Kirby Takes a Hop, Skip, and a Jump into Pricey Territory

Released on August 28th, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land has come under fire for its staggering price tag of $79.99. This isn't the first time Nintendo has pushed the boundaries of pricing; they've previously done so with the Legend of Zelda titles. However, unlike those games, this edition lacks perks or upgrades even for subscribers of Nintendo’s online service.

Extra Content or a Cash Grab?

In this iteration, Kirby does come with a little additional flair, marketed as a unique campaign dubbed Star-Crossed World. In reality, it consists of several reworked levels from the main game. While not entirely absent of effort, these modified levels diminish the novelty expected at such a premium price. The question remains: is just a few new configurations and a slightly better frame rate worth an extra twenty bucks?

The Nostalgia Is Real, But Not Enough

The original version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land entertained players with its clever mechanics, especially the innovative 'Mouthful' transformations that let Kirby interact with the environment in amusing ways. Unfortunately, these new levels introduce only three additional Mouthful transformations—a gear, a spring, and a sign board—which, while adding some variety, fall short of making the experience fresh and thrilling.

Visually Lackluster and Uninspired

While the new stages aim for a united aesthetic with shimmering crystal effects, they ultimately strip away the vibrant charm that made the original visually delightful. Rather than encounter an array of imaginative foes, players face enemies with merely a crystal overlay—resulting in a lackluster visual experience that feels more slapdash than innovative.

Repetitive Boss Fights and Limited Appeal

The climax of this so-called expansion is a boss fight that treads the same ground as earlier encounters, offering little incentive to push through its drawn-out and tedious pacing. It’s evident that these recycled elements fail to justify an additional fee or reignite the joy that Kirby games usually impart.

A Case of Gaming Inflation?

It’s sobering to realize that what should be a delightful new chapter in Kirby’s story has turned into a disappointing form of exploitation. The core of Forgotten Land maintains its charm, but the enhancements are merely cosmetic—better resolution and framerate don’t compensate for the lack of meaningful new content. As with my sentiments on other outrageously priced games, $80 demands exceptional quality, and unfortunately, this edition does not deliver. Kirby fans, once thrilled by this beloved character’s adventures, may now question whether their loyalty is being taken for granted.