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What to play first: a beginner-friendly order
For a first run, use the sequence below. It follows the grouping and order presented in Square Enix’s collections; it is a practical route, not a publisher-declared mandatory order.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-Ojve+89L._SL160_.jpg)
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KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51RqOuv+TBL._SL160_.jpg)
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KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Kingdom Hearts Re:coded | $64.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix (PS4) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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- KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX — begin here, in KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-.
- Re:Chain of Memories — continue with the next story entry in that collection.
- KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX.
- 358/2 Days — watch the included HD cutscene compilation; it is not the original full playable game.
- Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX.
- Re:coded — watch the included HD cutscene compilation rather than expecting a full playable remaster.
- Dream Drop Distance HD — the first entry in HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.
- χ Back Cover — watch the HD movie included in 2.8.
- 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – — a short episode that Square Enix describes as linking to III.
- KINGDOM HEARTS III.
- Re Mind — play this additional chapter if you want the other side of the tale unfolding during III’s climax.
Square Enix describes the games from the original through III + Re Mind as the Dark Seeker Saga. Its Steam announcement also records that the series launched on Steam on June 13, 2024. Square Enix’s Steam announcement provides that platform context.
What can you skip?
No definitive skip list is established by the official collection descriptions. They identify what each package contains and whether certain entries are presented as games, movies, or cutscene compilations; they do not certify that any story entry can be omitted without losing context.
#1 Best Overall
- KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- A value packed bundle featuring three collections: KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
- This product is also included in other bundle sets. Please ensure you do not purchase the same content more than once.
- Platform-exclusive Keyblade "Long Night" included with purchase!
- GAME-KEY CARD. 128 GB – Full game download via internet required.
If you are short on time
Defer an entry if you need to, but treat that as a time-management choice rather than a guarantee that its story is unimportant. The clearest time-saving adjustment is format-based: when you reach 358/2 Days and Re:coded in 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, use the included cutscene compilations instead of looking for full playable remasters in that collection. χ Back Cover is also supplied as a movie in 2.8.
Why the two cutscene entries still have a place
The collections include these story presentations as part of their lineup, so this guide cannot label them safe to skip. Watching the supplied compilations is the convenient way to encounter them in the collection’s sequence without expecting the original games to be playable there.
Rank #2
- KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- A value packed bundle featuring three collections: KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC).
- This product is also included in other bundle sets. Please ensure you do not purchase the same content more than once.
- Platform-exclusive Keyblade "Midnight Blue" included with purchase!
- To play the physical version of KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III], an internet connection and additional data download are required.
Which entries are games, movies, or cutscene compilations?
The format distinction matters when choosing a collection or planning how to play. Square Enix’s collection descriptions and official lineup identify the included titles and presentations.
| Collection | Included entries and presentation |
|---|---|
| KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- | KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, Re:Chain of Memories, KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX, Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX, plus HD cutscene compilations for 358/2 Days and Re:coded. |
| KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue | Dream Drop Distance HD (HD remaster), χ Back Cover (HD movie), and 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage – (short episode). |
| KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind | The base game and the additional Re Mind chapter. |
How to choose a collection and platform
If you are building a library entry by entry, start with 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, then add 2.8 and III + Re Mind. For an all-in-one purchase, Square Enix announced KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] for October 8, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, that release date is still in the future; do not treat the bundle as already available. The announcement lists physical and digital editions for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. It also says the physical edition requires an internet connection to download additional data. See the publisher’s collection announcement for its contents and release details.
Rank #3
- The latest installment in the beloved Kingdom Hearts series, Re:Coded unites Sora, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and a host of familiar faces from Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy once again for an exciting new adventure
- All-new features include a new character growth system created specifically for the Nintendo DS release, building on the series' immersive blend of action and role-playing elements
- Guide Sora like never before through exciting new boss battles
- Players can design their own avatar using over 800 unlockable parts and trade playable maps with friends
- Varied gameplay inspired by side-scrolling, shooting and classic Final Fantasy games
Platform listings differ by collection and can vary by region. Square Enix’s official lineup lists 1.5+2.5 ReMIX for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Epic Games Store, and marks it newly available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Store on Windows. Check the publisher’s current lineup and the relevant marketplace for your region before buying; a listing on one platform or storefront does not establish availability in every region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why this is the practical starting route
Square Enix describes KINGDOM HEARTS as a role-playing series created through collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, with the first game released for PlayStation 2 in March 2002. The publisher’s 2025 annual report says the series had exceeded 38 million units in global package shipments and digital sales as of the end of June 2025. That scale helps explain why newcomers face many titles, but it does not make every entry equally playable in the modern collections. The collection order gives a clear route; checking each entry’s format prevents surprises along the way. See the Square Enix Holdings Annual Report 2025 for the series background and dated sales figure.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The HD remastered compilation brings six beloved KINGDOM HEARTS adventures to the PlayStation 4
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 + 25 ReMIX gives fans the opportunity to experience all of their favourite moments from the series so far for the very first time on one platform
- The full list of titles included in KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 + 25 ReMIX are KINGDOM HEARTS HD 15 ReMIX including KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD remastered cinematics)
- KINGDOM HEARTS HD 25 ReMIX including KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded
- KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney Interactive and Square Enix
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.
