Kirby Gets a Bright 4K Boost on Switch 2
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is back in the spotlight with a polished Switch 2 edition. The upgrade lands on August 28 as Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World. It also brings a 4K/60fps bump, but it carries a price tag of $30 for the full package.
This upgrade path mirrors paid boosts seen on other big titles. It isn’t a free 4K patch like some older hits. Instead, players must pay to access the higher resolution and the new content. If you own only the base game, you’ll still get the improved visuals through the upgrade, but the extra content sits behind the same price. The split between base game, DLC, and 4K upscaling is clear, and you’ll want to weigh what you value most before buying.
What makes the Star-Crossed World worth a look
Inside the Star-Crossed World, players smash rainbow Starflower Crystals to unlock new routes. These paths often run through glassy, semi-reflective sections that catch the eye. It isn’t pure ray tracing, but the reflections and sheen do pop more in DLC zones. You’ll also see brighter particle effects in the starry areas. Overall, the look is striking and a real upgrade over the base levels.
Fan reactions to Starry Stages add a lively layer of community perspective to the visuals.
Starry Stages lift the vibe across the map
The DLC spices up the main world with Starry Stages that remix existing levels. It’s more than a simple detour; the stages borrow assets from various parts of the game to create a grander feel. The result is more lights and richer effects that help the world glow. Kirby’s colorful, cartoony art style holds up nicely, and the extra polish makes each scene feel lively rather than flat.
How the Switch 2 handles the visuals
Playing on Switch 2, the image looks crisp, especially when docked to a TV. If you didn’t try the game before, this version gives a vivid first impression. The world is full of charm, and the smoother edges reduce distractions from jagged lines. The upgrade makes the entire package feel fresh, which is exactly what fans want from an older title on a newer machine.
Even the base game's lighting receives a notable bump. Shadows, highlights, and glow effects appear more natural, giving the world a stronger sense of depth. The Starry Stages bring more dramatic lighting with shifting day-to-night transitions. The HDR touches add depth to backgrounds and lighting cues, turning key moments into small, cinematic beats.
New experiences in the Wondermania stretch
In the game’s third area, Wondermania, the Starry Stage acts as a traveling showcase. It uses parts of several levels to create a “greatest hits” tour. Smashing a Starflower can flip the day into night, which changes the mood and adds a new texture to the scenery. Every Starry Stage I encountered offered a fresh spectacle, making the upgrade feel like ongoing discovery rather than a one-off boost.
After a main storyline beat, you unlock all Starry Stages. If you start fresh, you’ll unlock them as you progress. There are new collectibles and more post-game content waiting for players who want to spend extra hours in the Star Crossed World. The stage designs still feel approachable, but the visual flair adds a wow factor that makes revisiting levels a joy.
Value and what you actually get for the price
The full package arrives on August 28 for a total of $114. The DLC and 4K upgrade cost $30 if you own the base game. This price structure mirrors the paid upgrade model seen with other big Nintendo titles, providing a clear path for fans who want to revisit the adventure with extra sparkle.
For players who already own the base game, the $30 upgrade unlocks the enhanced visuals and the Star-Crossed World content. If you hold off, you’ll miss out on the brighter lighting and the new stages until you decide to purchase. It’s a straightforward choice: pay to enjoy the full experience, or stick with the original visuals and content.
Should you pick up the Switch 2 edition?
If you’re chasing the best possible look for Kirby’s bright world, the Switch 2 edition is hard to ignore. The higher frame rate and 4K presentation bring the world to life in a way the original hardware can’t. The Starry Stages add a new rhythm to exploration, with sightlines and color that feel fresh and vibrant.
For newcomers or players who haven’t touched Forgotten Land in a while, this version offers a strong entry point. The Star Crossed World content threads well into the main game, giving veterans new areas to enjoy while letting new players see the range of stages Kirby can clear. In short, it’s a solid blend of value and spectacle for fans who want a more polished, modern take on a beloved platformer.
The upgrade is not a free patch, but its price is fair for the extra content and the sharper visuals. If you want the most complete experience and you own the base game, the $30 DLC and 4K upgrade is a strong option. If you’re curious about the new look but not ready to commit, you can wait and see how hands-on impressions stack up in the weeks after launch.
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