File:Data File Icon.png
The Data File icon on the KopPad.
This article is about the Pikmin 3 item. For the persistence of a playthrough's progress, see saved game.

Data Files are collectibles scattered around the surface of PNF-404 in Pikmin 3. They appear as glowing yellow SD cards that float in place. Data Files may contain text and/or images, and there are 120 of them in all.

Once one has been collected, it disappears from its spot, and is added to the Exploration Notes menu on the KopPad. This app is unlocked after one Data File is collected, and keeps a collection of all obtained Data Files. When the active leader touches a Data File, a brief cutscene takes place, where the gameplay pauses, the leader is seen celebrating with joy, and the Data File is opened automatically. If, however, an inactive captain touches a Data File, the object will still be collected, but the gameplay will not pause, nor will the file be opened – instead, the leader in question will announce they have found a Data File.

Purpose

It is through Data Files that AlphBrittany, and Charlie (and by extension, the player) gain understanding of the Pikmin and the world they come from. Data Files, when collected, provide various hints and bits of information of various topics. Most of them are left behind by Captain Olimar, and besides leaving tips, they are used to keep an exploration log, and to try to contact anyone else who may be on the planet.

Some Data Files are not made by Captain Olimar however; at least not apparently. Some Data Files are obtained automatically by reaching certain points in the game, and merely explain some gameplay elements important exclusively to the player. In addition, a category of secret memos exists that is only useful outside of the game itself.

List

To do: Get the icons.
Care to do so?

Data Files are organized in six categories, which can be found in the Exploration Notes menu. These categories are:

Gallery

See also