Katamari Damacy Expands to Nintendo Switch 2
Bandai Namco Entertainment has delighted fans by announcing an exciting new development for Once Upon a Katamari, the latest installment in the beloved Katamari Damacy franchise. On October 8, a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game will launch, promising a host of technical enhancements and new features for players to enjoy. This new release is set to elevate the unique rolling puzzle experience to new heights, leveraging the capabilities of the upcoming console.
The Switch 2 version of Once Upon a Katamari is not just a simple port; it comes packed with significant improvements. Players can look forward to innovative mouse controls, which will offer a fresh and precise way to maneuver their Katamari. Beyond the new control scheme, the game will also boast an improved frame rate, ensuring smoother and more fluid gameplay as the Prince meticulously rolls up items into an ever-growing ball. Furthermore, updated graphics will bring the whimsical world of Katamari to life with enhanced visual fidelity, making every stage a vibrant spectacle.
Free Updates and New Rolling LIVE Highlights DLC
Even players who already own the original Switch version of Once Upon a Katamari aren't left out. A free update will be made available for the existing Switch version, which will introduce mouse controls and an improved frame rate specifically when played on the Nintendo Switch 2. This ensures that a wider audience can experience the benefits of the new hardware without needing to repurchase the game.
Accompanying the Switch 2 launch is the brand-new "Rolling LIVE Highlights" DLC, also set to release on October 8. This substantial content pack expands the Katamari universe with 10 new quests, providing fresh challenges for seasoned players. It also adds 12 new songs to the game's quirky soundtrack, ensuring that the rolling adventures are accompanied by a diverse auditory experience. Customization options are also getting a boost with six new cousins to unlock and 18 additional accessories, allowing players to personalize their Prince and his helpers even further.
Journey Through the Cosmos with the Prince
Once Upon a Katamari initially launched last October across multiple platforms, including Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The game quickly garnered attention for its adherence to the series' core gameplay while introducing new elements. Fans could also pick up the Deluxe King of All Sounds edition, which featured an impressive collection of 60 songs and 26 costumes from previous games in the franchise, offering a nostalgic trip down Katamari memory lane.
The game's narrative follows the familiar charming premise: after the mischievous King of All Cosmos inadvertently destroys the Earth and its stars, the courageous Prince embarks on a time-traveling mission to restore the starry night sky. Players engage in the signature Katamari gameplay, rolling a small, sticky ball around various environments to collect an array of objects, causing the Katamari to grow larger and larger. Customization plays a key role, allowing players to personalize The Prince and his 68 unique cousins with different colors and facial features.
Competitive KatamariBall and Franchise Legacy
Adding a competitive edge to the beloved series, Once Upon a Katamari introduced a new 4-player competitive multiplayer mode called "KatamariBall." In this exciting mode, players vie to roll the biggest Katamari balls, testing their skills against friends and other enthusiasts. The multiplayer mode supports both online and offline play, providing flexible options for competitive fun.
Bandai Namco's Katamari Damacy franchise has a rich history, beginning with its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004. The innovative rolling puzzle game quickly became a cult classic, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs across a wide array of platforms, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and mobile devices. The series has consistently delighted fans with its unique gameplay and quirky aesthetic. In recent years, Bandai Namco has also brought updated versions of classic titles to modern consoles, including Katamari Damacy Reroll (an HD remaster of the first game, released in 2018/2020) and We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie (an HD version of the 2005 PlayStation 2 title, which debuted in June 2023).
The Katamari universe continues to expand, with the Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE game slated for smartphones in April 2025. With new versions, DLC, and future mobile titles, the delightful rolling adventures of the Prince and the King of All Cosmos show no signs of slowing down. Fans of unique puzzle action games have much to look forward to from Bandai Namco's beloved series.
