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An example of a pack of Pikmin e-Reader cards
The Nintendo e-Reader is a Game Boy Advance add-on device that reads a special strip on e-Reader cards via an LED scanner. Its purpose is to unlock mini-games, items, levels or functions for games on the GBA, or as games in themselves. There are multiple available packs of Pikmin e-Reader cards, both released only in Japan after the release of Pikmin 2. Each card contains a number of simple Pikmin-based mini-games, which can be played by connecting the e-Reader to a Game Boy Player connected to a GameCube in which the Pikmin 2 disk is placed.
Pack designs include Onions, Pikmin, Pellet Posies and Candypop Buds, while individual cards depict enemies, Pikmin or captains. Some of the mini-games are as follows:
- "Hikkonuki Pikmin": The player needs to pluck every pikmin from the ground.
- "Tekuteku Pikmin": The player must control the Pikmin moving in the same direction to try to get them into the goal.
- "Tsunagete Pikmin": The player must move panels around to create a path for the Pikmin so that they can reach the goal.