Dandori Academy internet requirements are clear on two things: you need to be online for exams and to download new stages. Nintendo hasn’t said that every practice session in Pikmin 4’s Switch 2 Edition must stay connected.
That matters if you often play your Switch 2 away from Wi-Fi. Here’s what Nintendo has confirmed ahead of the 12 November 2026 launch, and where the rules for Nintendo Switch Online are different.
Dandori Academy internet requirements for exams and stages
Nintendo spells out the Dandori Academy internet requirements in its version 2.0.0 patch notes: exams and downloads of distributed stages require a connection. It doesn’t say that the Academy as a whole is always-online.
Nintendo plans to release 72 stages over time, with six becoming available each month. You’ll need internet to collect each new batch. Exams take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with one official attempt per week, so don’t leave your connection check until you’re already starting an exam.
Does Dandori Academy practice work offline?
Nintendo lets you practise stages repeatedly. But its published Dandori Academy internet requirements don’t settle whether every downloaded stage will always work offline. The patch notes cover exams and downloads, not every possible practice situation.
Before a journey, download any available stages and test the practice mode without Wi-Fi. Don’t rely on that for the official exam: Nintendo specifically says you must be connected to take one.
This question only applies to the Academy in the Switch 2 Edition. The original Pikmin 4 adventure is a separate game mode, and the version 2.0.0 update does not convert the standard Nintendo Switch release into the paid Switch 2 Edition.
Do the Dandori Academy internet requirements include Switch Online?
An internet connection isn’t the same thing as a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo requires an account and paid membership for certain online features, including online play, and advertises online Academy leaderboards.
Nintendo doesn’t explicitly say a paid subscription is needed just to download a stage or practise it. The Dandori Academy internet requirements are about connectivity; membership rules for leaderboards, GameChat and online GameShare are a separate consideration.
For online scoreboards or battles, check Nintendo’s membership terms in your region. Some online services aren’t available everywhere. Don’t assume the rules for playing with a friend also apply to practising alone.
How to prepare before the weekend exam
To use the mode, first make sure you own the Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, either as the complete game or as the original physical or digital Switch game with the paid upgrade pack. The upgrade launches on 12 November 2026. Installing patch 2.0.0 alone does not unlock its paid features early.
Connect your console, highlight Pikmin 4 on the HOME Menu, press + or -, and choose Software Update followed by Via the Internet. Nintendo says the installed version appears on the title screen. On Switch 2, the new About the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition menu option leads to the eShop upgrade pack.
After launch, download the available stages, practise your route and enter an official exam on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Check the timetable shown in-game; Nintendo hasn’t announced one worldwide start time.
If you normally play in handheld mode away from Wi-Fi, keep the Dandori Academy internet requirements in mind. You can download content in advance, but you’ll need a connection for that week’s exam.
Are GameShare and Dandori Academy the same thing?
GameShare lets Switch 2 Edition owners start Dandori Battles with another player locally or online through GameChat. It is not the same system as Dandori Academy exams. Online GameChat carries separate internet, Nintendo Account and membership conditions; local wireless sharing is different.
Nintendo has released a Pikmin 4 version 2.0.0 demo patch, as well as a Switch 2 Edition demo. Neither changes who owns the full paid upgrade. If the Switch 2 Edition features are not available before launch, that is not proof the update failed.
The short version of the Dandori Academy internet requirements: go online for exams and new stages, and check Nintendo Switch Online membership separately if you want to use leaderboards or play with friends.
See the official Nintendo Pikmin 4 update notes for the Dandori Academy internet requirements and version 2.0.0 changes.
