It feels like Kingdom Hearts III has been in development for centuries, but Square Enix has at long last confirmed that the long-awaited RPG will launch next year on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It has also been hinted that Switch owners might get a version too, but only after the confirmed versions hit stores shelves.
Speaking to IGN at D23 Expo, Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura said:
The Nintendo Switch is definitely a very interesting piece of hardware, but if we lightly say, ‘Oh yeah, we’ll be on the Nintendo Switch,’ I’m sure people will come back and say, ‘But what about the PS4 and Xbox One? We want them out first. Don’t focus on other platforms,’ So for now, we want to focus on what platforms we’ve already announced we’re going to be releasing Kingdom Hearts III on. And so after, perhaps, maybe we can start thinking about other possibilities.
Do you think there's a chance we'll see the game on Switch? What kind of downgrades will Square Enix have to make in order to get the game onto Nintendo's console? If you're excited about this possibility, share your thoughts with a comment.
[source uk.ign.com]
Comments 104
I'd only accept the development of a Switch version if it was released after Xbox and PS4 as to avoid pushing back the release date of the game even further, thus this is great news for me. Not gonna bother waiting for a Switch version, though, but would definitely double-dip.
Welp, first comment......
I definitely hope KH3 will land on Switch 🙂
Edit:First op was stolen 😔
This game has been in development for years, way before the Switch was ever revealed. So it makes sense on focusing on just releasing the game before considering porting it over to the Switch.
Given the length of time the game has supposedly been in development for, it's understandable they may want to wait until the PS4/XBO versions are out. It's possible they may not have the resources to divert to a Switch version right now without sacrificing quality on all versions.
Regardless, hoping that a Switch port does happen and that it does not take too long and is done well.
Never really gotten into kingdom Hearts. Would be nice though
He had done for Xenoblade 2 for Tourna.
I think KH III will have a chance 50% for Switch.
It's been in development for years? Then where's the Wii U version? The Wii U hadn't "failed" yet back then. It was brand new. Could've ported it over to Switch.... /s
But seriously, I hope third parties don't just treat the Switch as an afterthought.
I don't care if it's not as pretty. I want it on my Switch.
I don't like Kingdom hearts but I like the DIsney fanservice in it. I'm expecting Kingdom hearts 3 to be a lot about Square, Final Fantasy and "KH-native" stuff, and I would not be interested in this case. If I am wrong and there is a lot of Disney fanservice with very little focus on everytrhing else maybe I could pick it. I had fun with Kingdom hearts 2 and I'd probably buy it on Switch if I could even though I don't think it is a good game. Guilty pleasure I guess.
I would be happy to wait to get this bad boy on switch. Same with any other KH game. Wouldnt mind seeing 1.5 and 2.5 come to wet the portable apetite.
I really think that if Square was serious about putting their big games on Switch, that we would have seen an announcement for Final Fantasy XV already. Perhaps these are apples and oranges comparisons, but there is an audience for both titles on Switch
Perhaps not Kingdom Hearts 3, but Kingdom Hearts 3: Final Mix 3.5 Dance Dance Revolution International Version 1.2 is definitely a possibility
@Ichiban AND itll be japan exclusive until we get a remaster on its 10th or 15th anniversary.
Although it would be nice for a simultaneous release, that is clearly impossible. If it does come to Switch that would be amazing, this is a high tier title, and one I would definitely buy for the console.
Well it is only right they sort out the versions they announced years ago. Sometimes it feels like joining a party late and demanding they play our songs.
Well as its a given that the frame rate will be halved if a Switch version does come I'll stick to my PS4 for this one
It definitely has to come out on the promised platforms first. In the time between if they could work out some licensing rights to get 1.5 and 2.5 HD (maybe just 2.8 too?) onto Switch I would gladly purchase them
@TheMadPolarBear If the game does manage to release before the next Xbox and PS are out...
Seems highly unlikely. Any port would need a lot of sacrifice, it'll be late, gimped and look worse. It wouldn't do its sales any good either. Remember this screenshot from DQH II, also from Square Enix? How's the Western translation coming along? It's not.
I don't see it coming to the Switch even after the Xbox Two and PS5 Pro versions have been released, unless they released the PS4 remasters of the first 2 games on the Switch first. Then maybe it would make sense.
Hope it happens but if we got to wait please port 1 & 2 to the switch
"I’m sure people will come back and say, ‘But what about the PS4 and Xbox One? We want them out first. Don’t focus on other platforms,’" Bulls**t! Who even says that!? That's just a d*** move! Why would anyone, who knows they're getting a version of a game on a popular platform even say "you better release ours first!"!? Once its out on their own preferred platform - they stop caring about where else its released on!
