Once Upon a Katamari Announced for Nintendo Switch: First New Mainline Katamari Game in 14 Years

Bandai Namco has officially announced Once Upon a Katamari, the first brand-new mainline entry in the cult-classic Katamari series in over a decade.

Revealed during the recent Nintendo Partner Showcase, Once Upon a Katamari is set for a worldwide release on October 24, 2024, serving as a major highlight for long-time fans and new players alike.

The game will be available on Nintendo Switch as a "Switch 1" title, ensuring compatibility across both the original Nintendo Switch hardware and the upcoming Switch 2 platform. Once Upon a Katamari builds upon the series’ iconic roll-and-gather mechanic, showcasing levels set across historical eras such as Edo-period Japan, the Jurassic era, and the Ice Age.

The debut trailer demonstrated this nostalgic gameplay, updated with fresh visual flair and expanded customization features.

For the first time in the mainline Katamari entries, players can personalize the appearance of the playable Prince alongside 68 unlockable Cousins, adding a deeper level of player expression and engagement. A key addition to Once Upon a Katamari is the inclusion of online multiplayer for up to four participants, elevating the communal joy and wacky competition fans have come to love.

The soundtrack stands out as another highlight, bringing together both new compositions and returning music artists celebrated within the Katamari franchise’s storied legacy. According to details shared on the Nintendo Store, the narrative sees the ever-blundering King of All Cosmos causing cosmic chaos — accidentally destroying the Earth, Moon, and several other planets while toying with a mysterious scroll.

Players are tasked with navigating the Prince and his cousins through various moments in time, rolling up objects and debris in order to reconstruct the galaxy. In acknowledgment of devoted fans, Bandai Namco is offering a special in-game Young King costume for players who own Katamari Damacy Reroll or We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie on Nintendo Switch.

This gesture is a nod to the franchise’s loyal community and history on the platform. Pre-orders for Once Upon a Katamari are now available on the Nintendo eShop and Steam, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X pre-orders opening on August 5.

The launch of this mainline Katamari entry not only revitalizes a beloved series but also fortifies Bandai Namco’s reputation for delivering unique and charming gameplay experiences on Nintendo Switch and beyond.

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