Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch Graphics and Performance Comparison

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marked a milestone for the beloved franchise when it debuted on Nintendo Switch in March 2022.

Developed by HAL Laboratory, this 3D platformer brought fans a fresh exploration of Kirby’s world, delivering critical and commercial success.

With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, players now have the opportunity to experience Kirby and the Forgotten Land with notable enhancements, leading to detailed comparisons between the two platforms. The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on its predecessor’s hardware, introducing several key improvements to Kirby and the Forgotten Land's presentation.

Most notably, the game now runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, up from the original 30 FPS on the first Switch.

This frame rate upgrade results in more fluid gameplay and a noticeably cleaner visual performance. In addition to the doubled frame rate, distant enemy animations have received a significant boost.

Where opponents in the background previously operated with limited frame counts, Switch 2’s additional processing power allows for more natural movement, increasing the sense of immersion.

The game also benefits from a resolution upscale in both docked and handheld modes, producing a sharper image and crisper textures across the board. Despite these improvements, the core graphics assets remain unchanged.

HAL Laboratory has focused exclusively on technical enhancements rather than providing a full graphical remaster.

As a result, texture quality and visual style are consistent with the original Nintendo Switch release.

Nonetheless, the refined frame rate, improved enemy animation at a distance, and enhanced resolution provide clear benefits for players looking for the best way to experience Kirby and the Forgotten Land. According to official materials, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

The game continues to receive praise for its imaginative worlds, approachable gameplay, and charming presentation.

As sales have surpassed expectations since its initial launch, this latest update ensures that one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed platformers remains relevant and enjoyable on the newest hardware. For those interested in seeing the differences firsthand, a comprehensive video comparison of Kirby and the Forgotten Land on Nintendo Switch 2 versus the original Switch has been released, detailing each of the technical changes in action.

Whether you are revisiting the Star-Crossed World on new hardware or playing for the first time, Kirby’s latest adventure continues to shine across Nintendo Switch generations.

Nintendo Switch 2 Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Switch HAL Laboratory