Pikmin 3 supports a variety of controllers. In the game’s Story mode, you can swap between the supported controllers to take advantage of any special features that might be useful in different situations. In the game’s Mission mode and Bingo Battle mode, each player must select his or her preferred controller before beginning an event.
Wii U GamePad
By default, the Wii U GamePad displays the game’s KopPad Map. Use the Touch Screen to interact with the KopPad Map and activate the KopPad’s various features.
Press
to switch the display of the Main Screen between your television and the Wii U GamePad.
Controls for the Wii U GamePad
Controlling Leaders
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Move/Move pointer | L Control Stick |
| Move pointer only |
(hold) + L Control Stick
|
| Rotate view | R Control Stick |
| Return pointer to character | Click L Control Stick |
| Fix pointer on target |
|
| Throw |
|
| Pluck |
(when near Pikmin sprouts)
|
| Attack |
(when near a creature and there is nobody to throw)
|
| Call with whistle |
|
| Dismiss |
Shake GamePad /
|
| Switch leader |
|
| Select who to throw |
|
| Change view |
|
| Lock on |
(press and hold when the pointer is hovering over a target)
|
| Charge! |
Shake GamePad /
(when locked on)
|
| Use Ultra-Spicy Spray |
(when you have Ultra-Spicy Spray)
|
| Dodge |
(after acquiring the Dodge Whistle)
|
| Use Item |
(in Bingo Battle, when you have items stocked)
|
Using Menus
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Select item | Left Control Stick |
| Confirm |
|
| Open pause menu |
|
Special Features
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Toggle Main Screen between the TV and the Wii U GamePad |
|
| Access KopPad while the Wii U GamePad is displaying on the Main Screen |
|
Wii Remote + Nunchuk
This controller combination allows you to move a your squad around the field without affecting the pointer’s position.
Controls for the Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Controlling Leaders
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Move pointer | Aim the Wii Remote in the desired direction |
| Move | Control Stick |
| Throw |
|
| Pluck |
(when near Pikmin sprouts)
|
| Attack |
(when near a creature and there is nobody to throw)
|
| Call with whistle |
|
| Dismiss | Shake Nunchuk |
| Switch leader |
|
| Select whom to throw |
|
| Change view |
|
| Lock on |
(press and hold when the pointer is hovering over a target)
|
| Charge! | Shake Nunchuk (when locked on) |
| Use Ultra-Spicy Spray |
(when you have Ultra-Spicy Spray)
|
| Dodge |
(after acquiring the Dodge Whistle)
|
| Use item |
(in Bingo Battle, when you have items stocked)
|
Using Menus
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Select item | Control Stick |
| Confirm |
|
| Open pause menu |
|
Wii U Pro Controller
The Wii U Pro Controller utilizes a control scheme similar to the one found on the Wii U GamePad.
Controls for the Wii U Pro Controller
Controlling Leaders
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Move/Move pointer | L Control Stick |
| Move pointer only |
(hold) + L Control Stick
|
| Rotate view | R Control Stick |
| Return pointer to character | Click L Control Stick |
| Fix pointer on target |
|
| Throw |
|
| Pluck |
(when near Pikmin sprouts)
|
| Attack |
(when near a creature and there is nobody to throw)
|
| Call with whistle |
|
| Dismiss |
|
| Switch leader |
|
| Select whom to throw |
|
| Change view |
|
| Lock on |
(press and hold when the pointer is hovering over a target)
|
| Charge! |
(when locked on)
|
| Use Ultra-Spicy Spray |
(when you have Ultra-Spicy Spray)
|
| Dodge |
(after acquiring the Dodge Whistle)
|
| Use Item |
(in Bingo Battle, when you have items stocked)
|
Using Menus
| Action | Button Press |
|---|---|
| Select item | Left Control Stick |
| Confirm |
|
| Open pause menu |
|