Kirby Returns—but at What Cost?

On August 28, 2025, Nintendo launched Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, a title that has quickly sparked outrage among gamers for its astonishingly high price of $79.99. This move mirrors the company's earlier decision with the Legend of Zelda titles, pushing fans to wonder if they're being taken advantage of.

Extra Levels, But Are They Worth It?

This new version does offer some additional content, dubbed the Star-Crossed World campaign. However, players won’t find an expansive adventure here—instead, they’ll experience a few reworked levels from the original game. While not entirely lazy, these alterations feel more like tweaks than groundbreaking additions.

Is Kirby’s New Transformation Game-Changing?

The Star-Crossed World introduces three new Mouthful transformations: gear, spring, and sign board. While entertaining, none revolutionizes gameplay like previous forms, such as turning Kirby into a car or water balloon. The new gear transformation offers potential for clever, vertical challenges, while the spring and sign sequences feel rather standard.

Missing Elements: Copy Abilities Leave Fans Wanting More

One glaring oversight is the absence of new Copy Abilities—critical elements that could have enlivened the gameplay experience. Players expected fresh powers and enemies to absorb, but instead, they’re met with merely situational transformations.

Visual Shifts: Crystal Overload Dilutes Charm

While the Star-Crossed stages aim to provide unique pathways, they sacrifice the vibrant visual design that made the original title a visual delight. A stark crystal motif replaces the colorful environments, diminishing the charm that fans loved.

A Boring Boss Fight Marks a Lackluster Finale

The campaign culminates in a boss fight that, despite some creative reworking, feels tedious and drawn-out, leaving players frustrated rather than excited.

The Verdict: Not Worth $80

Simply put, Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is not worth its $80 price tag. The original game was delightful, but this overpriced upgrade feels more like a cash grab than a genuine enhancement. Fans of Kirby deserve better than this attempt to normalize exorbitant pricing for remastered content.