Research-backed game lineage

Kirby

Kirby is included in the Series Atlas after independent recognition and an authoritative game-by-game roster audit. Editions, simple ports, DLC, bundles, canceled projects, and cameo-only appearances are excluded.

39 curated games 1992–2025 release span 0 connected branches
Kirby's Dream Land coverKirby's Adventure coverKirby's Pinball Land coverKirby's Dream Course coverKirby's Dream Land 2 cover

Release chronology

The complete path.

Ordered by researched series position, then original release date. Ports, DLC, and duplicate editions are intentionally excluded.

39 games in this lineage

01 Kirby's Dream Land cover
Mainline1992

Kirby's Dream Land

The gluttonous King Dedede has stolen all of the food from the inhabitants of Dream Land for a midnight feast, so Kirby, a resident of Dream Land, goes to retrieve the food and stop Dedede. Kirby's Dream Land plays like other platformers of the 8-bit and 16-bit era of video games: Kirby must use various natural abilities and occasionally external abilities or items while heading toward the goal at the end of each level. Like many 1980s-era platformers, the player can accumulate points, with an extra life granted when the player has enough points. However, because Kirby lacks a save function, scores are not recorded. Also, there are no save files, so the player has to start over again when the Game Boy is turned off, if the player chooses to return to the title screen after a Game Over, or if the player resets the game. All levels are played on a two-dimensional plane, letting Kirby move only left, right, up, and down. Kirby can walk, jump, and fly. Kirby can also inhale objects and enemies, swallowing them or spitting them out as projectiles.

Apr 27, 199278/100
02 Kirby's Adventure cover
Mainline1993

Kirby's Adventure

Not everything is well in Dream Land. For some mysterious reason, the Dream Spring, a magical well that is the reservoir for all the dreams of the citizens of Dream Land, is no longer working. Everyone is being subjected to their worst nightmares every time they go to sleep. Upon reaching the Dream Spring, Kirby finds out that evil King Dedede has stolen the Star Rod, thus depriving Dream Land of the magical energy that feeds its spring. Using 20 unique tricks and your ability to steal your enemies' powers by swallowing them, you'll have to make your way through a horrific land filled with all kinds of nightmares. Recover the broken pieces of the Star Rod, and everyone in Dream Land will sleep peacefully once again. If you fail, the citizens of Dream Land will be subjected to a lifetime of terrible nightmares.

Mar 23, 199371/100
03 Kirby's Pinball Land cover
Mainline1993

Kirby's Pinball Land

Choose your world and take aim! Kirby will be launched into the fast-paced danger of uncharted worlds, but you can help him face his foes head on. It's a pinball race to check out each new world's surprise enemies and pitfalls. Flip Kirby in battles against lethal eyeballs, a shooting tree and mace-swinging maniacs. Take aim and leap to new worlds!

Nov 27, 199373/100
04 Kirby's Dream Course cover
Remake1994

Kirby's Dream Course

Kirby's Dream Course is a 1994 miniature golf video game developed by HAL Laboratory and Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Sep 21, 199474/100
05 Kirby's Dream Land 2 cover
Mainline1995

Kirby's Dream Land 2

Kirby returns and has joined forces with new friends in this thrilling sequel! The Rainbow Bridges that connect the seven Rainbow Islands have disappeared! Help Kirby solve the mystery! Search through the different islands while battling King DeDeDe and his horde of evil minions. Along the way, meet Rick the Hamster, Kine the Fish, and Coo the Owl. Each possesses important abilities that can multiply the magnitude of Kirby's powers! Earn the mysterious Rainbow Sword, and prepare to face Kirby's most menacing rival ever--the evil Dark Matter!

Mar 21, 199579/100
06 Kirby's Block Ball cover
Mainline1995

Kirby's Block Ball

Kirby's back with fast-paced, four-way action! It's a breakaway bash in this wild new Kirby game of Block Ball! By destroying the blocks on the screen, you clear stages and obtain powers that help you in your final confrontation with King Dedede. Paddles on all four sides of the screen make this an intense four-way action contest. Your quick reactions and your careful use of Kirby's powers will determine your ultimate fate!

Dec 14, 199573/100
07 Megaton Punch cover
Mainline1996

Megaton Punch

Megaton Punch is a sub-game of Kirby Super Star. This sub-game was also ported and released as a trial version for the Satellaview as part of the Kirby no Omochabako (Kirby's Toy Box) series of standalone minigames. No footage or file of this version has since been found.

