Kirby and Heinz Launch Exclusive Sauce Collaboration in Japan

Nintendo’s iconic character Kirby is set to delight fans in Japan with a brand-new collaboration: the Kirby x Heinz exclusive sauce collection.

Revealed via Heinz’s official Twitter account, this special partnership merges the culinary world of Heinz—renowned for its tomato ketchup—with the enduring charm of Kirby, one of Nintendo’s most beloved video game mascots. Launching in late November 2024, the Kirby x Heinz range spotlights nine distinctive package designs, each featuring the round pink hero in playful poses.

Fans looking for more adventurous flavors will also find balsamic and sriracha variants included in the lineup, providing options for a broader palate.

This collaboration offers a unique way for long-time enthusiasts to celebrate their love for both food and video games, exclusively on shelves across Japan. Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby and esteemed Nintendo director, joined the conversation following the announcement.

Speaking on the creative process behind one of Kirby’s most recognizable in-game items, Sakurai noted that the sprite design for the Maxim Tomato—Kirby’s signature healing item—was intentionally crafted to be perfectly symmetrical to conserve ROM space during development.

Interestingly, Sakurai added that the English name for the Maxim Tomato shares this symmetry when written vertically, a detail he described as a "pleasant coincidence" that ties both visual design and language together. Although there is no indication that the Kirby x Heinz sauces will reach international markets, the buzz online and the playful packaging art are likely to make the release a coveted collectible for both Nintendo and Heinz fans.

The collaboration underscores Nintendo’s strategy to expand the Kirby brand beyond the Nintendo Switch eShop and into lifestyle products, following the pink puffball's enduring popularity across first-party titles and events such as Nintendo Direct presentations. This creative fusion between Kirby and Heinz highlights not only the character’s cross-generational appeal but also the innovative marketing partnerships that continue to set Nintendo apart in the entertainment and consumer goods industries.

As of now, the Kirby x Heinz sauces remain exclusive to Japan—leaving global fans hopeful for future international rollouts. With a string of successful games on the Nintendo Switch and a legacy that spans over three decades, Kirby’s collaboration with Heinz marks yet another achievement in the franchise’s vibrant history.

Whether for the taste or for the collectible allure, the Kirby x Heinz collaboration exemplifies how Nintendo continues to surprise and engage its fanbase worldwide.

Kirby Nintendo Japan Heinz