Once Upon A Katamari Announced for Nintendo Switch: Katamari Damacy Returns After 14 Years

Bandai Namco Entertainment has officially revealed "Once Upon A Katamari," marking the long-awaited return of the Katamari Damacy series to the Nintendo Switch.

Slated for release both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop worldwide on October 24, 2025, this new installment is the first entirely new entry in the mainline series in 14 years, building on the franchise’s legacy of innovative, offbeat puzzle-action gameplay. First debuting in 2004, the Katamari Damacy series quickly became a cult classic, celebrated for its quirky art direction and inventive mechanics.

“Once Upon A Katamari” promises to stay true to these roots, retaining the franchise’s "memorable playful spirit" and its vibrant, whimsical aesthetic.

Players once again step into the shoes of the Prince, tasked with rolling up objects to recreate the stars and planets destroyed by the ever-disastrous King of All Cosmos. This time around, the story sees the Prince traveling through various eras of world history—from the age of dinosaurs and the frigid Ice Age, to feudal Japan—collecting everyday and extraordinary items alike to reconstruct the cosmos.

Bandai Namco states that fans will experience the Katamari formula "like never before" through a collection of fresh, fully realized stages.

Among the new gameplay additions is a magnet tool, which allows players to attract shiny objects within their vicinity, adding a refreshing twist to the classic rolling mechanic. Players can also choose to play as the Prince or any of his 68 customizable cousins, adjusting colors and facial features for a personalized touch.

Multiplayer is getting a significant upgrade with the introduction of KatamariBall, a competitive four-player mode that supports both online and local play against CPU opponents.

In KatamariBall, players compete to roll the biggest katamari within a time limit, then exchange their cosmic creations for points. Another notable feature is a reward for loyal fans: save data from previous titles, "Katamari Damacy REROLL" or "We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie," will unlock the playable Young King character when "Once Upon A Katamari" launches.

This incentive strengthens the connection between new and returning players, enhancing the game’s sense of community and legacy. Bandai Namco Entertainment, known for iconic series such as Tekken and Pac-Man, continues its tradition of delivering unique experiences to Nintendo hardware.

With "Once Upon A Katamari," the publisher builds on the Switch’s reputation for family-friendly and innovative gameplay, offering both nostalgic appeal and contemporary enhancements. As anticipation builds for its October 2025 release, "Once Upon A Katamari" is poised to be a standout title for the Nintendo Switch, bringing imaginative fun to a new generation and longtime fans alike.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch Namco Bandai Bandai Namco Entertainment Katamari Damacy Once Upon A Katamari Nintendo eShop KatamariBall Katamari Damacy REROLL We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie