The Inevitable Release of Switch 2: Exploring Kingdom Hearts’ Handheld Legacy

The Kingdom Hearts franchise has a storied history, particularly with its releases on handheld systems. While the main series titles have predominantly graced home consoles, many of its beloved spin-offs were designed specifically for portable platforms. A notable example is Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, which first hit the Game Boy Advance before being adapted for the PlayStation 2. Other titles, including Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Kingdom Hearts: Re:Coded, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and the intricately named Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, were also tailored exclusively for handheld gaming experiences.

However, the last decade has seen a decrease in the Kingdom Hearts presence on portable consoles. The rhythm game Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, which released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, stands as the only title that received a dedicated portable version during this period. While there are mobile adaptations like Kingdom Hearts X and the anticipated Kingdom Hearts: Missing Link, they do not align with the offline, single-player essence that characterized earlier handheld spin-offs. Moving forward, it is essential that upcoming Kingdom Hearts games, whether spin-offs or mainline entries, target the next generation of handhelds, particularly the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Kingdom Hearts Likely to Feature on the Switch 2

The Switch 2: A Significant Upgrade

Recent announcements confirm that the Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon. This new console promises to enhance the original Switch experience with various improvements. Key upgrades include a larger display, additional buttons, USB-C ports, enhanced Joy-Con features, and, crucially, a more powerful internal architecture. Unlike Nintendo’s traditional focus on innovative gimmicks, the Switch 2 appears to embody a more straightforward upgrade, positioning it as an excellent platform for traditional gaming experiences.

Future Kingdom Hearts Titles for the Switch 2

The improved capabilities of the Switch 2 are expected to attract a broader range of third-party support, far surpassing that of the original Switch. This opens the door for enticing prospects, such as Kingdom Hearts 4, to make its way onto the new platform. Although Square Enix has yet to announce specific platforms for this next installment, the Switch 2 seems a likely candidate. Given its advanced specifications, Kingdom Hearts 4 should be able to operate smoothly on the device, despite its visually ambitious nature.

If Square Enix encounters challenges with running Kingdom Hearts 4 on the Switch 2, they should at least explore the development of a dedicated spin-off for this console. Unlike Melody of Memory, which primarily served as a recap of the series, a new title should prioritize narrative depth akin to Chain of Memories and Dream Drop Distance. A meaningful spin-off could enrich the franchise narrative rather than only revisiting past lore.

Square Enix has consistently voiced its ambition to become a more diverse, multi-platform publisher, suggesting any potential Kingdom Hearts spin-off for the Switch 2 might not remain exclusive. However, the inevitability of some form of Kingdom Hearts release on this platform is apparent. Whether Square Enix opts to release Kingdom Hearts 4, introduce a novel spin-off, or provide an HD collection port of earlier titles (which notably did not happen for the original Switch), capitalizing on the anticipated success of the Nintendo Switch 2 seems like a logical step for the franchise.

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