Bandai Namco is bringing its celebrated title, "Once Upon a Katamari," to the Switch 2, promising an enriched gaming experience for both new and returning players. Set to launch on October 8, 2026, this updated rendition aims to leverage the advanced capabilities of the new console, offering visual and control enhancements. Current owners of the game on the original Switch will also benefit from a complimentary update, ensuring they can enjoy some of these improvements when transitioning to the Switch 2.
The upcoming Switch 2 release of "Once Upon a Katamari" will feature significant technical upgrades, including superior resolution and elevated frame rates, delivering a smoother and more visually appealing gameplay environment. A notable innovation is the introduction of mouse controls, allowing players to manipulate the Katamari by 'rolling' the Joy-Con forward, drawing parallels to the control scheme of "Drag x Drive." This novel control method is designed to offer a fresh perspective on the game's iconic rolling mechanics.
While a direct upgrade path for current Switch owners hasn't been announced, Bandai Namco is extending a goodwill gesture. A free update will be made available to existing players, enabling them to access the new mouse controls and benefit from increased frame rates should they play the game on a Switch 2 console. This ensures that a portion of the enhancements is accessible to the dedicated fan base without an additional purchase.
Accompanying the Switch 2 launch, a paid downloadable content pack, 'Rolling LIVE Highlights,' will also be released. This DLC is packed with fresh content, including 10 new quests, 12 additional musical tracks, 6 new cousins to choose from, and 18 new accessories for character customization. The developers envision this content to further deepen the game's appeal and replayability, offering more adventures and creative options for players.
"Once Upon a Katamari" is known for its distinctive gameplay, where players roll a highly adhesive ball to collect increasingly larger objects, growing it into colossal proportions. The game's new competitive multiplayer mode, KatamariBall, allows up to four players to vie for supremacy, rolling the largest Katamari to accumulate points within a set timeframe. This mode supports both online multiplayer and offline play against AI opponents, broadening its appeal. Players can personalize their experience by choosing from The Prince or any of the 68 cousins, each customizable with various colors and facial features, making each play session uniquely their own.
Upon its initial release on the Nintendo Switch, "Once Upon a Katamari" garnered an impressive score of 8/10 in a critical review. It was lauded for establishing itself as a worthy mainline sequel, distinguishing itself from other action-puzzle games through its captivating and irresistible gameplay mechanics. The game's ability to maintain its unique charm while introducing new elements solidified its position as a standout title within its genre.
The impending arrival of "Once Upon a Katamari" on Switch 2, complete with its array of enhancements and new content, signifies a promising future for fans of the quirky and engaging series. Players can look forward to a more immersive and expansive experience, whether they are revisiting the world of Katamari or discovering it for the first time on the advanced hardware.
