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Tokyo, Japan – October 26, 2023 – Bandai Namco Entertainment has officially announced that the beloved "Katamari Damacy" franchise will be returning with a brand-new installment, titled "Once Upon a Katamari." This highly anticipated title is slated for release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console on October 8, 2026. The announcement arrives with a wave of exciting details, promising a significantly upgraded experience for fans of the unique and whimsical rolling-ball action game, alongside a substantial paid DLC expansion.
A Leap Forward: Enhanced Visuals and Innovative Controls for Switch 2
"Once Upon a Katamari" is poised to leverage the next-generation capabilities of the Switch 2, offering players a visually superior and more fluid gameplay experience. Bandai Namco has confirmed that the Switch 2 version will feature enhanced resolution and significantly higher frame rates, ensuring that the vibrant and chaotic world of Katamari is rendered with unprecedented clarity and smoothness. This technical uplift is expected to immerse players even deeper into the delightful absurdity of the Katamari universe.
Perhaps the most intriguing new feature for the Switch 2 is the introduction of motion controls, specifically a "mouse control" scheme. Players will be able to "roll" the Joy-Cons forward to manipulate their Katamari, a mechanic that the developers have drawn a parallel to the less-remembered title "Drag x Drive." This innovative control method suggests a hands-on, intuitive approach to steering and growing the iconic Katamari ball, potentially offering a fresh layer of engagement for both veteran and new players.
Addressing the Existing Player Base: A Generous Free Update
While the primary focus of the announcement is the Switch 2 version, Bandai Namco has also revealed a thoughtful gesture towards current Nintendo Switch owners. Although there is currently no word on a direct upgrade path for existing physical or digital copies, a free update is planned for all current Switch owners. This update will introduce the new motion controls and frame rate improvements, allowing players on the original Switch hardware to experience some of the enhanced features when playing on a Switch 2 console. This move aims to mitigate potential disappointment and demonstrate a commitment to the broader Katamari community.
"Rolling LIVE Highlights" DLC: A Wealth of New Content
Complementing the core game’s release, Bandai Namco has also unveiled the "Rolling LIVE Highlights" paid downloadable content. This substantial expansion is set to launch concurrently with the main game on October 8, 2026, and promises to significantly enrich the gameplay experience. The DLC will introduce a treasure trove of new content, including:
- 10 New Quests: Offering fresh challenges and objectives to test players’ rolling prowess.
- 12 New Songs: Expanding the already iconic and eclectic Katamari soundtrack with new musical delights.
- 6 New Cousins: Introducing a fresh cast of quirky characters to join the Prince on his cosmic adventures.
- 18 New Accessories: Providing even more customization options for the Prince and his numerous cousins.
This extensive DLC pack suggests that "Rolling LIVE Highlights" is designed to offer significant replayability and added depth to "Once Upon a Katamari."
Deep Dive into "Once Upon a Katamari": A Journey Through Time and Competition
The developers have provided further insight into the core gameplay and features of "Once Upon a Katamari." The game promises an experience that redefines the series, taking players on a "journey across time" with brand-new stages. This narrative element suggests a potentially expanded lore and a more epic scope for the King of All Cosmos’s celestial cleanup missions.
A significant new addition is a competitive multiplayer mode. This mode allows players to choose between The Prince and any of the 68 available cousins, each of whom can be personalized with a variety of colors and facial features. These customized characters can then be unleashed in KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode. The objective in KatamariBall is to roll the largest Katamari possible within a time limit and convert its size into points. This competitive element is expected to inject a fresh dose of frantic fun and strategic play into the franchise.
KatamariBall will support both online multiplayer and offline play against CPU opponents, catering to a wide range of player preferences and ensuring that the fun can be had whether playing with friends or solo.
The game’s memorable music, a cornerstone of the Katamari Damacy experience, will return with a new soundtrack. Furthermore, players will have access to new customization options and helpful tools, such as a new magnet that can attract nearby items, potentially aiding in the rapid growth of their Katamari.
Critical Acclaim for the Predecessor
The anticipation for "Once Upon a Katamari" is further bolstered by the critical success of its predecessor. In a review of "Once Upon a Katamari" on the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life awarded the game a commendable 8/10. The review praised the title as a "mainline sequel" that "proves its worth" and "differentiates itself from other action-puzzlers with its irresistible game feel." This positive reception sets a high bar for the upcoming Switch 2 version, suggesting that Bandai Namco has a strong foundation to build upon.
Implications for the Gaming Landscape
The announcement of "Once Upon a Katamari" for the Switch 2 carries several implications for the gaming industry and consumers. Firstly, it signals a continued commitment from major publishers to support Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. The inclusion of enhanced graphical capabilities and innovative control schemes indicates that developers are prepared to push the boundaries of what the Switch 2 can offer.
Secondly, the strategic release of a free update for existing Switch owners is a commendable move that could foster goodwill and encourage continued engagement with the franchise. This approach acknowledges the loyal player base and offers a taste of the next-gen experience without requiring an immediate hardware upgrade for those who wish to enjoy some of the new features.
Finally, the robust DLC offering suggests a long-term engagement strategy for "Once Upon a Katamari," providing players with a steady stream of new content to keep them invested in the game well after its initial launch. This, combined with the introduction of a competitive multiplayer mode, positions "Once Upon a Katamari" as a potentially significant title within the Switch 2’s burgeoning library.
As the release date of October 8, 2026, draws nearer, fans will undoubtedly be eager for further details and gameplay demonstrations. The promise of an enhanced Katamari experience, coupled with a wealth of new content and innovative gameplay mechanics, positions "Once Upon a Katamari" as a title to watch for Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
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Siti Muinah
Raul Delapena Setiawan