I wasn't really thinking about getting Kingdom Hearts 3 at all. It may have been a thought here and there, but generally its not on my MUST HAVE list. If it comes to Switch, I'm much more likely to give it my attention (and my money). Heck, now that they've said its a possibility for Switch, I'm even less likely to buy it on anything else now. Because I'd totally wait for a port.
To be honest I don't think KH3 will release in 2018, something will cause it to get delayed. I'm predicting 2023.
Great for people who rely solely on Nintendo to supply a platform for their Japanese games if true. The Kingdom Hearts series was given life on PS, so that's where I'm going to play it.
@Grumblevolcano That soon? You have high hopes indeed!
So the Switch port would make this the best handheld Kingdom Hearts game? I am all for it.
@JTMnM true but Kingdom Hearts also found life on Nintendo Hand Helds. I know alot of people will be getting the PS4 and Xbone releases. But who wouldn't want a handheld version of KH3?
@ThatNyteDaez That's what I was thinking. Who would ever say that? I mean, at this point the game has been in development for like.... seven console generations lol. So most people probably don't give a crap when or where it comes out, since by the time it comes out the current generation will probably be over. And I only say that with a small degree of sarcasm.
@Paddle1 I'm intrigued that the Switch doesn't feel like it's treated as an afterthought by you yet. All these messages in the past couple of months, citing power, no plans and whatever other reason for it not hitting the console. And some of the games/names from February have gone silent all this time. Project Octopath Traveler, Shin Megami Tensei Switch and FromSoftware, nothing on any of those.
@patbacknitro In my opinion, KH3 (after the 10+ years of waiting) is a grandeur that deserves to be enjoyed without parameters set so it can run on a handheld. I'm not opposed to having it on the Switch, but that certainly wouldn't be my preferred method. I'd much rather see Squeenix opt to put another spinoff out for a Nintendo platform that would be properly optimized to run on the hardware. To me, that sounds more appealing than watering down what's likely to be a visually stunning game. Maybe both will happen - who knows?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I see your point, all too clearly. Either a game is built from the ground up for Switch, or we're to contend with that. I'll go with the former.
@JTMnM So your against having a port of Kingdom hearts 3 on the Nintendo Switch for others who either don't have a PS4 or Xbone, or just those who want a hand held version. But another Recoded or 358/2 Days on the Switch sounds just soooo much more amazing than a KH3 port? But people forget Square Enix is usually really good with ports of their games, they can work with limited space to amazing degrees. So it may not be as great as the PS4 version, but its not gonna be watered down to unplayability. If anything the change would be slight.
@patbacknitro Read more carefully next time.
"I'm not opposed to having it on the Switch, but that certainly wouldn't be my preferred method."
A game built for the Switch would probably be better in the eyes of KH fans than a downgraded port anyway. The only selling point that would cause people to buy the Switch version (if that wasn't their only option) would be for the portability, and this is just me talking, but I would like to enjoy KH3 on a big TV with surround sound in all its glory.
@JTMnM You need to read more carefully apparently as I said, "You're against having a port on the Nintendo Switch" That and its implications afterward are based on what you said in your statement. But yes your right, cause I mean look at the reception of Recoded and 358/2 days. Kingdom hearts fans would just love new versions of those instead of a Nintendo port of Kingdom hearts 3. But I find your logic questionable. Square Enix put out a ton of versions of KH 1 and 2 and people bought all of those versions. Yet when it comes to KH3 you don't think any KH fans would be happy to get multiple versions for different consoles? Having 1 to play at home on the PS4 and 1 to play on the go?
First of all, KH3 is made in Unreal Engine, which is scalable. I'm betting it'll get an NS release alongside PC. Why? Because SE wants sales and releasing on a handheld will sell like gangbusters in japan. If the game is really good, it could become an evergreen title.
Can't compare this to DQH2, Omega Forces and SE Business Division are completely different developers. Engines are also very different. Someone loves to spout nonsense without checking info...
I delayed getting a Switch so I could get a PS4 specifically to have the entire Kingdom Hearts series on one system, and I can't say I'd regret it even if 1.5, 2.5, 2.8 and 3 all came to the Switch. It would be nice if the Switch version of 1.5+2.5 had playable HD remasters of the DS games, though...
