Editing Kirby (series)

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Kirby'' (series)}}{{ImCap|image=File:New Kirby Series Logo.png|size=208px|align=right|caption=The logo for the ''Kirby'' series, as of ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]''.}}
'''''Kirby''''' is a series of action-platforming video games starring the titular [[Kirby]], a round pink creature who defeats his foes by [[inhale|inhaling]] them and [[Copy Ability|gaining their powers]]. The ''Kirby'' series was created by [[Masahiro Sakurai]], and most games are developed by [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]], making ''Kirby'' a second-party series of Nintendo. ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' is the first game in the series, released in 1992. Complementing the cutesy nature of the series characters and settings, the ''Kirby'' series was designed to be enjoyed by all ages, with gameplay mechanics generally leaning towards being easy for inexperienced players to understand, while offering lots of modulation of [[difficulty]] and depth of mechanics to cater to more seasoned players. This design philosophy is summarized by current series director [[Shinya Kumazaki]] as "approachable yet deep".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWdt07ncRxU "The Many Dimensions of Kirby" presentation at GDC]</ref> This philosophy arguably extends beyond the gameplay and into the story, setting, and general lore of the games as well, since the surface-level plot of games tend to be very simple, but lots of hidden nuances and lore can be found if the player digs deep enough.

==Gameplay==
[[File:KSSU Green Greens screenshot 2.png|thumb|200px|Typical gameplay in the main ''Kirby'' series involves Kirby battling opponents using his [[inhale]] or various [[Copy Ability|Copy Abilities]] to make it to the end of the stage and/or level. This particular image is from [[Green Greens]] in ''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]''.]]
The core ''Kirby'' series consists of action/adventure/platformer games broken down into largely linear [[level]]s and/or [[stage]]s, where the main goal in each stage is to either get [[Kirby]] or another player character to the end of the stage (typically taking the form of a star-studded [[door|doorway]]) or defeat a [[boss|large opponent]] in the way, with some stages requiring both. Kirby's unique abilities - his [[inhale]], [[hover]], and [[Copy Ability]] - are what define how the stages and enemies therein are approached and dealt with. In particular, due to Kirby's typically unlimited flight capability, platforming is a lesser focus compared to battling enemies, exploring complex terrain, and solving stage puzzles. There are often many ways to approach any given obstacle, though specific optional tasks often require certain abilities and/or [[item]]s to perform. While traversing stages, the player needs to be mindful of Kirby's [[health]] meter, which decreases whenever he touches or is attacked by an enemy or touches a harmful [[hazard]]. Letting the health meter run out causes Kirby to be defeated, and have to restart the area (or stage if no [[1-Up|extra lives]] remain). Health can typically be restored by picking up a [[food]] item in the stage.

Most main-series titles feature at least one [[Sub-Game]], which can be played within the main game, or outside it in a menu. Unlike the main game, these can vary wildly in playstyle, from quick-time games to racing games. Many of these are competitive, and can be played with more than one player. These also tend to vary wildly in size, with some being minor diversions, and others being practically full-fledged games on their own. In some games, after Kirby finishes a stage, he plays a [[Goal Game]] which can earn him extra lives. Up until ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', every main series game was a side-scroller played in two dimensions (even if 3D graphics were used to draw them), though limited 3D interactions were often present in these games starting with ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]''.

Spin-off titles divert from the main series in a similar manner to Sub-Games, but are much larger in scope and entirely separate titles. These titles often experiment with other genres. The most prominent spin-off titles include ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'' - a full-fledged racing game, ''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]'' - a 'touch platformer' where Kirby has to be guided using the [[Nintendo DS]] stylus, and ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'' - a more traditional platformer, but with fundamentally different mechanics to that of the main series.

==Games==
===Main series===
These are the thirteen main platformers in the ''Kirby'' series. They are most easily distinguished through the use of the full series name, "Kirby of the Stars", in their Japanese, Korean, and Chinese titles. These games are traditional platformers that feature Kirby's signature [[inhale|inhaling]] action and (starting with ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'') [[Copy Ability]].<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Kirby-s-Adventure-Wii/Iwata-Asks-Kirby-s-Adventure-Wii/1-The-Three-Lost-Kirby-Games/1-The-Three-Lost-Kirby-Games-230159.html Iwata Asks about ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'', UK translation: "(Editor's note: the main Kirby series refers to the set of games that, in Japanese, have "Star Kirby" in their title. In these games, Kirby uses his signature Copy Ability of inhaling enemies to absorb their powers.)"]</ref><ref name="Tenth">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160110174846/https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAAADVHj2Znm1dQ Miiverse post mentioning that ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe'' is the "tenth traditional Kirby platformer"]</ref><ref name="DreamFriends">[https://kotaku.com/kirby-star-allies-developers-explain-how-they-improved-1833813511 Kotaku interview with Shinya Kumazaki about ''Kirby Star Allies''; when asked about Dream Friends, he mentioned that "The rule was to select one character from each title in the main action games over the years, the so-called core Kirby games, the equivalent to numbered sequels."]</ref>

