Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is worth considering if you want the original adventure on Switch 2 with smoother performance and a substantial new story. The complete edition includes the base game; players who already own it can buy an upgrade pack instead. The new edition’s added content and features work only on Nintendo Switch 2, and the game remains approachable rather than demanding.
What does the Switch 2 edition include?
Nintendo describes this as the original 3D platforming adventure optimized for Switch 2, bundled with a new story called Star-Crossed World. The expansion begins with a meteor impact and adds new Mouthful Modes, altered areas, and challenges. Nintendo highlights enhanced resolution and frame rates for the base game as well as the new adventure. Nintendo’s product page
Nintendo Life’s August 27, 2025 review describes 12 remixed areas, new transformations, and additional challenges. That is the reviewer’s description of the expansion, rather than an official Nintendo count. The publication rated the edition 8.4 and praised its re-themed levels. Nintendo Life review
How does it compare with the original?
| What changes | Original Switch game | Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Original Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2; the new edition’s additional content and features are not available on the original Switch. Nintendo Support |
| Adventure content | Base game | Base game plus the Star-Crossed World story, with remixed areas and new Mouthful Modes. Nintendo |
| Technical presentation | Original Switch version | Nintendo says resolution and frame rates are enhanced. TechRadar’s review notes smoother 60fps performance and faster loading; these are the reviewer’s observations, not a controlled benchmark. TechRadar review |
| Difficulty | Not compared in the cited reviews | TechRadar considers it accessible and cautions that it may not satisfy players looking for a serious challenge. TechRadar review |
The performance upgrade is a welcome refinement, but TechRadar characterizes the technical bump as modest. The strongest reason to choose this version is the combination of the original game and the additional adventure, not a dramatic reinvention of the base game.
#1 Best Overall
- Join Kirby in an unforgettable journey on a delightful 3D platforming adventure
- Explore a mysterious world with abandoned structures, remnants of a past civilization
- Copy enemies’ abilities like the new Drill and Ranger and use them to attack and explore. They can even be evolved to become stronger!
- Inhale real-world objects and transform using Mouthful Mode—swallowing a vending machine will allow you to shoot out cans
- Bring along a second player to control Bandana Waddle Dee and take on the forgotten world together
Is Star-Crossed World worth playing?
It gives returning players a new reason to revisit the game: familiar locations are reworked, and the new story adds transformations and challenges. Nintendo Life’s positive assessment of the 12 remixed areas supports treating it as more than a simple performance patch. If you already enjoyed the original, the expansion’s appeal depends on wanting more of its style of platforming; it does not turn the game into a hard action challenge.
Should you buy the full game or the upgrade pack?
The purchase route depends on whether you own the original game. Nintendo’s investor presentation says owners of the referenced Switch games can buy an upgrade pack to move to the Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo investor presentation
- You do not own the original: Choose the complete Switch 2 Edition, which includes the base game and Star-Crossed World.
- You own the original: Buy the upgrade pack rather than another copy of the complete game. Nintendo Support lists the Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 and My Nintendo Store as purchase routes. Nintendo Support purchase instructions
Prices vary by retailer and region. Nintendo Life listed launch prices of $79.99 in North America and £66.99 in the UK/Europe for the complete edition on August 28, 2025; those are historical launch listings, not a guarantee of today’s price. Check your local Nintendo eShop or retailer for current pricing. Nintendo Life review and release listing
Can you play the Switch 2 edition on the original Switch?
No. Nintendo says the additional content and features cannot be downloaded on the original Switch, even if you have purchased the upgrade pack. You need a Nintendo Switch 2 to access the new edition’s upgrade features and Star-Crossed World. Nintendo Support compatibility guidance
Rank #3
![Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Upgrade Pack - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nyTPzZiVL._SL160_.jpg)
- Upgrade your adventure and uncover the mystery of the meteor—only on the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Enhance your adventure through the Forgotten Land with this upgrade pack. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game not only has faster frame rates and improved graphics, but also adds a brand-new story! After the world is struck by a powerful meteor, Kirby must use his amazing abilities, including some all-new Mouthful Modes, to clear a trail through uncharted territory. Hope you’re hungry to start a new chapter in this unforgettable adventure!
Who should buy it?
- Buy the complete edition if you have a Switch 2, have not played the original, and want both the base adventure and its new story.
- Consider the upgrade pack if you already own the original and want the new content and improved presentation on Switch 2.
- Skip or wait if you only have an original Switch, or if your main priority is a demanding platforming challenge.
Overall, this is a compelling way to get the full Kirby adventure on Switch 2, particularly for newcomers. For existing owners, the upgrade pack makes the added story and technical improvements the relevant value question, while the game’s forgiving difficulty is a clear fit consideration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JoDiLmipL._SL160_.jpg)
- amiibo sold separately. Visit amiibo.com for details on amiibo functionality.
Rank #4
- Region-free, works on all Nintnedo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite consoles around the world
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
