Nintendo occasionally surprises its audience with major announcements via its “Nintendo Today” app, but their latest release has left everyone truly perplexed.
The gaming giant unveiled a mysterious video on their app, simply titled “Close to You,” which also appeared on YouTube. Curiously, YouTube comments are disabled, and the video’s description offers no additional context beyond its title.
This nearly four-minute animated piece doesn’t seem to be a teaser for any upcoming video game. Instead, it’s a charming yet enigmatic short film about a baby’s persistent quest to reclaim a lost pacifier.
The Mysterious “Close to You” Short Film
This section would typically feature the full animated short film, showcasing a baby’s journey to retrieve a pacifier. It’s a key part of the unexplained release.
Throughout the film, the pacifier playfully bobs and weaves, seemingly guided by an unseen presence. The climax sees the baby bravely rise to its feet, embarking on what appears to be its very first steps, driven by the desire to catch the elusive object. The short concludes with the prominent Nintendo logo, a stark reminder of its unexpected origin.
Speculation abounds: Is Nintendo venturing into independent animated productions? Could this be a subtle hint for an unannounced game, or perhaps another collaboration with studios like Illumination? Regardless of its purpose, one can’t help but wonder if the pacifier’s journey across various surfaces implies it should be thoroughly cleaned before returning to the baby!
Astute viewers might recognize a piano melody around the 29-second mark that bears a striking resemblance to music from the popular Pikmin series. While this could be a subtle nod, its connection to the game franchise, or mere coincidence, remains unconfirmed. Nintendo has a history of unconventional releases, but this one certainly stands out.
Although the animators behind this particular short aren’t specified, Nintendo does own Nintendo Pictures, an animation studio previously known as Dynamo Pictures before its 2022 acquisition. This studio notably created a series of animated Pikmin shorts. Intriguingly, their most recent known contribution was to a surprising project outside Nintendo’s typical scope.
Rest assured, Nintendo is still very much in the video game business. In fact, the “Nintendo Today” app has also served as a platform for announcing upcoming titles, including a new spin-off game and several anticipated releases for the new console expected this year, such as a major Pokémon title and a long-awaited Metroid installment.
The Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2025: A Visual Showcase
This embedded section typically presents a gallery of top Nintendo Switch games. While specific images cannot be shown here, imagine a vibrant display of titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Bayonetta 3, Celeste, Cuphead, and Dead Cells, among others.