Honestly Nintendo should have been on this from day 1. Kh3 and the whole collection needs to be on the Switch. The Xbox One of all systems doesn't make any sense getting Kingdom Hearts 3.
Please Nintendo get KH collection and 3 on the Switch please
Ugh. This means im gonna have to buy it twice. I want it on my switch but im gonna need to play it when it comes out on ps4 asap. I'm having the same issue with Yooka Laylee, although I'm trying to hold out for the switch release on that one
@patbacknitro I like how you omitted the part of your sentence that included I would be against a Switch port "for others who either don't have a PS4 or Xbone." I won't mind your condescending language either, as your spelling and grammatical errors are aplenty. Also, the fact you're trying to quantify my logic in preferring to play a game on hardware it was built to run on over a port that would require sacrifices in fidelity is - well, stupid.
I think we're done here. Thanks for the chat.
I just can't see this happening. How?! The switch would probably burst into flames. There's no way it can handle such a game in terms of power. They would have to water it down considerably.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Doesn't the Switch version of DQHI&II have extra content? I really hope if a Switch version of KH3 does happen, SE doesn't label it the Final Mix version...
@JTMnM Funny how instead of trying to counter my argument you instead try insulting me with such petty things like grammatical errors. Well unlike you I will actually counter your argument. 1. You are against the Nintendo switch port. That's it and that's all. And so if you are against it, that means that you don't want others to have it as you are entirely against it, as you said in your argument. To further prove this point you even claimed KH fans want another side game for the Switch instead of the port of the major game, which looking at the response for the 2 DS side games, I don't know what gave you that crazy logic. 2. My use of grammar has nothing to do with the argument itself, instead you choose to point out my 1 to 2 grammar mistakes just to try and make yourself look more skilled in comparison, when really the fact you pointed out such tiny mistakes just shows how much you care at the fact that you have nothing to argue against. And 3. KH3 was built for the PS4 and it's getting a Xbone release, a hardware it wasn't built for as Xbone is just a port. So if you're not so against that, then your own counter argument is well......Stupid xD
Never been a huge KH fan, but I would love to see this game eventually wind up on Switch. For posterity's sake.
I know some people who are crazy for this series. They should get the the collections on Switch though.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE You're right that it would be a gimped, neutered port, just like DQH - but Square went ahead and released DQH on Switch anyway. So they presumably wouldn't be fussed about hacking down KH3 too.
Kingdom Hearts is a series that I've been tempted by for a while but never got round to trying... so if it did come out on the Switch (even if it does come later than other versions) I probably would get it... but wouldn't be bothered if it didn't.
@Ichiban
Dance Dance Revolution International 1.2 ?!
Did you mean Home console version of DDR Ace Arcade ??
@JaxonH
I started to get bored with Kingdom Heart series when SquareEnix still keep continue the story until III and before III there are sub-sequels (358/2, Recoded, Dream Drop Distance) and Yada Yada Yada...
Pretty boring if the story not ended for sure.
@Paddle1 Can the Wii U handle the Luminous Engine and Unreal Engine 4?
Totally understandable considering how long it has been in development for the other two consoles.
Have people actually watched the trailer for KH3? The Switch would have a meltdown rendering that grass nevermind the whole garden scene.
I'd like to see it on Switch if it looks and runs great, but not if it's like Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop on Wii.
@sligeach_eire UE4 is scalable though
It can be scaled to not have to render grass that detailed.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I'm curious; why would a worse looking version of KH3 be so bad -on a console the size of a small paper notebook?
I mean, considering the trailer mentioned; of course the Switch version would need to be downgraded considerably.
Interesting that the Xbox One is still a priority for this. I'm sure the thirteen Kingdom Hearts fans who own that platform are happy to hear it.
The sooner we get to KH3 the sooner Square can begin rereleasing and start the 3.14 editions.
For as long as it's taken to make this game, they should be able to release it everywhere with all the bells and whistles imaginable. Frankly though, I bought a PS4 almost entirely for KH3. IF they confirmed a Switch version and a release date, and that release was a reasonable amount of time, I will wait for the Switch version, because I do prefer the versatility of the Switch to the "power" of the PS4.
Lol Xbone.
Nomura must be well aware of the fans' memetic complaints that would indeed vocally expect all three versions in 2040 if Switch were added to the simultaneous launch lineup now. But despite my firm "fans can go screw themselves" mentality, the team taking and distributing their time as they see fit is definitely preferable. KH isn't Final Fantasy so Square Enix is apparently okay with its long production cycles (especially as they are frequently filled out with narratively important satellites as well - few franchises must have spinoffs as vital as KH, it seems XD).