Mar 21, 1996
08 Samurai Kirby cover
Mainline1996

Samurai Kirby

Samurai Kirby is a sub-game of Kirby Super Star. This sub-game was also ported and released as a trial version for the Satellaview as part of the Kirby no Omochabako (Kirby's Toy Box) series of standalone minigames. No footage or file of this version has since been found.

Mar 21, 1996
09 Spring Breeze cover
Remake1996

Spring Breeze

Spring Breeze is the first main game in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra. It is essentially a simplified remake of Kirby's Dream Land, with some differences to compensate for this. It is the first main game to be playable, and is designed to introduce new players to the game.

Mar 21, 1996
10 Kirby's Star Stacker cover
Mainline1997

Kirby's Star Stacker

Join Kirby as he stacks the falling stars with help from his friends, Rick the Hamster, Kine the Sunfish, and Coo the Owl. Watch out for King Dedede. He is out to stop you! With a few quick moves and some well-timed strategy, you can quickly outwit him and move on to the next challenging level. Kirby's Star Stacker features pure puzzle fun for everyone. From above, blocks rain down constantly. From below, whole lines appear with unrelenting clock-like regularity. Simply sandwich the stars between Kirby's pals and you'll soon be on your way to the high score.

Jan 25, 199775/100
11 Kirby's Dream Land 3 cover
Mainline1997

Kirby's Dream Land 3

That mean old King Dedede is at it again! He's causing his mischief and Dreamland's in trouble! Kirby, the resident hero of Dreamland, sets out to teach Dedede a lesson, this time with the help of many of his good friends! But wait! Something's wrong! Dedede doesn't seem to be himself... Looks like Kirby has to stop Dedede and find out what is wrong with him! It almost seems like something's controlling him...

Nov 27, 199782/100
12 Kirby's Star Stacker cover
Remake1998

Kirby's Star Stacker

Kirby's Star Stacker is the official English title given to a puzzle Kirby game that was originally released on Japan's Super Famicom system on February 1, 1998. It is a remake of Kirby's Star Stacker, which is known in Japan under exactly the same name as the remake. The game was originally released as a new title for the Nintendo Power flash RAM service, but was released in standard cartridge form a year later. It was intended for international release, but the SNES's lifespan ended in North America and Europe before the game could be localized in either region. The standard cartridge release of the game also came out in the exact year of the SNES's discontinuation in North America, further compounding its isolation. The game was the final title in the Kirby series officially published for Super Famicom. A North American and European release would eventually be seen through the Nintendo Switch Online service in September 2023.

Feb 1, 1998
13 Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards cover
Mainline2000

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby's first 3-D adventure is also his Nintendo 64 debut, and it finds the always-versatile hero battling a new enemy called Dark Matter. Dark Matter is after a distant land's powerful crystal, but a young fairy named Ribbon attempts to save it by escaping with the gem to Dream Land. Now the crystal has been broken, and it's scattered around the world. Take control of Kirby and help him journey across six worlds, battling a wide variety of enemies and challenging bosses, as he tries to collect all 100 pieces of the shattered crystal.

Mar 24, 200076/100
14 Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble cover
Mainline2000

Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble

Peacefully sleeping in his Dream Land, Kirby drifts lazily amongst the beauty of the sky. A beauty that King Dedede cannot abide with. Jealous of the sky's wondrous splendor, King Dedede has acquired a tool that will let him steal the night's stars, plunging the world into eternal drab daylight. When Kirby awoke, he found that it was still daytime. And evermore, it would be daytime, unless Kirby made the journey to find King Dedede and recover the stars to restore the night's sky. So begins the latest Kirby adventure, another action adventure with the morphing marshmallow in a starnge fantasy world. However, the one thing separating this latest adventure is the control scheme. Here, you don't control Kirby directly. Instead, you guide Kirby by tipping your system to roll the little round pink puff through a series of mazes. If you get in a jam you can make Kirby jump by a controller press, and Kirby can still acquire weapons from other enemies, but the real skill is using the tilting to your advantage.

Aug 23, 200070/100
16 Kirby Air Ride cover
Mainline2003

Kirby Air Ride

Kirby Air Ride is a 2003 racing game video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo GameCube video game console. The game has the players and computer-controlled racers ride on Air Ride Machines. The game supports up to four players, and was the first GameCube title to support LAN play using broadband adapters and up to four GameCube systems. Players take control of Kirby or any of his multicolored counterparts to compete in races or other minigames. The game consists of three different game modes: Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial.

