Nintendo releases mysterious Close to You animated short, sparking online fan speculation

Nintendo has released a new animated short titled Close to You, leaving fans puzzled and curious about its purpose.

The four-minute video, posted on YouTube and the Nintendo Today app without any explanation, features a baby chasing a floating pacifier around its room. The clip ends with the Nintendo logo but includes no dialogue, credits, or identifiable connection to any existing franchise.

The absence of context and disabled comment sections have led to widespread speculation across social media. Some viewers believe the short could be tied to the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie, potentially hinting at Princess Peach’s backstory. Others have suggested it may relate to Pikmin 5 or even a new children’s series in development.

Fans have also responded with humour, turning the mysterious release into a source of memes and jokes. Posts on Bluesky and X have included comments such as “best trailer for Metroid Prime 4 we’ve gotten so far” and “notice how the mother leaves, but then returns. Is this hinting at the return of the Mother series?”

Industry observers have speculated that the project may originate from Nintendo Pictures, the animation studio the company acquired in 2022. The animation style bears some resemblance to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, although the short does not credit Illumination Studios, which produced that film. Nintendo is known for keeping creative details private, and the lack of listed animators, composers, or voice actors fits the company’s usual approach.

For now, the true purpose of Close to You remains unknown. Whether it serves as a teaser for an upcoming game, film, or entirely new property, fans continue to search for clues while awaiting an official statement from Nintendo.