What I'd love more in the meantime is the 1.5+2.5 and 2.8 on Switch - it's relatively rare to have such extensive series get such handily encompassing compilations in one batch, so it would be pure gold for binge playing which is memetically necessary in KH anyway. But from Nomura's comments further down it seems like they won't address the option before KH3 release either.
I'm pretty sure KH3 will be delayed past 2018 AND it won't be coming to the Switch. It would be nice if it did and I would get it again just for the Switch. I would also be slightly annoyed that I got a PS4 for KH3. If SE wanted to do something for its fans, they should put the KH collections on Switch and XBO, that would show they actually care. Also, if KH3 gets delayed past the PS4, which I doubted would happen to the PS3 but it totally did, I'm going to be mad. Granted, it was never actually announced for the PS3, so I don't think that will be a problem.
@Paddle1 Yeah, no. Wii U could not have handled it.
fingers crossed then
@SLIGEACH_EIRE why post old screenshots when the demo is long available on eShop? I've played it in all modes (including the only time I tried Switch on TV just to be sure the dock worked), and it looks damn good. "Worse and gimped" means all the less when you need side-by-side screenshots or Digital Foundry's pointing finger to become, let alone remain, conscious of it. Or when you are an actual PS4 owner and have had first hand experience with the actual value and longevity of the graphical extra wow there.
Grass too much to render? Then one can expect the grass to be downscaled to Tartarus. Games like WoFF and Valkyria Azure Revolution have done that on Vita all the way into 2017, and so that hardware has been getting them as actually simultaneous releases at its what, eight years old now?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Okay, I'm gonna call you out here. How the hell do you know that? Do you know know that for a fact or are you just pulling this out of your own rear end based on past posts? Cause frankly, I don't think you actually know where or not it can render that grass.
I'd be all over this on Switch, like white on rice.
So a game aim for children is less likely coming to the system that children plays on? Makes sense.
So thats a cool idea and all, but... How would getting KH3 on switch even work? Can we at least get a PC version first?
Well, I defiantly can't wait for the Switch version to come around, but if they go through with it afterwards I will rebuy the whole series again to have it all on Switch. That would be amazing.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE is right. It would just not look good in comparison. Third party support for the Switch has to be different than this. Something more like Rabbids Kingdom Battle and less Dragon Quest
Anyone else here really want to love the KH series but just can't because of the terrible, convoluted storyline and cast of characters?
@MintFox It would work. Nintendo and Epic worked hand in hand to make sure the Switch natively supported Unreal Engine 4 and that the Unreal Engine 4 would have built in options to make Switch games easy to make and port to. The only draw backs would be certain shading effects and resolution, but it in theory will be an easy port job, but they need all hands on deck to finish the game so I understand why they are waiting to finish it first.
@Ichiban Haha exactly. Im especially pumped for the rumored Kingdom Hearts Dream/wake 3.778 Memory Distance II Deluxe 3.5 where all the characters realize thet arent real and instead are alternate ghost clone versions of each other and have to travel to 6 different sub reality galaxies to save thier souls from an evil version of themselves with each other's mind alternates in order to reset the space time continuem and bring thier spirits back the the dream world reality.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I'm sure Switch owners will be able to contend with inferior graphics on PS4 ports, as long as the game exists on the Switch and runs at a somewhat competent frame rate.
Not to say KH3 on Switch will definitely happen, but it certainly could.
If it happens great if not I will still buy the game when it comes out.
If it releases for Switch in the future I would buy it again for portability.
@westman98 It actually has a really good chance of happening. Kingdom Hearts has sold well on Nintendo systems with the DS entries and 3D, also with Square and Nintendo's renewed partnerships (Cloud in Smash, DQXI/DQX on 3). That and with Epic and Nintendo's partnership UE4 which KH3 is built with will make it an affordable and relatively simple venture.
Alright guys. Every time a developer is quoted saying that they are "interested in" and/or "intrigued" by the Switch, without promising to commit any games to the system, take a shot of bourbon.
@Kogorn733 I would have alcohol poisoning within a day if I played that game!
All three please
Cool, I just won't buy anymore Kingdom Hearts 3 on PS4 then.
This always happens. No problem delaying a Nintendo version to work on on ports for the other systems. But when it's the other way around, the Nintendo verison gets put on the back burner.
Mixed feelings on this. On one hand it's great that they sound like they're considering it. And it's fair to release on the committed platforms first. And yet if they do Switch later, it sounds like it would be significantly later.....is there too much point?
