Pikmin 4 is out next week, and to celebrate the release of the fourth main entry in the franchise, fans are showing the world just how much they love Pikmin by buying 15-second slots on billboards in Times Square.
Spotted first by GamesRadar, the Pikimin fandom is holding a “Times Square Takeover” in New York. Using TSX Live, a mobile app that allows you to upload a photo or short video on a Times Square billboard for $40.
Fans have been purchasing advert space on TSX Live to promote the game in the most unconventional (yet extremely hilarious) way. One prime example includes Twitter user dreampachi, who used his 15-second slot to share a video to not only promote the game, but it contained a video of Pikmin protagonist Olimar twerking. And as you’d expect, that image has become a popular meme in the fandom.
I just violated the entirety of NYC
incase anyone missed it#Pikmin pic.twitter.com/oFg3QehsPD— Pachi/Alph (@dreampachi) July 11, 2023
While the video of twerking Olimar is certainly the one getting the most attention, other Pikmin fans have been contributing to the takeover. YouTube Spec uploaded a video of a compilation of some sightings of Pikmin-related content appearing on Times Square Billboards.
Other fans have been responding with memes about the Times Square takeover.
Times Square TSX employees approving ads right now #Pikmin pic.twitter.com/IVsAiJsqp6
— Gunnadahun (@gunnadahun) July 13, 2023
The Pikmin community is known for its distinct sense of humor, and it’s finally getting a chance to shine amid the impending release of Pikmin 4. The long-awaited sequel was finally announced last September during a Nintendo Direct.
Aside from being the first Pikmin game to release on Nintendo’s hybrid console, this will be the first installment in the series to allow players to create their own playable character. In our preview of Pikmin 4, we noted that the game “tweaks its formula into a fresh and fun, yet familiar experience.” Just don’t expect a twerking Olimar… probably.
Pikmin 4 is out on July 21 on Nintendo Switch.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.