Best Controls for Pikmin 1 + 2

The new ports of Pikmin 1 + 2 for the Nintendo Switch have revamped controls, though rather confusingly, they are a strange amalgamation of the motion controls from the Nintendo Wii ports mixed with Pikmin 3‘s control scheme. It can be a little tricky to get used to, so we can help you configure the best controls for Pikmin 1 + 2.

The best control scheme for Pikmin 1 + 2

The default controls for Pikmin 1 + 2 are as follows:

• L-stick: Move
• Push L-stick: Reset pointer
• R-stick: Move camera
• ZL: Snap camera behind player
• ZR: Change camera zoom level
• X: Dismiss Pikmin by color
• A: Throw Pikmin
• B: Whistle for Pikmin
• Y: Switch captain (Pikmin 2 only)
• Hold L + R-stick: Direct Pikmin group
• Hold A + R: Switch held Pikmin

Related | How to Switch Between Pikmin in Pikmin 1 + 2

Additionally, you can also enable limited motion controls that activate whenever you throw or whistle. You can enable the motion controls by doing the following:

• In Pikmin 1, press the + button to open the menu, then press right on the directional pad to access the controls screen. Press the – button to activate motion controls.
• In Pikmin 2, press the – button to open the controls screen, then press the + button to activate motion controls. If you are playing 2P battle, both players must do this if they want motion controls.

We personally think that having motion controls enabled is the best control scheme for Pikmin 1 + 2. When you are holding a Pikmin and prepping them for a toss, you can physically move your controller for free-form aiming. Gyro controls are also active when you are whistling with the B button.

This really boils down to personal preference, though. It is rather strange that the games do not let you turn motion controls permanently on and not just when you are doing an action, but it still works in the end. We recommend trying the game out with motion controls enabled to see if you like it, then simply turn them off if you do not.

Cannot get enough of the adorable little plant dudes? Be sure to check out our dedicated Pikmin guide collection.