@Kogorn733 Thatsshhh a shtuupd game. I mean how many...hic.....publissssssshhhrsh would shhhay that?
Games that need Switch ports:
Kingdom Hearts
Metal Gear
Batman Arkham
Marvel Vs. Capcom
(These are also the games that make me think about investing to other consoles. Unfortunately they are not enough and Nintendo just has more playable games for me that I can enjoy).
At the very least, the Kingdom Hearts port collections should come to XBO and Switch.
I don't think it would require too much of a downgrade. There might be some visual oddities like with Breath of the Wild but for the most part, the system should be able to handle this game. I'd like to see Nintendo re-release Kingdom Hearts HD Remixes 1.5, 2.5, and 2.8 (perhaps as a single package spanning 3 game cards - not like those game cases couldn't store 3 game cards in them) and then release Kingdom Hearts 3! That would be awesome!!
Putting into consideration the release "window" and how lovely this game looks, I think I'll pass on a 2030 release with "Minecraft Graphics" Switch version.
HD remixes of 1 and 2 on Switch would work for me thou.
I won't hold my breath if it doesn't occur but on the other hand, it would be nice to have portable HD Kingdom Hearts 3.
you may eat only after your two bigger brothers have eaten.
Yeah, ain't happening...the main KH games have never shown up on a Nintendo system.
The Japanese Switch audience will make this so much more likely.
How many devs is it now that love the switch but won't port their games or thinking about it, which usually means sod off,
A portable and numbered Kingdom Hearts entry?
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY
I've never played KH (because it was never released on Nintendo home consoles or PC), but if they'd release it on the Switch (or Steam), I'd definitely buy it!
@Joeynator3000 Can the same not be said of The Elder Scrolls? (except that Skyrim is coming)
It would be pretty awesome but I wouldn't hold my breath.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE You're seriously leaning towards that infamously rushed and tacky DHQ II port possibly being a competent benchmark for the Switch's capabilities? Come on, you're smarter than that.
@AlphaJaguar @MegaVel91 Just to be clear I was joking.
@AlternateButtons The system had only just come out. The 3DS started similarly and ended up a huge success.
@Grudgebearer It is, but it's different if it's an afterthought because it's very new, versus just being treated like an afterthought for its entire lifespan.
"The Nintendo Switch is definitely a very interesting piece of hardware...."
This is third-party speak for "Absolutely not."
@Joeynator3000 The series never even shown up on a Microsoft system until now. So that excuse doesn't fly.
@Paddle1 Aye. Save for the many reasons that have a valid point (power, unable to make it from the ground up due to time/funds etc, it coming out late yada yada) it should receive games eventually. In fact, there are many projects that have gone silent, and I am curious about those.
Plus there's Kimishima's words of 10 million units sold causing third-parties to hop on. I thought that'd be due to 10 million being enough units to make them feel secure about it, but I've heard people say it may be because Nintendo bound them to that mile pole. We shall see.
@AlphaElite It's so funny when developers think "So how do we use Nintendo's special hardware this time?" When the answer is along the lines of "You put your good games on it, ya dumbnuts!"
Eh, it won't happen!
@Wexter That's actually very true, while Kingdom Hearts games never appeared on a Nintendo home console, the series did find an audience on Nintendo's portable and since the Switch is also a portable it would make a lot of sense to get a port of Kingdom Hearts 3 as the same audience that enjoy portable KH on Nintendo's handhelds can finally jump to the next main entry on Switch. This is a win-win situation if that happens, not only will the handheld audience get a chance to see the series continue but the new audience that never got the chance to play a Kingdom Heart game on Nintendo system will finally get that chance.
I would take Kingdom Hearts 3 on the switch with Kingdom Hearts 2 graphics. For me, I can go back and play that game on a PS2 plugged into a CRT and it looks just as good as the day it came out. It would also be nice to see a collection for the switch like 1.5 & 2.5 HD, even if we only got it at 720p. The Switch is my most played console, based on the sole fact that I just don't get access to the telly downstairs very often.
@Donutsavant Square said they were trying to figure out a way to port it but their new engine Luminous Studio was not very compatible for the switch so its taking more time for them to port it.
@Joeynator3000 Well this isnt really an excuse. It was announced on XONE even tough there have never been any kh games on the consoles. But there have been kh games on nintendo systems. It sold actually pretty well on the Ds/3ds/GBA the kingdom hearts games sold 6.65 million in total. And square Enix cannot deny those big numbers they know that there is potential on the switch.
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