Nintendo's Pikmin series of real-time strategy games didn't start out as a cooperative series. The first game was single-player only. That changed when Pikmin 2 arrived on the Gamecube way back in the innocent year of 2004, adding a cooperative Challenge Mode. Switch owners can now experience that classic co-op razzle dazzle, because Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 have just been released as digital downloads. Buy them individually (2 is the one to get) or together for a nice discount, play the heck out of them, and then you'll be ready for the upcoming Pikmin 4.
Pikmin 1 Description:Find your way home in the original Pikmin-plucking adventure.
Meet Captain Olimar and a capable cast of red, blue, and yellow Pikmin on a dire mission across a larger-than-life planet. Olimar must guide his loveably-leafy companions through obstacles, in battle, and when collecting his missing ship parts. Your oxygen will only last 30 days, but the Pikmin provide a glimmer of hope that you may make it home.
Pikmin 1 sells for $29.99 on Switch, and is also available in the $49.99 Pikmin 1 Plus 2 Bundle.
Pikmin 2 Description:Meet even more Pikmin (and Louie) on a treasure-hunting expedition.
Swap between Olimar and Louie to divide and conquer in Pikmin 2. Tasked with helping pay off their employer’s debt, the pint-sized pair teams up with Pikmin (including purple and white Pikmin) to collect treasure on...you guessed it...a strange planet. Time ticks away on the surface, but cave systems let you take your time to let your strategy blossom.Meet even more Pikmin (and Louie) on a treasure-hunting expedition
Wikipedia's description of the 2-player local co-op Challenge Mode:
The challenge mode is unlocked during the single-player game. One or two players can play this mode cooperatively. Each selectable level takes place in caves of varying depth. The objective is to locate a Key treasure, used to open access to the next sub-level, within the specified time limit. The player completes the level upon finding the exit out of the cave, and is scored based on the treasures collected, the number of Pikmin surviving upon exit, and the time taken to complete the level.
Pikmin 2 sells for $29.99 on Switch, and is also available in the $49.99 Pikmin 1 Plus 2 Bundle.
Pikmin 3 and 4Pikmin 3 Deluxe is already available digitally and physically on Switch for $59.99. Pikmin 4 is due out on July 21 and can be preordered digitally and physically for $59.99. Both games support 2-player local co-op.