Kirby and the World Beyond Coming to Switch 2

The update

Nintendo has revealed ‘Kirby and the World Beyond,’ a new 3D adventure game for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. The game is scheduled for release in Spring 2027 and appears to be a more open-world experience than previous Kirby titles. The reveal came during Nintendo’s September 2026 Direct presentation, showing gameplay footage of Kirby running through colorful environments, using his signature copy abilities to defeat enemies and gain new powers.

Why it matters

‘Kirby and the World Beyond’ represents a significant evolution for the franchise, moving beyond its traditional linear structure to an open-world approach. This shift suggests Nintendo is investing substantial resources into the Kirby series, coinciding with the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The title marks a notable departure from previous mainline entries like 2022’s ‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land,’ positioning itself as a flagship game for the Switch 2 launch lineup.

What to watch

How the game’s open-world mechanics compare to previous Kirby titles. The extent of Zelda-inspired elements shown in the gameplay trailer. Additional details Nintendo plans to share about Kirby’s 35th anniversary celebrations.

Sources

• eurogamer.net — Details about the reveal trailer, gameplay elements, and connection to Zelda
• ign.com — Confirmation of the game's open-world approach and 35th anniversary context