Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Releasing for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Next Week

Nintendo has announced that the beloved Nintendo 64 platformer, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, will be playable for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on May 20, 2022. Of Kirby’s classic catalog, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is among the most highly acclaimed amongst fans. It can be seen as a lite precursor to the recently released Kirby and the Forgotten Land with its 2.5D presentation.

You can view the initial tweet where this game’s arrival was announced via Nintendo’s official Twitter account below:

Inhale enemies and combine their abilities in #Kirby's adventure beyond Dream Land! ⭐

Dozens of puffed-up special powers await you in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, floating onto #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members on 5/20! #Nintendo64 pic.twitter.com/4YtfIZ2Cnl

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 13, 2022

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the newest game in the franchise, bringing it to a new dimension. All previous mainline titles were 2D platformers, even when some of those featured 3D assets. As players get to explore abandoned areas from a past civilization, this will likely add new elements to the dark lore hidden in the series. (This is not a joke.)

Besides being able to move around freely through the stages, Forgotten Land includes the traditional copy abilities. By inhaling enemies, Kirby can copy their powers using distinct movesets to advance through the areas and beat down enemies on his way.