Today's announcement of Pikmin 3 heading to the Nintendo Switch was a pleasant surprise for many, giving the game new life for a much broader audience than the Wii U was ever able to muster. And while Pikmin 3 on Switch is certainly a good thing, it appears that Nintendo is doing its best to ensure that the Switch version sells.
Pikmin 3 has been removed from the Wii U eShop following its announcement for the Switch. Currently, there's no way to purchase the game digitally, and even searching for the game on the Wii U will turn up zero results. It's still possible to see the game on Nintendo's website, though it doesn't have an option to purchase the game digitally either, but players can download a demo, it seems.
This isn't the first time Nintendo has made this move. Back when Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze was announced for the Switch, Nintendo pulled the Wii U version from sale too. While the Wii U was one of Nintendo's least popular consoles, it's a bit of a shame that the Wii U versions are no longer available for those that still own the hardware, or are considering going back to give it a try.
It does make sense from a business standpoint that Nintendo would pull the Wii U version. Those that purchase the game now are far less likely to shell out for the Deluxe edition on Switch, and it's always possible that Nintendo wants to avoid confusion among less-savvy customers, who may assume they're purchasing the Switch version on Nintendo's website when in reality they're purchasing the Wii U version of Pikmin 3.
Of course, fans with physical copies need not worry, and if players are really desperate to give the game a try, ordering a physical copy should still be easy, though it will likely need to be used. While digital sales are on the rise, the greatest perk of physical games is that it can't be delisted. Once a player owns a disc, they have a copy for good.
Regardless, the Pikmin 3 announcement has upset some fans, many of whom were hoping for a new game rather than a port of an old one. Nintendo's strategy is understandable, many players who never owned a Wii U still want to play some of its games, but it would also be nice to get some updates on other titles, like the upcoming Metroid game.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe will release on Switch on October 30, 2020.
Source: Nintendo Everything