For a first playthrough, use release order. Start with KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, continue with KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and finish with KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind. Together, those three packages contain the modern console and PC version of the series’ playable narrative, plus the story movies and cutscene compilations needed to follow entries that were originally released on older hardware.
The simplest purchase is KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III]. It is available natively—not through cloud streaming—on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and Windows through the Microsoft Store. HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is also listed as a native Nintendo Switch release. Physical PlayStation and Switch 2 editions require an internet connection to download additional data, so a disc or cartridge is not a completely offline installation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Kingdom Hearts All in One Package (PlayStation 4) | $53.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (PlayStation PS4) | $10.28 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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KINGDOM HEARTS - HD 1.5+2.5 Remix - PS4 | $60.07 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kingdom Hearts All-in-One Package - PlayStation 4 | $63.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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The correct Kingdom Hearts order for a first playthrough
Kingdom Hearts has a complicated fictional chronology, but release order is the clearest way to understand its reveals, terminology and character arcs. The following sequence matches the order in which the modern collections present the major story components.
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- KINGDOM HEARTS Final Mix — the original adventure and the foundation for the series’ worlds, characters and combat.
- KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories — the bridge between the first game and Kingdom Hearts II, with a card-based battle system and important developments in Castle Oblivion.
- KINGDOM HEARTS II Final Mix — the direct continuation of the first game’s central conflict.
- KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days — presented in the collection as an HD cutscene compilation rather than a playable remake.
- KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final Mix — a prequel told through three connected protagonists.
- KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded — presented as an HD cutscene compilation.
- KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD — a full playable entry that prepares the story for the third numbered game.
- KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover — an HD movie covering the ancient events behind the Keyblade Foretellers.
- KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – — a short playable episode that leads directly toward Kingdom Hearts III.
- KINGDOM HEARTS III — the next numbered installment and the largest modern console adventure.
- KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind — downloadable content that takes place around the climax of Kingdom Hearts III and adds a substantial post-game scenario.
This order is preferable to jumping between games by fictional date. Playing chronologically would move the prequel material ahead of the introductions and mysteries that the original releases intentionally establish. If you already know the series and want a chronology-based replay, that is a different project; the list above is the reliable entry route for a new player.
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- The compilation includes the following games: KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered cinematics) KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep Final MIX KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded (HD Remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 FINAL CHAPTER PROLOGUE KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep –A fragmentary passage– KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie)
- KINGDOM HEARTS III
What each modern collection includes
The three packages divide the series into a practical installation plan. The table also identifies which entries are games, movies or edited video, because “every game” does not mean every item is playable software in these releases.
| Package | Included components | How the component is presented |
|---|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- | Final Mix; Re:Chain of Memories; Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix; 358/2 Days; Birth by Sleep Final Mix; Re:coded | Four playable games, plus an HD cutscene compilation for 358/2 Days and an HD cutscene compilation for Re:coded |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD; χ Back Cover; 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – | One playable remaster, one HD movie and one short playable episode |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | Kingdom Hearts III; Re Mind DLC | Full playable game with the Re Mind expansion included |
Square Enix describes 1.5+2.5 as an essential collection of the first six stories in the series. The combined Collection [I~III] bundles all three packages, so you do not need to buy the same package separately when the bundle is available at a sensible price.
Why some entries are movies instead of playable games
358/2 Days and Re:coded were originally designed for older handheld platforms. In the modern package, their story is delivered through edited HD cinematics rather than recreated playable campaigns. χ Back Cover is an HD movie by design, not a cut-down game. Watch these in the order listed instead of skipping them: they contain character motivations and historical context used by later playable entries.
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Which version to buy on each platform
| Platform | Current practical option | Delivery | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] | Native digital or physical current-generation edition | Physical edition needs an internet download for additional data |
| Xbox Series X|S | KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] | Native digital release | Buy the current-generation collection rather than assembling older cloud or individual versions |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] | Native digital or physical current-generation edition | Physical edition needs an internet download for additional data |
| Windows PC | The collection components through the Microsoft Store on Windows; official listings also identify Steam and Epic Games Store versions for the components | Digital PC installation | Check the exact storefront package so all three collections, and Re Mind, are included |
| Original Nintendo Switch | HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is listed as a native release | Native package for that collection | Do not assume the Switch 2 all-in-one package runs on the original Switch; verify the regional store listing |
| PlayStation 4 or Xbox One | Older individual or cloud versions may exist | Varies by edition and region | The current all-in-one recommendation is the native current-generation package, not a legacy listing |
How to buy the complete set without missing a story component
Use this checklist before paying. Storefront names and stock can change by country, so compare the package contents shown on your own platform’s store page.
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- Genre: Strategy & Role-Playing
- Subgenre: Action RPG
- Brand: Square Enix
- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue PS4
- Search for the bundle title. Look for KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III], not merely “Kingdom Hearts” or “Kingdom Hearts III.” The bundle should identify HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
- Confirm the edition and region. A current-generation PlayStation 5 or Switch 2 listing is different from an older PlayStation 4, Xbox One or cloud listing. Regional storefronts can show different products or availability.
- Verify Re Mind. The third package must say “Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.” A listing for the base game alone does not establish that the DLC is included.
- Choose physical or digital deliberately. Physical PlayStation and Switch 2 editions are useful if you collect discs or cartridges, but Square Enix states that they require an internet connection to download additional data. Digital editions avoid that particular disc or cartridge download, although they still require the normal platform installation process.
- Check the store’s install requirements. Confirm available storage, account region and any required platform subscription before starting a large download. The exact storage figure is not fixed in the product information summarized here, so use the live store listing for your device.
