Kirby and the Forgotten Land on Switch 2: A Mixed Bag
Kirby enthusiasts might be in for a surprise with the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, set to release on August 28, 2025. While the original game charmed players with its cute design and creative levels, this new version has stirred up mixed feelings.
The most glaring issue? The price tag. Nintendo wants players to fork over $79.99, which seems steep for a title that’s not fundamentally different from what was already available. This has raised eyebrows, especially since many new and even older games don’t hit such high prices. According to a 2023 survey by Game Developers Conference, about 64% of gamers feel that pricing for popular titles is getting out of hand.
So, what does this new edition offer? It does come with the Star-Crossed World campaign, which features some extra levels. These aren’t brand new but rather reworked versions of existing ones. While creative, they don’t quite justify the additional cost, especially since they feel more like a cash grab than a substantial addition.
One notable feature is Kirby’s Mouthful transformations. These are quirky and fun—where Kirby can envelop large objects for new abilities. In this expansion, new transformations include a gear, a spring, and a sign board. While these add some novelty, they don’t quite match the excitement of previous transformations like turning into a car or a giant water balloon.
User reactions have been varied. Many fans on social media express disappointment at the pricing strategy but appreciate the gameplay enhancements. Some players are excited for the graphical improvements, like a higher resolution and smoother frame rates. However, they wonder if these enhancements warrant another purchase.
Industry experts suggest that as gaming technology evolves, so should pricing strategies. Dr. Emily King, a game economics analyst, pointed out that fairness in pricing also hinges on how much new content is introduced. “If a game feels like a simple rehash at a premium price, players will likely voice their frustrations,” she said.
Moreover, while the campaign isn’t bad—it’s decent—comparing it to other unique Nintendo offerings reveals its limitations. The vibrant color scheme that made the original Forgotten Land visually appealing has dimmed in the Star-Crossed levels, which are coated in a generic crystal theme. This affects both the environment and the enemies, leading them to feel stale.
In brief, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is not the fresh experience fans might hope for. It’s more of a reline than a revamp, making the premium price less palatable. Enthusiasts may love the Kirby franchise, but even they are left questioning the value of this latest offering—a sad reflection on how beloved series can sometimes become vehicles for inflated pricing.
For those interested in a deeper dive into gaming industry trends, check out reports from the Entertainment Software Association for insights and data on consumer sentiments.
