For those in the scene, a game without its update is considered incomplete. The base NSP of Pikmin 3 Deluxe runs fine, but the 1.1.0 update NSP is considered "exclusive" because:

If you see a download labeled "Pikmin 3 Deluxe [NSP] [Update v1.1.0] [Exclusive]," it is referring to this final, fully patched version of the game that includes all post-launch fixes.

This is the crown jewel of Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch NSP update exclusive discussions. While Nintendo’s official changelog called it "General stability improvements," dataminers discovered the following:

Unlike many Switch games that require updates for major features, Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s exclusive content is baked into the base NSP. Updates only polish performance. If you’re looking for the “complete” experience, the base Deluxe release already delivers everything—no online download required.

Note: This post is for informational purposes regarding game content and update structures. Always respect developer intellectual property and obtain games through legitimate means where applicable.

Here’s a review of Pikmin 3 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, specifically regarding the NSP update and exclusive features from the deluxe version:

Because of these exclusives, players naturally want the most complete version of the game. That leads to the demand for the "NSP" (the digital install file format for Switch).

Even on version 1.0.0, the Deluxe version includes:

Result: You now have the "Pikmin 3 Deluxe Switch NSP Update Exclusive" fully legally on your SD card.

As of 2026, Nintendo has not released any further patches for Pikmin 3 Deluxe. The team has moved on to Pikmin 4 (released July 2023) and its subsequent DLC. However, the modding community has taken over. Custom NSP patches now exist to:

These fan-made "exclusive" updates are distributed as .NSP patches that require v1.4.0 as a base.