Whether [[#Remakes, compilations, and ports|remakes]] count as individual entries in the main series seems to vary. The developers stated in a [[Miiverse]] post that they consider ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' the tenth mainline ''Kirby'' game, which would exclude the two previous remakes.<ref name="Tenth"/> Furthermore, when it was decided that ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'' would include one [[Dream Friend]] from each main series game, remakes were excluded.<ref name="DreamFriends"/> However, the internal codename of ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'' is "Kirby15", which counts the two prior remakes of main series games (as it would be the thirteenth mainline game otherwise).
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart
!rowspan=2|Title
!rowspan=2|Console
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Original release date
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Notes
|-
|[[File:KDL NA Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]''
|[[Game Boy]]
|{{Released|Japan|April 27, 1992|NA|August 1, 1992|Europe|December 1992|Australia|December 1992}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KA Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Adventure]]''
|[[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|{{Released|Japan|March 23, 1993|NA|May 1, 1993|Europe|December 1, 1993|Australia|December 1, 1993}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KDL2 Box.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]''
|Game Boy
|{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1995|NA|May 1, 1995|Europe|July 31, 1995|Australia|July 31, 1995}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KSS Box NA.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Super Star]]''
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|{{Released|Japan|March 21, 1996|NA|September 3, 1996|Europe|January 23, 1997|Australia|January 23, 1997}}
|Inconsistently but occasionally known as ''Kirby's Fun Pak'' in the European translations.
|-
|[[File:KDL3 Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]''
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|{{Released|NA|November 27, 1997|Japan|March 27, 1998}}
|Never saw an original release on the SNES in Europe or Australia, but was later released in those regions via [[Virtual Console]] and [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch Online]].
|-
|[[File:K64 The Crystal Shards box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]''
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2000|NA|June 26, 2000|Europe|June 22, 2001|Australia|June 22, 2001}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KatAM cover art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]''
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|{{Released|Japan|April 15, 2004|Europe|July 2, 2004|NA|October 18, 2004|Australia|December 23, 2004}}
| –
|-
|[[File:USCover KSqS.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]''
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|{{Released|Japan|November 2, 2006|NA|December 4, 2006|Australia|March 1, 2007|Europe|June 22, 2007|South Korea|September 13, 2007}}
|Known as ''Kirby: Mouse Attack'' in British English.
|-
|[[File:KRtDL Boxart L.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]''
|[[Wii]]
|{{Released|NA|October 24, 2011|Japan|October 27, 2011|Europe|November 25, 2011|Australia|December 1, 2011|South Korea|September 6, 2012}}
|Known as ''Kirby's Adventure Wii'' in the European translations.
|-
|[[File:KTD Boxart NA.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]''
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|{{Released|Japan|January 11, 2014|South Korea|April 17, 2014|NA|May 2, 2014|Europe|May 16, 2014|Australia|May 16, 2014}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KPR Box.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]''
|Nintendo 3DS
|{{Released|Japan|April 28, 2016|South Korea|April 28, 2016|NA|June 10, 2016|Europe|June 10, 2016|Australia|June 11, 2016}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KSA Boxart NA.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|{{Released|Japan|March 16, 2018|NA|March 16, 2018|Europe|March 16, 2018|Australia|March 16, 2018|South Korea|April 26, 2018}}
|This is the first main series title to be released on the same day in most regions.
|-
|[[File:KatFL box art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]''
|Nintendo Switch
|March 25, 2022
|This is the first main series title to be a 3D platformer rather than a 2D one.
|}

