Oatchi

Oatchi (Japanese: オッチン, Hepburn: Otchin) is a character who first appeared in Nintendo's 2023 real-time strategy video game Pikmin 4 for the Nintendo Switch. Oatchi, a breed of a bipedal alien species resembling dogs dubbed "Space Dog", is a member of the Rescue Corps; a group of intergalactic individuals tasked with rescuing space adventurers who have become stranded. Oatchi is one of the two playable characters in Pikmin 4's main story and is partnered up with the player character to explore the Pikmin planet to rescue reoccurring series protagonist Captain Olimar after he crash landed on planet PNF-404.

In Pikmin 4, Oatchi can be commanded by the player to perform tasks to aid in exploring such as destroying obstacles, carrying items and defeating enemies. Oatchi can also function as transport for both the player and the titular Pikmin. These abilities can be upgraded as the player progresses through the game. Additionally, Oatchi can function as a second captain, meaning he can command his own squad of Pikmin which can be used for puzzle solving.

Several media publications have given Oatchi praise for his adorable appearance as well as his adaptability and usefulness in the game, with some declaring that it was hard to go back to previous installments due to the lack of Oatchi. Critics labelled Oatchi as one of the best video game characters of 2023.