Technically, the Nintendo Switch did let players play Kingdom Hearts. In the days of Nintendo’s handheld-home hybrid console testing the waters of cloud gaming, it was possible to play versions of the Square Enix games via stable, strong internet. Now, with the power of the Switch 2, Nintendo fans are no longer held hostage by data throttling or slow internet speeds. Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III bundles three smaller collections of games from the series. This latest option, available on PS5 and Switch 2 for the first time, is a convenient way to play through the Kingdom Hearts series.

Depending on how much you revere these games, the collection might be a dream come true. It can also be frustrating, especially if you’re buying these games for the second, third, or even fourth time. This collection of games from the franchise includes KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC). 20+ years into the franchise, I don’t think we need to recap every plot point available here. Simply put, Final Fantasy and Disney work together to tell a multiverse story with some of our favorite characters from both franchises.

The appeal of this series to me has always been the fact that Kingdom Hearts doesn’t mind being a little convoluted and confusing. It’s almost like they just wanted Disney IP to live inside Final Fantasy for the sake of its prominence, and that’s sort of what you get. Nothing gets old to me about seeing Donald as a literal wizard, or giant clown shoes adorned on children whipping through the air using swords that look like keys. It’s a nonsense series, and I mean that lovingly as a huge fan. It’s why I wish there was a bit more here than just what we already know and love.

I think, aside from whether these games are for you or not, the package is the biggest question mark for me. In this collection, you get a massive amount of games. For someone looking to no-life the series and work through it over weeks and months, it’s a great bundle. That said, there are usually perks to putting these games together in a new way if you’re a publisher. Maybe it’s a chance to upgrade some outdated visuals, or improve performance. Square Enix didn’t seem super interested in this. In fact, it’s sort of like they just copied and pasted the games to the Switch 2. Because of this, it’s frustrating that Square Enix isn’t delivering improved versions of these games.

For example, nobody doubts the power of the Switch 2 over a year into its life. Still, the more demanding Kingdom Hearts 3 sees the most chugging in the collection. We’re not talking late-game either. Within an hour of gameplay, my frame rates dipped below 30 FPS, which usually doesn’t bother me, but was certainly disappointing for such an old game. Other improvements you’d hope to see in a comprehensive collection, in fidelity or even user interface, aren’t here either. It’s just the three deluxe games in one package. If you purchased the cloud versions on OG Switch, you don’t even get them for free. You simply get 50% off. For me, that’s more offensive than the frame rate issues.

Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III is a good pickup if you don’t have other copies of these games on other consoles, or if you want to upgrade from the Cloud Version on Switch. Otherwise, this is really just a pick-up-and-place situation, with the games in the same state they’ve been for a while showing up on new consoles. It’s a good crash course if you’re eager for Kingdom Hearts IV, but I’m assuming if you’re interested in that game, you’ve played these before.

Handheld performance is solid through most of the titles, and it is nice to have on the go. Otherwise, it’s the same games in a new place. For better or worse, that is what it is. I like these games, and I definitely enjoyed jumping back into them. For newcomers, earlier games in the Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III might feel very dated, but to me, that’s part of the charm of these new millennium Square games. I just wish they got a bit more of a refresh for this new collection.

A Nintendo Switch 2 review copy of Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III was provided by Square Enix for this review.

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Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III

74.99

7

Score

7.0/10

Pros

• A huge upgrade from Cloud Versions on the OG Switch
• Timeless games that many hold dearly
• A nice way to get the entire collection in one place

Cons

• Some performance issues are evident in KH3, and have persisted from other ports
• No new interfaces or elements that add to the previous collections