Paving the Way to Nintendo Switch 2: Exploration with Kirby in 'Forgotten Realms'
Kirby's Forgotten Land: A Boisterous Journey on the Brink of the Switch 2 Era
The ** Switch 2 is just around the corner, and I've been diving deep into my vintage Switch library, chronicling the adventure in my Road to Nintendo Switch 2 series. We've made some terrific strides thus far, tackling top-notch first-party titles like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and more recently, the breakneck Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Odyssey holds a special place in my heart, followed closely by its high-octane racing counterpart, Mario Kart.
Next on the roster? A whimsical escapade filled with oodles of zest, reminiscent of Odyssey: Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Instead of shape-shifting through hats, our pink protagonist gulps down its transformation catalysts, more akin to a carnivorous helium balloon than a living cotton candy cloud. Ever wondered, what exactly Kirby is? Well, no one's really figured that out yet.
There's a rich history to this franchise, starting way back in 1992 on the original Game Boy, with our hero looking more like a ghostly apparition rather than the bright pink marshmallow we know today. Forgotten Land belongs to this expansive lineage, showcasing accessible, delightful gameplay that often appeals to more casual players than Mario's escapades.
FEATURED | Frase ByForbesTM
Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase
Play Now
Pinpoint By Linkedin
Guess The Category
Play Now
Queens By Linkedin
Crown Each Region
Play Now
Crossclimb By Linkedin
Unlock A Trivia Ladder
Play Now
Forgotten Land's gameplay follows suit, featuring an abandoned, eerie planet filled with deserted malls, hollow amusement parks, empty cities, and barren deserts. Quite the stark contrast to earlier Kirby adventures, but a refreshing change that keeps things interesting.
During exploration, you can return to a RPG-style hometown hub and interact with the whimsical Waddle Dees. They're building, playing mini-games, upgrading Kirby's powers, purchasing health items, and collecting capsule toys. Some of these powers are more effective than others; personally, I enjoyed using the Gigant sword and musket, whereas the tornado, ice ability, and drill left me cursing.
Each level within the open-world maps is filled with hidden Waddle Dees, which you rescue through a combination of discovery and completing specific in-level challenges. These challenges include completing areas quickly, defeating bosses without getting hit, or collecting items such as coffee cups and destroying wanted posters.
Combat encounters can be a test of skill, and some bosses can be downright frustrating. Thankfully, Forgotten Land offers peripheral bonus areas for those seeking a rise in challenge. The game remains accessible overall, making it an inviting selection for gamers of all levels.
Forgotten Land's controls feel solid, if not as fluid as Odyssey. While Kirby's a bit squishy and his movements can be unpredictable, the game more than makes up for it with its boundless charm. There are a few moments where it's easy to lose sight of Kirby amidst the chaos, but his distinctive appearances help keep track of him.
Upgrade Information
An enhanced edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, titled Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, is scheduled to release on the Switch 2 on August 28, 2025. This version will include a new story, improved graphics, and a better framerate, tailored for the Switch 2's superior hardware. Existing owners can upgrade at a fee of $20 when they upgrade their consoles[1][2][3].
Overall, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a fun, engaging platformer that's definitely worth a dash this year. It falls slightly short of the glory days of Super Mario Odyssey, but it's an enjoyable romp, especially since it supports cooperative play.
My playthrough clocked in at around 10 hours, and I'm considering waiting for the Switch 2 upgrade before diving back in to complete it. The legacy Switch version still looks great, but the hardware boost promised by the Switch 2 is enticing, set to be released on June 5, 2025[3].
In our next installment of Road to Nintendo Switch 2, we'll tackle a truly extraordinary game. Stay tuned!
- VGC
- IGN
- Gamespot
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to release on June 5, 2025, and it's interesting to ponder what kind of entertainment it could bring to gaming, perhaps including enhanced versions of games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
- My favorite games on the Nintendo Switch have been Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart, but with the imminent arrival of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, I'm eager to see where this new adventure takes our pink, floaty hero.
- As I delve deeper into my Nintendo Switch 2 journey, I can't help but be intrigued by the idea of a sequel to Kirby and the Forgotten Land, especially if it's designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's superior hardware.
- In the realm of movies and TV, Nintendo franchises like Zelda and Kirby have been adapted into animation and live-action productions, but it would be fascinating to see a Switch 2 game like a new Kirby and the Forgotten Land spin-off transformed into a feature film or series.
