Kingdom Hearts fans got the news they’ve been waiting seven years for: Kingdom Hearts IV is finally in production.
Although developer Square Enix didn’t reveal the official release date, it shared that the long-awaited sequel will be available to play on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Unfortunately for Nintendo Switch 1 owners, the game is not coming to the older generation console.
But that’s not all that Square Enix has revealed in anticipation for Kingdom Heart’s 25th anniversary next year.
Here’s what else we know so far about the upcoming release.
Will Kingdom Hearts IV be available to play on Nintendo Switch 1?
No, Kingdom Hearts IV will not be available to play on Nintendo Switch 1 or other older generation gaming systems, like the PlayStation 4 or the XBOX One.
The game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, XBOX Series X/S and PC via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
Fans will either have to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 or play on another compatible console.
What is Kingdom Hearts IV about?
Kingdom Hearts IV follows protagonist Sora in his journey through the mysterious city of Quadratum alongside what Square Enix says are “familiar characters.”
We can assume that to mean Sora’s friends, Kairi, Riku, Goofy and Donald and King Mickey, are back.
This next chapter continues where Kingdom Hearts III left off. After using the Power of Waking to revive Kairi during the final battle, Sora disappears. He lands in the “Final World” within a mysterious alternate universe called the Quadratum.
Sora must travel through different worlds across the Quadratum to reunite with his friends as they continue to fight the Heartless. You can expect Sora to meet even more Disney and Pixar characters and villains along the way.
Check out the trailer showcasing the game’s modernised graphics enhanced with realism to depict an older Sora.
When will Kingdom Hearts IV be released?
Square Enix did not announce an official release date. However, the developer shared that it will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Kingdom Hearts in 2027.
We predict Square Enix will release the fourth chapter in 2027, as well, to coincide with the franchise’s anniversary.
In preparation for the release and the anniversary celebrations, the developer is releasing Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] for next gen consoles on Oct 8.
The bundle is available to preorder now on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in physical and digital versions. You can also get digital copies for the XBOX Series X/S and PC via the Microsoft Store on Windows.
Depending on the gaming system you own, you’ll get a free downloadable keyblade for your adventure through each Disney world. The Nintendo Switch 2 digital and physical copies get a Long Night keyblade.
PlayStation 5 digital and physical copies will receive a Midnight Blue keyblade while digital versions of the XBOX Series X/S come with a Phantom Green keyblade.
Plus, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX is available to download now for Nintendo Switch 1 on the Nintendo eShop as well as the PS5 and XBOX Series X/S. You’ll also get one of these keyblades with each gaming system.
Where can I buy Kingdom Hearts IV?
Once Kingdom Hearts IV is available to preorder, you can expect the sequel to be available at most major retailers – the same ones where KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I~III] is available to preorder now
Fans can look out for more details about this highly anticipated release over the next year. – nj.com/TNS
