The Wii was a popular console in its day, but many gamers skipped it due to its low-definition nature and prominent waggle controls. Thus, it's good to see that Nintendo has remade 2011's formerly Wii- and WIi U-exclusive, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, on the much shinier and more powerful Nintendo Switch. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe brings back the 2.5D platformer with improved visuals, a new epilogue, new transformations, and the always welcome 4-player local co-op.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe begins with a spaceship crashing into Planet Popstar. Kirby and his friends investigate and soon agree to help the alien Magolor rebuild his ship. To do so, they'll need to find the five missing ship parts and up to 120 energy spheres that have been scattered across Kirby's world. The main adventure will span over seven chapters spread across Planet Popstar and the alien world of Halcandra. The new playable chapter, Magolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, adds even more story and playable areas.
Up to four players can work to help Magolor get back home via drop in, drop out local co-op. While the primary player always controls Kirby, additional players can choose from Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee (the partner character from 2022's Kirby and the Forgotten Land), or colored Kirbys. Only the main player gets to use copy abilities. On the plus side, players can stack on top of each other, enabling team attacks and allowing stronger players to help weaker players through tough platforming sections.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe for Switch sells for $59.99 digitally and Amazon. Nintendo also offers a free demo with co-op support, so be sure to give it a try!