Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Star-Crossed World Shines on Nintendo Switch 2 with Performance Upgrades and New Content

Nintendo and HAL Laboratory continue to demonstrate their dedication to the Kirby franchise with an upgraded version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land for the Nintendo Switch 2, releasing on August 28, 2025.

First launched in 2022, the original Kirby and the Forgotten Land garnered critical acclaim for its creative platforming and vibrant, expansive 3D environments.

As one of the standout titles in the Kirby series, it set a new standard for both fans and critics alike.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Edition introduces a slew of enhancements, most notably a significant boost to performance and fresh content baked into the Star-Crossed World DLC.

If you missed the game’s initial release, this definitive edition provides the perfect entry point for new and returning players, bringing the whimsical world of Kirby to life with marked improvements and expanded gameplay. A key technical leap for the Nintendo Switch 2 version is the smooth 60 frames per second gameplay—double the frame rate of the original release on Nintendo Switch.

This upgrade results in tighter controls, fluid world traversal, and an even more immersive experience, particularly noticeable during the game’s climactic boss battles.

Navigating vibrant landscapes and hunting for hidden Waddle Dees has never felt more intuitive or rewarding. The Star-Crossed World DLC expands the core adventure with twelve additional levels.

Although these stages initially evoke memories of environments from the base game, they introduce a crystalline transformation caused by a mysterious meteor, cracking open unexpected paths and alternate routes.

Players will traverse new routes through iconic locales like oceanic depths, Wondaria, and Northeast Frost Street, all reimagined with inventive challenges and objectives.

Completionists will find the search for the newly-added Starries both engaging and rewarding, often requiring multiple playthroughs to unearth every secret.

Despite the relatively small number of new stages, their length and complexity deliver several hours of satisfying content. Kirby fans will also appreciate the introduction of additional Mouthful Modes, including Spring Mouth, Gear Mouth, and Sign Mouth.

These new abilities expand Kirby’s move set with fresh mechanics: Spring Mouth allows dynamic bouncing, Gear Mouth offers wall climbing and gap-leaping, and Sign Mouth injects fast-paced slider sections.

Each serves to diversify the gameplay and maintain the charm and creativity that HAL Laboratory is known for. While the DLC’s boss roster largely revisits crystalized versions of familiar mini-bosses such as Wild Bonkers and Fleurina, players will encounter a newly designed final boss for the Star-Crossed World content.

The arrangement encourages simultaneous progression through both the base game and DLC, and the whole package offers notable value, with the Star-Crossed World upgrade retailing for $20 on Nintendo’s eShop. Looking at Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World as a complete package, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition stands as one of the strongest 3D platformer offerings from Nintendo.

With enhanced visuals, smoother performance, and substantial new gameplay, it cements its reputation as a must-play for both series veterans and newcomers.

As players anticipate the next major entry in the franchise, this upgraded edition ensures that the Kirby legacy remains vibrant on Nintendo Switch 2.

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