content added from the Wii U version's updates is retained here, including its paid DLC. Exclusions to this include and Miiverse support, and Spotpass support is replaceed by Nintendo Switch Online. The stylus mode has also been removed, replaced by other control options. There have been 2 updates to the game so far.

Version 1.1.0
Released on 24.
 * This update fixes 2 bugs. The first bug concerns collected fruits not being recorded under certain conditions. The second bug concerns badges reverting to the unacquired status under certain conditions.


 * In addition, there are reports of the gyro capabilities behaving differently after this update, including the cursor becoming stuck in the corner after most cutscenes, or the sensitivity being increased.

Version 1.1.1
Released on 21.


 * This update changes the software icon on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to be more in line with the modern PS undefined logo, as well as adjusting the framing of the artwork, in addition to a new glow effect and more solid colors.
 * The demo has also received these changes.

In Pikmin 4
, being on the Nintendo Switch, can receive updates from the Nintendo eShop when connected to the internet. The demo has also received the same updates.

Version 1.0.1
Released before the game's release date on 21.


 * Various issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

Version 1.0.2
Released on 27.


 * Bug fixes
 * Fixed an issue where some treasures would disappear when the player rewound time.
 * Fixed an issue where dialogue would fail to proceed when the player talked to castaways with side missions.
 * Fixed an issue where all characters would disappear from the Rescue Command Post.
 * Fixed an issue where the player would not have enough glow sap needed for treatment. (If the player doesn't have enough glow sap as a result of this bug, their stock will be replenished with that amount at the end of the day.)
 * Fixed an issue where the player could significantly increase the number of Pikmin.
 * Fixed an issue where the player's screen would remain dark after they skipped a cutscene.
 * Fixed an issue where some treasures would stop being transportable. (If the treasure was already in a state where it couldn't be transported, it'll return to its original position after three in-game days. Then the player will be able to transport it.)
 * Fixed other issues to improve the gameplay experience.
 * Other changes
 * A progress bar has been added to loading screens so players can see progress on loading times.

In Pikmin 1+2
, being on the Nintendo Switch, can receive updates from the Nintendo eShop. Note that all digital copies purchased and downloaded after the update's release will have the updates pre-installed.

Version 1.1.0
Released on 21.


 * The game can now be played in Dutch, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
 * Other improvements.

Version 1.1.0
Released on 21.


 * The game can now be played in Dutch, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
 * Fixed an bug in Challenge Mode where the game would crash when the player opened the radar screen when there is exactly ten seconds left.
 * Other improvements.

In Pikmin Bloom
receives updates much more often than a game a console game, through the App Store (on iOS) or the Google Play Store (on Android). The two operating systems originally had slightly different version histories due to their different requirements, but started releasing in tandem in 2022. As the game requires an internet connection to play, having the game on a recent version is necessary to play the game. The update descriptions below have some text copied from the official update logs, some text based on the official update logs, and some text describing changes not mentioned in the update logs.

List of Pikmin Bloom updates

 * 2021


 * 2022


 * 2023