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One title that quickly kicked the software malaise around the Wii U into touch for existing owners in recent months was Pikmin 3, a project clearly of major significant to Shigeru Miyamoto. The real-time strategy title delivered, too, earning strong reviews around the web and positive word of mouth from those that picked it up — we ourselves awarded 9/10 in our review.

In a wave of interviews around the title prior to its launch there were hints that more content may arrive, with Nintendo's previous DLC efforts encouraging those prospects. In today's Nintendo Direct broadcast Satoru Iwata confirmed a first DLC pack that adds new challenges in the Mission Mode; called the Collect Treasure pack, it's available right now for $1.99 / €1.99 / £1.99 and includes "Mission Mode Stages 7-10", with more to be announced in the future. A software update, live now, is required to access the DLC, with everyone entitled to one free DLC mission — a promotion similar to that taken with Fire Emblem: Awakening.

Satoru Iwata also explained that today's Pikmin 3 software update also improves the in-game online leaderboards, making it easier to see the top scores from around the world.

Have you played much of the Mission Mode in Pikmin 3, and are you tempted by the DLC?