Nintendo’s “Close to You” Short Film Sparks Pikmin and Mario Galaxy Theories

A Pacifier, a Toddler, and a Mystery

Nintendo has released a mysterious new animated short, and it’s already sending the internet into overdrive. Titled Close to You, the four-minute, dialogue-free film depicts a blonde toddler taking their first steps when their pacifier is suddenly lifted into the air — apparently carried away by an invisible force.

Nintendo has offered no explanation or accompanying announcement, leaving fans to dissect every frame in search of clues. While the animation appears self-contained, it’s rich in subtle cues that point towards two possible — and very different — universes.

Pikmin Fans Spot Familiar Musical Cues

Many viewers were quick to recognise the musical motifs woven throughout the short, several of which are reminiscent of the Pikmin series’ distinctive orchestral sound. The gentle, curious tone of the score — paired with the sight of the pacifier being carried just above ground level — immediately struck fans as a likely reference to the tiny plant creatures.

In previous Pikmin games, players often recovered human household items like spoons, watches, and toys — all from a miniature perspective. Pikmin 4 even took players inside a human home for the first time, fuelling speculation that Close to You might depict how these events look from a human’s point of view.

Some fans are now suggesting that this short subtly confirms a long-standing theory: that Pikmin exist invisibly alongside humans, unseen but ever-present in the world around them.

Or Could It Be a Mario Galaxy Tease?

Not everyone agrees. A separate camp of fans believes the child shown in the short could be Rosalina, the celestial princess from Super Mario Galaxy. The film’s art style, warm lighting, and wistful tone, paired with the character’s blonde hair, have prompted speculation that this might be an early teaser for next year’s Super Mario Galaxy movie.

Rosalina’s origin story, which involves her childhood and connection to the cosmos, has never been fully explored on screen. The new animation could therefore serve as an emotional prologue or conceptual tie-in to the upcoming film, even if it doesn’t share the same animation style as Illumination’s previous Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Silence from Nintendo

At the time of writing, Nintendo has yet to comment on the short or its intended meaning. The company has also not linked it to any existing franchise, nor shared additional details through its social channels.

The ambiguity has proven effective — Close to You is already trending across fan communities, sparking discussion about whether it’s an artistic standalone, an Easter egg for Pikmin 5, or a cinematic breadcrumb trail leading to Rosalina’s big-screen debut.

Whatever the truth, the Japanese company has achieved something rare: a four-minute short that has the gaming world collectively pausing to ponder its meaning.