The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Choose Kirby and the Forgotten Land for a 3D adventure and two-player local co-op; choose Kirby Star Allies for side-view platforming, ability-combining teamwork, or local play for up to four. Neither is an evidence-backed universal winner—the better fit depends on how you want to play and how many people are joining.
At a glance: which game fits you?
| What you want | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A 3D Kirby adventure | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Nintendo describes it as a 3D platforming adventure and the series’ first mainline 3D action game. Nintendo’s game page and developer interview explain the format. |
| Side-view platforming built around recruiting allies | Kirby Star Allies | Kirby turns enemies into friends and combines Copy Abilities to create Friend Abilities. See Nintendo UK’s Star Allies page and Nintendo’s Kirby series page. |
| Local co-op for more than two players | Kirby Star Allies | Nintendo lists one-system multiplayer for one to four players. Nintendo UK’s product page |
| A two-player assist mode | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Player two joins as Bandana Waddle Dee, who fights with a spear. Nintendo describes the same-system co-op in its launch feature. |
| A stated choice of difficulty | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | It offers Spring-Breeze and Wild modes; Nintendo developer Shinya Kumazaki says Wild is harder in Ask the Developer Vol. 4. |
| A specifically documented challenge after the story | Kirby Star Allies | Nintendo lists Heroes in Another Dimension, available after the story, among its free post-launch additions. Nintendo UK’s product page |
This is a comparison of features Nintendo documents, not a ranking of overall quality, length, difficulty, or value.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How the adventures differ
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: explore a 3D world
Kirby arrives in an unfamiliar land and sets out to rescue kidnapped Waddle Dees. The stages are 3D environments where nature has grown around the remnants of a past civilization. Kirby explores, rescues Waddle Dees, and uses Copy Abilities; Nintendo highlights Drill and Ranger among them. Rescued Waddle Dees help develop Waddle Dee Town, which has shops and activities. Nintendo’s launch feature
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchKirby Star Allies: build a team and combine powers
Star Allies keeps to side-view platforming and makes cooperation part of its central idea. Kirby uses Friend Hearts to recruit enemies as allies, then combines Copy Abilities with friends to produce special moves or new powers called Friend Abilities. Nintendo UK’s game page and Nintendo’s Kirby series page
#1 Best Overall
Local multiplayer: two players or four?
Choose The Forgotten Land for two-player co-op
A second player can join on the same system as Bandana Waddle Dee, who accompanies Kirby and attacks with a spear. Nintendo’s developers say player two can join during a stage; they designed the 3D camera to keep Bandana Waddle Dee visible. This is an assist role alongside Kirby, rather than a four-player team format. Nintendo developer Shinya Kumazaki also says, “If a section is proving too challenging for a single player, they can try co-op to clear it with help from a friend.” Nintendo’s developer interview
Choose Star Allies for up to four on one system
Nintendo lists simultaneous play for one to four players on a single system. That makes Star Allies the straightforward choice if three or four people want to play together locally. Nintendo UK’s product page
Rank #2
- Region-free, works on all Nintnedo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite consoles around the world
Difficulty and after-story challenge
The Forgotten Land has Spring-Breeze Mode and Wild Mode. Nintendo developer Shinya Kumazaki describes Wild Mode as harder and says defeating enemies earns more in-game coins in that mode. That is Nintendo’s description of the mode, not a measured comparison against Star Allies. Ask the Developer Vol. 4
For Star Allies, Nintendo specifically identifies Heroes in Another Dimension as a challenging mode available after completing the story. The official listing does not establish which game offers more total replay value. Nintendo UK’s product page
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!
Check the edition before buying
Kirby and the Forgotten Land originally released for Nintendo Switch. Nintendo also lists Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, which is playable only on Switch 2. Nintendo says that edition improves graphics and frame rate and adds the Star-Crossed World story with additional Mouthful Modes. Its listing distinguishes the Switch 2 edition, the original Switch game, and an upgrade pack, so check that the product matches your console and the content you want. Nintendo’s Switch 2 edition listing Nintendo’s original Switch listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release date and price context
Nintendo UK’s Star Allies listing gives its release date as 16 March 2018; that is the date on the UK page. Nintendo of America announced a suggested retail price of $59.99 for The Forgotten Land in 2022, at preorder announcement. That historical US launch price is not a current price. Nintendo UK Nintendo of America
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![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.
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.
