Kirby, the iconic pink character beloved by gamers worldwide, stands as one of Nintendo’s quintessential franchises. This action platformer series has captivated audiences for over 30 years, establishing a strong presence on various Nintendo consoles. Currently, an impressive 19 Kirby titles are available on the Nintendo Switch, with a mix of native games and those accessible via Nintendo Switch Online. Prominent entries like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe, and Kirby Star Allies enhance the Switch’s library, yet some notable titles are still absent. Fortunately, there are hints that one such game might soon be making its debut on the platform.
In a recent podcast episode, renowned insider NateTheHate suggested that a remaster of the 2016 3DS-exclusive title Kirby: Planet Robobot is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch. While he did not confirm whether this remaster would also be available for the rumored next-generation console, Nate has a well-established record for providing credible information about Nintendo. This bolsters the possibility that his claims regarding Kirby: Planet Robobot may hold merit. Should this remaster come to fruition, it may echo a prior situation seen with the Nintendo 3DS.
Impact of the Rumored Kirby: Planet Robobot Remaster
A Legacy Spanning More Than a Decade
Nintendo’s 3DS, launched in February 2011, holds the distinction of being the company’s first eighth-generation handheld. Initially plagued by commercial struggles, the console later flourished thanks to robust support from Nintendo’s first-party titles. While it could not eclipse the sales of the Nintendo DS, the 3DS achieved significant success, selling approximately 75 million units by 2022.
The Last Nintendo Game for the 3DS
Proving its resilience, the 3DS enjoyed a life cycle significantly longer than that of other handhelds like the PlayStation Vita or Game Boy Advance. Even after the Nintendo Switch’s launch in 2017, the 3DS continued to receive support. The final first-party release for the 3DS was Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn, which premiered internationally on March 8, 2019. This title is a remaster of the 2010 platformer Kirby’s Epic Yarn from the Wii, featuring enhanced difficulty settings and additional mini-games while remaining true to the original’s core gameplay.
Could the Remaster Mirror Past Transitions?
Fast forward to the present, and the Nintendo Switch is also approaching the end of its lifecycle, having been released almost eight years ago. With the prospect of the Nintendo Switch 2 looming and first-party releases tapering off, the potential remaster of Kirby: Planet Robobot could serve as one of the final entries in the platform’s catalogue. This scenario could draw parallels with the 3DS’s conclusion, where Nintendo wrapped up two console generations with Kirby remasters, marking a nostalgic close for fans and highlighting the franchise’s continued relevance.
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