===Spin-off games===
These are games that do not follow the traditional formula of the main series, and take on a wide variety of genres.
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart
!rowspan=2|Title
!rowspan=2|Console
!rowspan=2|Genre
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Original release date
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Notes
|-
|[[File:KPL Box.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Pinball Land]]''
|[[Game Boy]]
|Pinball
|{{Released|Japan|November 27, 1993|NA|November 30, 1993|Europe|December 1, 1993|Australia|1993}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KDC Cover.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Course]]''
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|Sports
|{{Released|Japan|September 21, 1994|NA|February 1, 1995|Europe|August 24, 1995|Australia|August 24, 1995}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KAv Box 2.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Avalanche]]''
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|Puzzle
|{{Released|Europe|February 1, 1995|NA|April 25, 1995}}
|Known as ''Kirby's Ghost Trap'' in the European translations. Based on ''[[wikipedia:Puyo Puyo|Super Puyo Puyo]]''. Never saw a release in Japan.
|-
|[[File:KBBa Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]''
|Game Boy
|Action
|{{Released|Japan|December 14, 1995|NA|May 13, 1996|Europe|August 29, 1996}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KSSGB Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Star Stacker (Game Boy)|Kirby's Star Stacker]]''
|Game Boy
|Puzzle
|{{Released|Japan|January 25, 1997|NA|April 7, 1997|Europe|October 20, 1997|Australia|October 20, 1997}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KTnT Box.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]''
|[[Game Boy Color]]
|Motion-controlled action
|{{Released|Japan|August 23, 2000|NA|April 11, 2001}}
|Never saw an original release on the Game Boy Color in Europe or Australia, but was later released in those regions via [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch Online]].
|-
|[[File:Kirby Air Ride boxart.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Air Ride]]''
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|Racing
|{{Released|Japan|July 11, 2003|NA|October 13, 2003|Europe|February 20, 2004|Australia|March 30, 2004}}
| –
|-
|[[File:Kirby Canvas Curse box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]''
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Touch-controlled platformer
|{{Released|Japan|March 24, 2005|NA|June 13, 2005|Europe|November 25, 2005|Australia|April 6, 2006}}
|Known as ''Kirby: Power Paintbrush'' in British English.
|-
|[[File:KEY NA box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]''
|[[Wii]]
|Platformer
|{{Released|Japan|October 14, 2010|NA|October 17, 2010|Australia|February 24, 2011|Europe|February 25, 2011|South Korea|September 1, 2011}}
| –
|-
|[[File:Kirby Mass Attack cover.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]''
|Nintendo DS
|Touch-controlled platformer
|{{Released|Japan|August 4, 2011|NA|September 19, 2011|Australia|October 27, 2011|Europe|October 28, 2011}}
| –
|-
|[[File:KFD Cover art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]''
|[[Nintendo 3DS]] (eShop)
|Fighting
|{{Released|Japan|July 23, 2014|NA|August 29, 2014|South Korea|September 24, 2014|Europe|February 13, 2015|Australia|February 13, 2015}}
|Based on [[Kirby Fighters]] from ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''.
|-
|[[File:DDDD Cover art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe]]''
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop)
|Rhythm/platformer
|{{Released|Japan|July 23, 2014|NA|August 29, 2014|South Korea|September 24, 2014|Europe|February 13, 2015|Australia|February 13, 2015}}
|Based on [[Dedede's Drum Dash]] from ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''.
|-
|[[File:KatRC NA box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]''
|[[Wii U]]
|Touch-controlled platformer
|{{Released|Japan|January 22, 2015|NA|February 20, 2015|Europe|May 8, 2015|Australia|May 9, 2015}}
|A spiritual successor to ''Kirby: Canvas Curse''. Known as ''Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush'' in British English.
|-
|[[File:TKCD logo.png|100px]]
|''[[Team Kirby Clash Deluxe]]''
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop)
|Action/role-playing
|{{Released|NA|April 12, 2017|Japan|April 13, 2017|Europe|April 13, 2017|Australia|April 13, 2017}}
|Based on [[Team Kirby Clash]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''.
|-
|[[File:KBBl cover art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Blowout Blast]]''
|Nintendo 3DS (eShop)
|Platformer
|{{Released|Japan|July 4, 2017|South Korea|July 4, 2017|NA|July 6, 2017|Europe|July 6, 2017|Australia|July 6, 2017}}
|Based on [[Kirby 3D Rumble]] from ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''.
|-
|[[File:KBR box art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Battle Royale]]''
|Nintendo 3DS
|Action/fighting
|{{Released|Europe|November 3, 2017|Australia|November 4, 2017|Japan|November 30, 2017|NA|January 19, 2018|South Korea|February 1, 2018}}
|This is the first game in the series to feature full online multiplayer. 
|-
|[[File:SKC eShop artwork.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Super Kirby Clash]]''
|[[Nintendo Switch]] (eShop)
|Action/role-playing
|{{Released|NA|September 4, 2019|Japan|September 5, 2019|Europe|September 5, 2019|Australia|September 5, 2019|South Korea|September 5, 2019}}
|A successor to [[Team Kirby Clash]] and ''[[Team Kirby Clash Deluxe]]''.
|-
|[[File:KF2 logo.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Fighters 2]]''
|Nintendo Switch (eShop)
|Fighting
|{{Released|NA|September 23, 2020|Japan|September 24, 2020|Europe|September 24, 2020|Australia|September 24, 2020|South Korea|September 24, 2020}}
|A successor to [[Kirby Fighters]] and ''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]''.
|-
|[[File:KDB cover art.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Buffet]]''
|Nintendo Switch (eShop)
|Action/racing
|August 17, 2022
|–
|}