Jul 11, 200379/100
17 Kirby & the Amazing Mirror cover
Mainline2004

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror

Once again, Kirby must save the kingdom from evil. But this time he'll need some backup. As Kirby, you can call up one of four alter egos for help during your quest. Each character features new copy abilities that range from arrow-shooting to melee moves. Practice your skills in new side games, such as Crackity Hack and Speed Eaters. In addition to new abilities and subgames, Kirby & the Amazing Mirror also introduces new multiplayer modes.

Apr 15, 200484/100
18 Kirby: Canvas Curse cover
Mainline2005

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Your DS stylus has been infused with the power to paint! When Kirby gets turned into a ball by an evil witch, your hand-drawn rainbow paths become the only way he can find power-ups and reach the gates of each world. Draw loops to make him speed up, make ramps to jump danger, and draw walls to block laser beams and cannon blasts as you explore seven worlds packed with adventure! Get in touch: Stun enemies, break blocks, and much more - all with a touch of the stylus! Be a copycat: Tap Kirby to dash into enemies and copy their abilities. Eleven abilities in all! So many modes: Try timed challenges, take on bosses, or play simple but fun mini-games!

Mar 24, 200579/100
19 Kirby: Squeak Squad cover
Mainline2006

Kirby: Squeak Squad

"Kirby: Squeak Squad", known in Europe as "Kirby: Mouse Attack" and in Japan as "Kirby of the Stars: Calling on the Dorotche Gang", is a 2006-07 platforming video game developed by HAL Laboratory, Flagship and Natsume, and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. Unlike the previous Nintendo DS title, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Squeak Squad is a traditional platformer which uses the face buttons instead of the touch screen to control Kirby.

Nov 2, 200672/100
20 Kirby Super Star Ultra cover
Remake2008

Kirby Super Star Ultra

Kirby Super Star Ultra for the Nintendo DS re-imagines one of the most beloved Kirby games of all time. The game features new graphics and fully rendered animated cut scenes. With so many adventures waiting to be unlocked, there will never be a dull moment as Kirby runs, floats, copies enemies and uses Helpers to fight King Dedede and Meta Knight. New modes like Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra await, along with classics like The Great Cave Offensive and Milky Way Wishes. On top of the main modes, there are also three new touch-screen-controlled mini-games that can be played with up to three friends via DS Download Play. Not only that, but players can go on Kirby adventures with a friend via local wireless as well.

Sep 22, 200879/100
21 Kirby's Epic Yarn cover
Mainline2010

Kirby's Epic Yarn

While walking through Dream Land, Kirby discovers a tomato and decides to eat it. Yin-Yarn, the evil sorceror who possessed the tomato (revealed to be a Metamato), appears and magically banishes Kirby into Patch Land, a world completely made of fabric, via the sock carried around his neck. In Patch Land, Kirby's body transforms into yarn, rendering his power to inhale useless. Instead, Kirby is granted the ability to transform by the magic of the Metamato, which he uses to rescue a boy being attacked by a monster. The boy, named Prince Fluff, explains that Yin-Yarn has separated Patch Land into pieces, which was tied together by magic yarn. Kirby decides to help Prince Fluff collect all seven pieces of the yarn and restore Patch Land. Meanwhile, Yin-Yarn captures King Dedede and Meta Knight and places them under his control. Kirby is forced to fight Dedede and Meta Knight after they ambush him in Patch Land. When Kirby and Prince Fluff finally collect all the Magic Yarn, Meta Knight, no longer under the sorceror's influence, informs Kirby that Yin-Yarn is turning Dream Land into fabric. Prince Fluff produces the second sock, its magic fully restored, and uses it to transport Kirby and himself to Dream Land; now completely made of yarn. Kirby confronts and defeats Yin-Yarn, breaking the spell and returning Dream Land and himself back to normal. Prince Fluff parts with Kirby, stating that he can visit Patch Land anytime via Yin-Yarn's magic sock.

Oct 14, 201078/100
22 Kirby Mass Attack cover
Mainline2011

Kirby Mass Attack

One day, an evildoer with a magic cane appears and splits Kirby into 10 pieces. Kirby sets off on a journey to return to his original form. Players use the touch screen to control a mass of Kirby characters in a new and novel way. Swipe the touch screen to launch them in a mass attack against enemies, then tap the enemies into submission.

