Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Update Alters Kirby’s Dream Land 2 Animal Friends Description, Stirring Kirby Lore Discussion

Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy emulator has received a new update, quietly introducing version 1.1.1 without much fanfare.

While the patch may seem minor at first glance, it carries notable implications for fans of Kirby lore—specifically for those familiar with Kirby’s Dream Land 2. Kirby's Dream Land 2, an iconic title originally released for the Game Boy in 1995 and recently added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, has long been cherished for introducing Kirby’s animal companions: Rick, Kine, and Coo.

These characters have consistently been described as a hamster, a fish (more specifically an ocean sunfish), and an owl in official materials, including the original Game Boy manual and subsequent Virtual Console releases. However, with the new update, eagle-eyed data miner OatmealDome—alerted by vigilant followers on Twitter—spotted a subtle but significant change in the game’s official description on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The text now reads, “Rick, Kine, and Coo, who look like a hamster, a fish, and an owl, respectively,” replacing the original phrasing that identified the trio as "Rick the Hamster, Kine the Fish, and Coo the Owl.” This nuanced shift has sparked discussion throughout the Kirby community, given its potential impact on the canonical identities of these beloved animal friends.

The new wording merely suggests a resemblance to real-world animals, rather than explicitly stating their species.

This aligns them more closely with other characters from Planet Popstar, such as King Dedede, who is often referred to as a penguin-like creature instead of a true penguin. The reaction within the fandom has ranged from intrigue to playful frustration, as fans debate whether Rick, Kine, and Coo’s identities are being redefined in official Nintendo lore.

Community voices, including those from authoritative Kirby sources, note that this change could imply all animal-like characters in the series are unique to Kirby’s universe, resembling but not identical to earthly animals—a theory previously speculated for other creatures like Nago, who bears a resemblance to a Japanese Bobtail cat. Nintendo’s decision to implement this lore update in a minor Nintendo Switch Online patch serves as a testament to the ongoing care and evolution of classic franchises on the platform.

The Nintendo Switch Online service continues to update and refine its emulated titles, highlighting both technical improvements and subtle narrative adjustments for dedicated fans.

As of June 2024, Nintendo Switch Online boasts an expanding retro library, with the Game Boy emulator receiving steady support since its introduction. For enthusiasts tracking the development of classic games on Nintendo Switch, these small changes exemplify how the company actively shapes the lore and presentation of its beloved properties.

Whether these identity clarifications will extend to future entries remains to be seen, but for now, the update ensures that Kirby’s animal friends remain as enigmatic—and endearing—as ever within the Kirby universe.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Switch Online Switch Rick Kine Coo Kirby’s Dream Land