Kingdom Hearts
News, coverage and analysis tracking Kingdom Hearts across the outlets.- How to Play the Kingdom Hearts Games in OrderThis guide outlines the correct order to play the 13 games in the Kingdom Hearts series. Understanding the chronological or release order is essential for following the complex narrative across multiple platforms.
Epic Games makes peace with ex-Fortnite insider as huge leak lawsuit comes to an endEpic Games has settled its lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, who was accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite content. The agreement permanently bans Cohen from sharing Epic's confidential information and does not include any public payment. The leaks reportedly revealed dozens of upcoming collaborations and development plans.
Square Enix doesn't promise to keep games playable forever, but it will "continue to create pathways" for fans to enjoy them "even after service has ended"Square Enix has stated it will continue to find ways to make games enjoyable after their service has ended, though these methods may not always be what fans desire. While the company shares cutscenes on platforms like YouTube for titles such as Nier, and preserves some remasters, the article argues this is insufficient for true game preservation, citing examples like Kingdom Hearts where entire games are only available as cutscene compilations.
Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy maestro Tetsuya Nomura says Super Mario 64 "truly shaped my current guiding…Tetsuya Nomura, known for his work on Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy, revealed that Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 was the primary inspiration for his guiding principle of enabling free movement in full 3D. He contrasted this with the development of Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation 1, where only characters were 3D and backgrounds were rendered images, limiting free exploration.
Evening Reading - June 22, 2026This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features. It includes reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, and updates on Sega's new titles, Steam Machine components, and a potential Sea of Thieves live-action movie. The article also touches on Final Fantasy 7 Remake director's desire for original projects and the possibility of custom Steam Machines with an updated SteamOS.
Sorry Kingdom Hearts nerds, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi says sea salt ice cream "isn't a…Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi clarified that the sea salt ice cream featured in the game is not a reference to Kingdom Hearts, but rather inspired by a popular Japanese popsicle called Garigari-kun. Despite this clarification, the article touches upon the ongoing development of Kingdom Hearts 4 and the general nostalgia associated with the Kingdom Hearts series.
Despite playing a key role in Final Fantasy 7, JRPG icon Tetsuya Nomura says "Kingdom Hearts has become my…Tetsuya Nomura, a key figure in Final Fantasy 7, stated in a Famitsu interview that the Kingdom Hearts series has become his life's work. He expressed surprise at its longevity and the realization of early discussions with Disney. Nomura also teased new developments in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4, which is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.- Tetsuya Nomura calls Kingdom Hearts his lifelong workTetsuya Nomura has stated that the Kingdom Hearts franchise has become his life's work, a journey he never anticipated would be so long since its PlayStation 2 debut. He believes there is still significant potential and longevity within the series.
This Week in Switch 2 - Rhythm Heaven Groove preview, Xbox falls & Kingdom Hearts or Kingdom FartsThis Week in Switch 2 covers recent gaming news including a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, discussions on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 4K Remake, and the perceived fall of the Xbox brand. The episode also features a Kingdom Hearts trivia game and mentions free interactive maps for other games.- Gruv’s Father’s Day Blu-ray Sale Lets Bundle Multiple Movies At Big DiscountsGruv is holding a Father's Day sale featuring bundle deals on 4K UHD and standard Blu-rays, as well as discounts on Clint Eastwood's filmography and TV series box sets. Customers can purchase three 4K Blu-rays for $33 or two standard Blu-rays for $16, with various classic and modern titles available.
- Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3 Is Now Available To Preorder, Out in OctoberThe Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3 is now available for preorder, with a release date set for October 8. The collection bundles the first three main installments of the popular action RPG series.
Preorders For Kingdom Hearts Collection I-IIIPreorders are now available for the Kingdom Hearts I-III Collection, a comprehensive compilation of the entire saga, releasing on October 8 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The collection includes updated versions of all main titles and bonus preorder content such as exclusive Keyblade skins for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Something for the Weekend – 13/06/26Nintendo held a surprise Nintendo Direct, revealing a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, alongside new titles like Final Fantasy Resonance and Xenoblade Genesis. The week also saw reports of major layoffs at Xbox due to subscriber losses and Ubisoft closing two studios. Reviews included Crushed In Time and Midnight Saturn, with previews of Romestead and Dark Heresy.
Rating the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, plus which games were missingThe June 2026 Nintendo Direct presentation showcased a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts 4 and its predecessors on Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. The broadcast also featured new titles like The Duskbloods and Xenoblade Genesis, along with DLC for Pokemon Pokopia and Donkey Kong Bananza, and updates for various other games. However, notable absences included anticipated titles like Super Smash Bros. and a new Animal Crossing, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, moreFamitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
Fortnite leak suggests Kingdom Hearts collab might finally be coming soonNew leaks suggest a collaboration between Fortnite and Kingdom Hearts is still planned, despite earlier rumors of delays. Files discovered in Fortnite and Rocket League, including a song from Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix, indicate the crossover is progressing. The timing aligns with the recent resurfacing of Kingdom Hearts 4.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Versions are going offline for Switch buyersSquare Enix has removed the cloud versions of the Kingdom Hearts series from the Nintendo Switch eShop and announced they will be unplayable after June 9, 2027. Existing owners can receive a discount on native ports of the games, including a new native port of Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- for the original Switch and upcoming ports for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The Kingdom Hearts Nintendo Switch Cloud Versions being delisted todaySquare Enix has announced that the cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts titles on Nintendo Switch will be delisted from the eShop starting June 9, 2026. While sales will cease, players who have already purchased these games will be able to play them until June 9, 2027. A native Kingdom Hearts Collection is also coming to Nintendo Switch.
Kingdom Hearts 4 fans convinced the RPG is releasing next year thanks to new store listings following its surprise…Fans are speculating that Kingdom Hearts 4 might release in 2027, based on recent Australian store listings that have since been amended. While Square Enix has not provided an official release date, the appearance of the year in listings for a Kingdom Hearts collection has fueled discussion and "hopium" among the fanbase, despite some skepticism about the game's development progress.
Kingdom Hearts IV drops new trailer and ends the Switch cloud versionsSquare Enix has released a new teaser trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, showcasing new story elements and confirming its multiplatform release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Concurrently, sales of the Nintendo Switch cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts titles have ceased, though existing owners can play until June 2027, with options to transfer save data to new digital Switch 2 versions.