Kingdom Hearts IV First Trailer Released, Coming to Nintendo Switch 2
The long-awaited Kingdom Hearts IV has finally received its first official trailer. The released footage shows that the game will launch not only on current-gen consoles and PC, but also on the Nintendo Switch 2, which is expected to be Nintendo's next handheld console. This announcement has particularly excited Kingdom Hearts fans who enjoy portable gaming experiences.
Created by series creator Tetsuya Nomura, Kingdom Hearts IV was first announced with a short teaser at an event in April 2022. Since then, players have been eagerly awaiting a new trailer. Now, this new promotional video shows Sora in a realistic Tokyo skyline, in a brand new world called Quadratum. It is stated that the story will continue with the 'Lost Master Arc' following Kingdom Hearts III and the Re Mind DLC. The series has previously been represented on platforms such as Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS with spin-off titles; however, a main numbered game coming to Nintendo hardware will be a first in Kingdom Hearts history.
The trailer also features familiar Disney characters as well as brand new enemy types and a noticeable evolution in Sora's movement abilities. Square Enix has confirmed that the game is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, promising a major leap in visual quality compared to previous games. It is stated that the Nintendo Switch 2 version will be fully optimized for the platform's technical specifications and will likely run natively rather than via cloud streaming. This means a smooth gaming experience in portable mode.
Let us note that the Nintendo Switch 2 has not yet been officially announced, but based on leaks and developer feedback, it is expected to launch sometime in 2025. The release date for Kingdom Hearts IV is also not yet clear; estimates point to late 2025 or 2026. For now, fans are eager to discover what awaits us in Sora's new adventure. We may see gameplay footage and a more precise release window in upcoming Nintendo Direct or Square Enix events.