Aug 4, 201179/100
23 Kirby's Return to Dream Land cover
Mainline2011

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Kirby and his friends are back in an adventure designed to satisfy longtime Kirby fans and beginners alike. When an alien spaceship crashes in the otherwise peaceful realm of Pop Star, its pieces are scattered throughout the land. Players must guide Kirby as he retrieves the ship’s parts and helps the aliens return to their home planet. This time, however, he’s not alone. At any time, up to three more players can join in the fun and play as Meta Knight, King Dedede and Waddle Dee to help Kirby in his quest.

Oct 24, 201186/100
24 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure cover
Remaster2011

3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure

3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure offers you a chance to explore the world of Dream Land in a whole new way! The landscape comes to life as Kirby crosses land, sea, and sky in his quest to restore the Star Rod. After waking from a dreamless sleep, Kirby goes to investigate the Dream Spring only to find out that its source of energy has been stolen by King Dedede. Broken and divided across seven worlds, Kirby will need to use his unique ability to steal enemies' powers as he battles to restore the pieces of the Star Rod. Without it, how can a hero fight another day if he can't get a good night's sleep? Embark on this adventure as the beloved pink character tries to save the citizens of Dream Land from a lifetime of terrible nightmares.

Nov 17, 201180/100
25 Kirby: Triple Deluxe cover
Mainline2014

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

A side-scrolling installment in the beloved Kirby series, Kirby: Triple Deluxe uses the 3D features of the Nintendo 3DS to allow Kirby to move not only from left to right, but also from the foreground to the background. Kirby also gets an “inhale everything” ability that can be used in specific parts of each stage to help him clear anything blocking his path. As always, Kirby has the power to inhale his enemies and take on their abilities. Each copy ability can let him do a variety of actions and moves, depending on which buttons are pressed. Kirby: Triple Deluxe includes a huge number of collectibles for players to find, from hidden 8-bit keychains to Sun Stones. The game takes advantage of 3DS StreetPass feature to deliver bonus items to players

Jan 11, 201480/100
26 Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe cover
Mainline2014

Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe

Bounce to the beat as Kirby’s longtime rival in King Dedede’s rhythm action game! Jump on drums collecting coins and avoiding enemies while tapping buttons in sync with catchy Kirby tunes! This standalone deluxe game includes content not found in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, including all-new stages, new obstacles and more!

Jul 23, 201475/100
27 Kirby Fighters Deluxe cover
Mainline2014

Kirby Fighters Deluxe

Duke it out with your favorite pink puffball in a fierce 4-player battle action game! Team up or go solo as you battle in new and classic Kirby arenas. Choose from powerful copy abilities like Sword, Ninja, Hammer, and more as you take your fighting skills to the limit! Based on the wild battle mode introduced in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, this standalone game contains expanded gameplay features, the ability to play as a team, new arenas, and more. Join up with a buddy and fire the powerful new Team Cannon to blast opponents with mega-damage! Earn rare copy ability hats for defeating Kracko and the King Dedede army in the single-player gauntlet. Owners of Kirby: Triple Deluxe can also access two bonus copy abilities plus an exclusive arena - Waddle Dee Train Tracks!

Jul 23, 201458/100
29 Kirby and the Rainbow Curse cover
Mainline2015

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Do you have the magic touch? Then guide Kirby as he sets off on grand adventures in a hand-sculpted clay world. Draw lines on the touch screen of the Wii U GamePad controller to create rainbow-colored clay ropes to move Kirby around freely, or tap him to attack enemies or blast through obstacles. Transformations include a submarine, rocket and tank. In underwater levels, Kirby dons a swim mask. If his power level gets too low, a clay bandage appears on his head.

Jan 22, 201575/100
30 Kirby: Planet Robobot cover
Mainline2016

Kirby: Planet Robobot

"Harness the power of a mysterious mech to stop ruthless invaders from mechanizing Kirby's home world. Smash through tough obstacles, lift heavy objects with ease, and scan enemies to shape-shift into new Modes with powerful abilities in this supercharged action-platformer! That's right—Kirby's Robobot Armor can shape-shift into different modes by scanning enemies to copy their moves—like the new Jet Mode. Not to mention, Kirby can copy abilities the old-fashioned way too—by inhaling them! After saving the world, team up with three friends to defeat foes in Team Kirby Clash, an RPG-styled 4-player brawl where you choose from varied roles and level them up."

