Pikmin 3 Unveiled, Exclusive to the Wii U

Nintendo has officially confirmed Pikmin 3 for the Wii U. Slated as a launch title for the new platform, Pikmin 3 was the first game on the stage at Nintendo's E3 2012 press conference.

Pikmin 3 sees plenty of graphical improvements over the previous games with the power of the Wii U console, and it will also offer a numerous gameplay mechanics new to the series. Like ants, Pikmin can now carry very large objects, and they can also interact with the environment by throwing stones and tearing down structures. Some new types of Pikmin, including Rock Pikmin, were shown at the E3 presser.

Thanks to the Wii U's technical capabilities, over 100 Pikmin can appear on screen at once. ADditionally, the Wii U Gamepad will serve as a minimap for tactical controls.

Like many new real-time strategy games, games you play in Pikmin can be recorded and shared for posterity.

Finally, Captain Olimar appears to be missing from the game—but we'll find out why that is as we play it. In his stead are four new captains to lead the Pikmin.

We'll find out more as Nintendo releases further details leading up to the game's launch this Holiday season.