Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World: Definitive Edition Review

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World: Definitive Edition Review Since its landmark debut in March 2022, Kirby and the Forgotten Land has stood out as one of the Nintendo Switch’s top 3D platformers, representing HAL Laboratory’s successful expansion of the beloved Kirby franchise into fully realized three-dimensional worlds.

Now, with the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, this critically acclaimed adventure receives a significant upgrade in the form of Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World.

This release combines robust technical enhancements and substantial new content, positioning it as the definitive way for both new and returning players to explore Kirby’s post-apocalyptic playground. Technical Overhaul Leveraging Nintendo Switch 2 Unlike some recent Switch 2 re-releases, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, which separated new content from the base game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land integrates the Star-Crossed World expansion directly into the main experience.

Taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s increased processing power, the game now features dynamic 1440p resolution (scaling to 1080p in handheld mode) and a rock-solid 60 frames per second, a substantial improvement over the original Switch version’s 30fps limit.

These technical advancements are complemented by faster load times, extended draw distances for both objects and enemies, and a range of graphical improvements that make Kirby’s vibrant world more immersive and visually stunning than ever. Players who already completed the original release may not be compelled by visuals alone to revisit the adventure.

Recognizing this, Nintendo and HAL Laboratory have introduced the "Star-Crossed World" expansion—a comprehensive new side-story designed to entice series veterans and newcomers alike. Introducing Star-Crossed World Expansion The expansion unlocks after finishing the first area in the main campaign.

Players follow Kirby and his friend Elfilin as they witness a meteor crash landing, which introduces the Star of Darkness, a mysterious threat threatening to engulf the world.

Alongside Astronomer Waddle Dee, Kirby sets out to recover mystical Stellar Crystals—each housing helpful creatures known as “Starries”—to seal away the darkness and restore balance. Star-Crossed World features 12 brand new "Starry Stages." Each stage pairs with existing worlds and reinvents familiar environments by introducing alternative paths transformed by meteor crystals.

This approach gives returning regions a fresh sense of discovery, rewarding both exploration and completionists aiming for 100% clear.

The collectible-driven gameplay mirrors the spirit of the original campaign, with players gathering Starries similarly to how Waddle Dees were collected before. Enhanced Gameplay and New Abilities The core gameplay loop—platforming, solving environmental puzzles, collecting treasures, and battling bosses—remains as engaging as ever.

Star-Crossed World spices up Kirby’s toolkit with three new Mouthful Modes: Spring Mouth for super jumps and ground pounds, Gear Mouth for versatile climbing and rolling, and Sign Mouth for sliding and spinning assaults.

These new moves integrate seamlessly into the game’s focused level design, feeling like natural extensions rather than extraneous additions.

Existing Mouthful Modes also reappear, ensuring gameplay variety and plenty of creative challenges for the player. Beyond the story expansion, Star-Crossed World also introduces two EX volumes of virtual gacha figures and "The Ultimate Cup Z EX" boss rush mode in the Colosseum, catering to players craving higher difficulty and more collectibles. Final Verdict Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World delivers an impressive package, reaffirming HAL Laboratory’s status as a platforming powerhouse.

The improved technical performance, combined with meaningful new content, elevates the experience for both first-time players and longtime fans.

While the Star-Crossed World campaign is relatively concise, the quality and creativity on display make it a worthy return trip to one of the Nintendo Switch’s standout titles. A review copy was graciously provided by Nintendo UK.

Nintendo Switch 2 Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Switch Definitive Edition Star-Crossed World Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2 Edition HAL Laboratory eShop Nintendo Direct Super Mario Party Jamboree Kirby Air Riders Elfilin Astronomer Waddle Dee Starries