Installation and first-launch steps
PlayStation 5
- Open the PlayStation Store and locate KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III], or insert the current-generation physical edition.
- Check that the product description lists all three packages and Re Mind.
- For a disc edition, connect the console to the internet before installation so the required additional data can download.
- Install HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX first if you want to play immediately in release order, then install HD 2.8 and III + Re Mind.
- Launch the individual game from the collection menu and begin with Final Mix.
Xbox Series X|S
- Use the Microsoft Store on the console to find the digital Collection [I~III].
- Inspect the included-games list before confirming the purchase; the bundle should contain the same three packages described above.
- Install the collection, then open HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX and select Final Mix.
- Keep the console connected during installation and updates. The current recommendation is the native Series X|S package rather than an older cloud route.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Find the native Switch 2 edition of KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] in the eShop or use the current physical edition.
- Check whether the listing is specifically for Switch 2. Do not substitute an original-Switch cloud product when you want the native current-generation collection.
- For a physical copy, connect to the internet and allow the additional-data download required by Square Enix.
- Start with HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, following the numbered order in the collection.
Windows PC
- Choose a supported storefront: the Microsoft Store on Windows is identified for the collection, and official product listings also point to Steam and Epic Games Store versions of the collection components.
- Check each storefront’s product description carefully. A component listing may be sold separately, while the all-in-one bundle is intended to include all three packages.
- Confirm that Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is part of your purchase rather than only the base game.
- Install the packages in any order, but launch Final Mix first for the recommended story order.
- Use the platform’s normal update system before playing. If a game does not appear in your library, verify that you bought the same storefront edition you are currently signed into.
How to handle the cutscene compilations
The collection’s video entries are easy to misunderstand because they appear beside playable titles in the menu. Treat them as required story chapters.
358/2 Days
After Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, watch the HD cutscene compilation for 358/2 Days. It explains the organization and relationships that make later events easier to understand, but it does not reproduce the original game as a playable campaign in 1.5+2.5.
Re:coded
Watch the Re:coded HD cutscene compilation after Birth by Sleep Final Mix. It is another edited video presentation rather than a playable remaster, so do not spend time looking for a missing gameplay mode.
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χ Back Cover is an HD movie placed in 2.8. Watch it before 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – and Kingdom Hearts III to preserve the intended transition into the modern storyline.
What “every Kingdom Hearts game” means on modern systems
The three modern packages cover the console and PC narrative set that Square Enix currently presents for these systems. They do not turn every historical release into a separate playable download. Two entries are HD cutscene compilations, and χ Back Cover is a movie.
Older browser and mobile entries are a separate issue. Some are represented indirectly through movies or later story references, while others are not included as playable software in these bundles. Availability of delisted mobile services and their current prices is not established by the package information here and can vary by region. Therefore, in a practical modern-console guide, “every game” means every story component Square Enix currently packages for modern hardware, including those video presentations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common buying and setup problems
“I bought Kingdom Hearts III, but Re Mind is missing.”
Check the product name. The complete third package is KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind. A base-game listing may require a separate DLC purchase, and a collection listing that omits “+ Re Mind” should not be assumed to include it.
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This is expected for the current physical PlayStation and Switch 2 editions: Square Enix says an internet connection is required to download additional data. Connect the console before attempting the first installation and leave enough storage for the download.
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- Includes 10 Magical KINGDOM HEARTS experiences – A perfect way to begin the legendary KINGDOM HEARTS series
- Travel to beloved Disney and Pixar worlds to defend them from the evil heartless
- Unlock the power of the Keyblade and team up with Final Fantasy, Disney, and Pixar characters in the ultimate battle against darkness
- Test your battle skills with multiple combat possibilities, including powerful spells and team-up attacks
- Uncover the Dark Seeker Saga and learn about the legendary Keyblade Masters
“I cannot find the all-in-one collection on my original Switch.”
The native all-in-one collection is identified for Switch 2, while HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is listed for the original Nintendo Switch. Older cloud editions and current store availability can differ by region. Search specifically for the platform label and read whether a listing is native or cloud-delivered.
“I am on Xbox and only see older versions.”
Search the Xbox Series X|S store for the native digital Collection [I~III]. Previous individual or cloud versions may still appear in search results, but they are not the clearest way to assemble the complete current set.
“The PC store shows several separate products.”
That is normal when storefronts list the components individually. Compare the included-games panel and make a checklist: 1.5+2.5, 2.8, and III + Re Mind. Official product listings identify Microsoft Store on Windows and also link Steam and Epic Games Store listings for the collection components; the exact bundle structure can differ between storefronts.
A practical play schedule
Players who want a clean progression can divide the series into three installation blocks.
- Block one: 1.5+2.5. Play Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix. Watch the 358/2 Days compilation, then play Birth by Sleep Final Mix and watch Re:coded.
- Block two: 2.8. Play Dream Drop Distance HD, watch χ Back Cover, and play 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –.
- Block three: III. Play Kingdom Hearts III, then launch Re Mind after finishing the main game. The DLC is designed around the ending, so starting it before completing the base campaign can spoil its context.
This approach keeps each package together, avoids switching between storefronts and makes it obvious which story item comes next.
Bottom line: the least confusing route
On PS5, Xbox Series X|S or Switch 2, buy the native KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] and play its contents in release order. On Windows, verify the storefront’s component list and make sure the purchase includes all three packages and Re Mind. On the original Switch, expect the native HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX release rather than assuming the Switch 2 collection is available. Remember that 358/2 Days, Re:coded and χ Back Cover are video presentations, not missing playable chapters, and plan an internet connection for physical PlayStation and Switch 2 editions.
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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.