Apr 28, 201683/100
31 Team Kirby Clash Deluxe cover
Mainline2017

Team Kirby Clash Deluxe

In pretty much the best team up ever, Kirby, Kirby, Kirby, and Kirby must unite to do battle in this free-to-start multiplayer action game! Choose from four roles to make your own Kirby crew, take on bosses, level up, and try out new challenges in this clash of power and puffiness. Are you a Sword Hero? Hammer Lord? Beam Mage? Or Doctor Healmore?! No matter what, each mighty role offers up a unique way to play. Puff up your power by crafting new weapons and spending materials at the shop to receive even more weapons, not to mention armor and items. Beyond the main game, there's also a ton of quests and a brand-new challenge system. Plus, tapping compatible amiibo figures/accessories will earn you extra fragments to help craft new gear! Are you ready? For Kirby, the answer is always fight and flight...

Apr 12, 201758/100
32 Kirby's Blowout Blast cover
Mainline2017

Kirby's Blowout Blast

Have a blast inhaling foes and blowing them away in 3D environments across 25+ stages. Inhale enough enemies and you can launch one huge Blaster Bullet capable of wiping out a troop of Waddle Dees. Now's your chance to battle iconic bosses like Kracko Jr. and King Dedede in 3D! Inhaling multiple enemies to launch Blaster Bullets is a great way to pump up your score and go for a bronze, silver, or gold star. Another way to score big is to rack up a combo by continuously firing at enemies without missing. Or you could always just collect coins as you jump across platforms. As you progress, you'll unlock EX stages, which provide a tougher challenge to master. Celebrate your victories by tapping a Kirby series amiibo figure to build a statue in the plaza that plays new music!

Jul 4, 201767/100
33 Kirby Battle Royale cover
Mainline2017

Kirby Battle Royale

Kirby is entering a tournament against his toughest rival yet... himself! 1-4 players can fight in local or online battles. Pick from 10+ abilities and 10 battle types to compete in countless matchups. Hoard treasure in Ore Express, knock out opponents in Slam Hockey, shoot missiles at Robo Bonkers, and more! There's a single-player story mode too! A you uncover King Dedede's nefarious plan, you'll unlock abilities and battle types in the Cake Royale tournament. In this competition, you'll learn the basics of battle while earning Boost Orbs that power up Kirby, as well as nostalgic headgear to wear in other modes, and even a new playable character. Then dive into battle! 4 players can enjoy battling together via local wireless, Online Ranked mode, or with Download Play. Compete in 2-on-2 or Free-For-All battles. May the last Kirby standing win!

Nov 3, 201757/100
34 Kirby Star Allies cover
Mainline2018

Kirby Star Allies

Kirby is back in this new title coming to the Nintendo Switch console in HD. Recruit enemies as helpers, use Kirby copy abilities such as Sword, Fire and Water, and join forces with up to three friends for a different kind of team-up action.

Mar 16, 201872/100
35 Kirby and the Forgotten Land cover
Mainline2022

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

The first level of the Switch game, now available on your Gameboy Color! Features most mechanics from the original game.

Apr 27, 202285/100
36 Kirby's Dream Buffet cover
Mainline2022

Kirby's Dream Buffet

Hungry for some 4-player Kirby fun? Race through delicious obstacle courses, collect the most strawberries, and thwart your competition using familiar abilities.

Aug 17, 202271/100
37 Kirby Air Riders cover
Mainline2025

Kirby Air Riders

Kirby Air Riders is the long-awaited sequel to Kirby Air Ride on the Gamecube. Pick your rider, pick your machine, and mount up for competition! Take on your rivals in frantic arena battles or fast-paced races on the ground and in the air. Use the Boost Charge button to brake and control your turns as your machine automatically fights for top speed. Fill your Boost Charge Gauge as you drift around the bend and release it to trigger an explosive dash!

Nov 20, 202589/100
38 Purify Puzzle cover
Mainline

Purify Puzzle

A puzzle game from an e-Reader card available from Toys 'R' Us and Nintendo Power.

Release date TBA

Sources and method

Built from the public record.

Membership is researched from external official and independent sources. Mainline games, direct spin-offs, remakes, remasters, and standalone expansions are included; DLC, simple ports, duplicate editions, compilation-only duplicates, rumors, cancellations, and cameo-only crossovers are excluded.

  1. database Kirby collection — IGDB

    IGDB maintains a distinct collection record for Kirby and supplies the authoritative roster used for membership verification.

  2. reference List of best-selling video game franchises

    The independent catalog recognizes Kirby as a multi-game franchise and supports its inclusion in this major-series research sweep.