BREAKING: Nintendo’s Mysterious Short Film “Close to You” Sparks Intense ‘Pikmin’ Speculation and ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Teasers

The gaming world is currently abuzz following the unexpected release of a nearly four-minute animated short film by Nintendo, titled “Close to You.” Uploaded without any accompanying context, branding, or description, the video has sent fans and industry analysts alike into a frenzy of speculation. The short, which features a baby chasing a seemingly self-moving pacifier, has led to a dual-pronged major theory: it is either an elaborate teaser for a new Pikmin project or a first look at the origin story for Princess Rosalina in the forthcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Pikmin Theory Gains Significant Traction Among Fans and Analysts

The most compelling and widely discussed theory posits that the animated short is an early-stage tease for a new title or spin-off in the beloved Pikmin franchise. This theory is heavily supported by subtle, yet distinct, clues embedded within the animation.

• Invisible Carriers: The central premise of the video—objects like the pacifier and building blocks being moved by an unseen force—aligns perfectly with the lore of Pikmin. These tiny creatures are often suggested to be just out of sight of humans, and their characteristic behavior involves carrying enormous objects relative to their size. The movements captured in the short visually mimic the organized effort of a Pikmin squad.
• Musical Cues: Sharp-eared viewers have identified recurring Pikmin musical themes woven into the short’s piano-focused soundtrack. Specifically, the opening notes of the main Pikmin theme have been noted, serving as an auditory breadcrumb for franchise enthusiasts. Given Nintendo’s high-stakes approach to marketing, the inclusion of such recognizable sound design is unlikely to be accidental. This suggests a direct, though veiled, connection to the Real-Time Strategy series.
• Visual Easter Eggs: At least one eagle-eyed fan on Reddit claims to have spotted a fleeting glimpse of a small, red blur under the baby’s crib—strongly suggesting a Red Pikmin. Furthermore, the overall visual style, while appearing “Pixar-like” and highly polished, hints at a new aesthetic direction for the franchise, possibly a new animated spin-off or a more cinematic look for the anticipated Pikmin 5. The mention of Pikmin by Nintendo’s company president Shuntaro Furukawa as a “flagship franchise” alongside Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda also lends credence to a renewed corporate focus on the IP.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Connection: Is That Baby Rosalina?

A second, equally powerful theory links the short to the cinematic expansion of the Super Mario Bros. Universe, specifically the rumored Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This speculation centers almost entirely on the appearance of the baby in the animation.

• Character Resemblance: The blonde-haired, light-eyed baby is said by many fans to bear an unmistakable resemblance to a young Princess Rosalina, the influential character introduced in Super Mario Galaxy. If true, the short could be detailing her origin story on Earth before she took to the cosmos and became the adoptive mother of the Lumas.
• Galaxy-Coded Details: Fans have pointed to small visual details as possible references to the Mario Galaxy universe. These include a toy with the same green and white color scheme as Rosalina’s iconic dress, and the overall “star” motif that permeates the environment. The invisible force moving the pacifier is theorized by this camp to be a Luma (star-shaped creatures from Galaxy) rather than a Pikmin.
• Animation Style: The Illumination-style of animation used in the short is notably similar to the critically and commercially successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie from 2023, suggesting the animation may be a test of a different style or a direct teaser for the sequel’s narrative arc. The short’s release comes at an optimal time to begin building hype for an upcoming Animated Movie announcement.

The cryptic nature of “Close to You,” coupled with Nintendo’s decision to disable comments, has amplified the discourse and maximized its Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Cost Per Click (CPC) potential, keeping the gaming community engaged in an intense debate over which blockbuster franchise the animation is truly setting the stage for. Until Nintendo provides an official statement, the mysterious short remains a high-value piece of speculative content, driving traffic and discussion across all major gaming platforms.