The recent removal of Kingdom Hearts demos from the Nintendo eShop has ignited speculation that a native collection for the upcoming Switch 2 may soon be announced. Following a lengthy period of leaks and rumors, fans are eager to see if this change signals that Square Enix is ready to confirm the ports.
In 2022, Nintendo Switch users could access a cloud version of the Kingdom Hearts collection, allowing them to stream titles instead of playing them natively. However, reports since January have hinted at new ports specifically designed for the Switch 2 being released this year. As time passed without any formal announcement, doubts about the validity of these rumors began to surface. The recent disappearance of the demos, particularly for Kingdom Hearts – HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, has renewed interest in these claims.
Initial reports from KH Tomorrow on X highlighted the missing demos, stating, “The demo for all the Kingdom Hearts Nintendo Switch Cloud ports are MISSING. Could this be in preparation for Switch 2 ports being announced soon?” This statement raised eyebrows, especially since the demos have reportedly vanished only from the US and Japan eShop platforms, prompting speculation about a significant announcement regarding a Switch 2 collection.
Adding to the speculation is the availability of a demo for Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory, which remains on the eShop. Unlike the previously available titles that were cloud-based, Melody of Memory is the only Kingdom Hearts game on the Switch that does not rely on streaming. This distinction further fuels the theory that the anticipated collection may include native ports rather than just cloud versions.
Examining earlier leaks, there is a consensus among various sources that the forthcoming Kingdom Hearts Switch 2 collection will be a native version of the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece Collection. This collection is expected to encompass titles from Kingdom Hearts 1 through 3, alongside additional games such as Dream Drop Distance.
While excitement surrounds these developments, it’s crucial to approach this information cautiously. No official confirmation has yet been issued by Square Enix or Nintendo regarding the rumored Switch 2 collection. As fans await more news, the recent changes to the eShop may indicate that the long-anticipated native ports are indeed on the horizon, potentially allowing players to experience the beloved series without the limitations of cloud gaming.
The recent removal of Kingdom Hearts demos from the Nintendo eShop has rekindled interest in the possibility of a native collection for the Switch 2. With earlier leaks suggesting a comprehensive set of titles and the current state of available demos, fans remain hopeful that an official announcement may be imminent.
Quick answers
When will the Kingdom Hearts Switch 2 collection be announced?
There is no official announcement date yet, but speculation is high following the demo removals.
How does the new collection differ from the 2022 cloud versions?
The new collection is expected to be a native version, allowing for offline play instead of requiring a cloud connection.
Which titles are rumored to be included in the collection?
The collection is believed to include Kingdom Hearts 1 through 3 and other titles like Dream Drop Distance.
Is there any confirmation from Square Enix about the Switch 2 collection?
No confirmation has been made by Square Enix or Nintendo at this time.
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MJI Desk
MJI Desk covers consumer tech for MJI News.