===Remakes, compilations, and ports===
These games are re-releases of older games for newer systems, often enhancing graphics and adding additional content.
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart
!rowspan=2|Title
!rowspan=2|Console
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Original release date
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Notes
|-
|[[File:KSSS Box.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)|Kirby's Star Stacker]]''
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
|{{Released|Japan|June 25, 1999}}
|A remake of the Game Boy title of the same name. Never saw an original release on the SNES outside of Japan, but was later released in other regions via [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch Online]].
|-
|[[File:KNiDL box artwork.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]''
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|{{Released|Japan|October 25, 2002|NA|December 2, 2002|Europe|September 26, 2003|Australia|January 27, 2004}}
|A remake of ''Kirby's Adventure''.
|-
|[[File:KSS Ultra box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]''
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|{{Released|NA|September 22, 2008|Japan|November 6, 2008|South Korea|November 13, 2008|Australia|November 27, 2008|Europe|September 18, 2009}}
|A remake of ''Kirby Super Star''.
|-
|[[File:KA 3DS logo.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Adventure#3D Classics|3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure]]''
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|{{Released|NA|November 17, 2011|Europe|November 17, 2011|Australia|November 17, 2011|Japan|April 25, 2012}}
|A recreation of ''Kirby's Adventure'', featuring the same spritework and gameplay but with enhanced color, shading, and 3D effects. This version also fixes the frame drops the original version had.
|-
|[[File:Kirby's Dream Collection box art.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]''
|[[Wii]]
|{{Released|Japan|July 19, 2012|NA|September 16, 2012}}
|A compilation of ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'', ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'', ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]'', ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'', ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'', and ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' that also includes an original game mode called [[New Challenge Stages]], a soundtrack CD and 45 page book containing artwork and other behind-the-scenes information covering Kirby's history, released to celebrate the [[Kirby Anniversary#Kirby 20th Anniversary (2012)|Kirby 20th Anniversary]]. Never saw a release in Europe or Australia.
|-
|[[File:KEEY Rated Cover.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]''
|Nintendo 3DS
|{{Released|Japan|March 7, 2019|NA|March 8, 2019|Europe|March 8, 2019|Australia|March 9, 2019|South Korea|April 12, 2019}}
|An enhanced port of ''Kirby's Epic Yarn''.
|-
|[[File:KRtDLD_Boxart_NA.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe]]''
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|February 24, 2023
|A remake of ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''.
|}

===Other games===
The following ''Kirby'' games are small spin-off or peripheral titles. They are not considered to be part of the core ''Kirby'' series by Nintendo or HAL Laboratory.
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Boxart
!rowspan=2|Title
!rowspan=2|Console
!rowspan=2|Genre
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Original release date
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Notes
|-
|[[File:KTB title.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby's Toy Box]]''
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]<br>([[nwiki:Satellaview|Satellaview]])
|Various
|{{Released|Japan|February 8, 1996}}
|A collection of mini-games broadcast over the [[mariowiki:St.GIGA|St.GIGA]] network, exclusive to Japan.
|-
|[[File:Kirby_Slide_gameplay_2.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby Slide]]''
|[[Game Boy Advance]] (e-Reader card)
|Puzzle
|{{Released|NA|December 2003}}
|A ''Kirby''-themed puzzle slider mini-game.
|-
|[[File:Kirby Sparkling Medal Land.jpg|x100px|center]]
|''[[Kirby: Sparkling Medal Land]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091105040312/http://www.atlus.co.jp/am/products/detail/detail_medal006.html Archived Atlus products page]</ref>
|Arcade machine
|Various
|{{Released|Japan|March 2006<ref>[http://www.am-j.co.jp/newmachine/200603/004.html Amusement Journal]</ref>}}
|A licensed medal throwing ''Kirby'' game by [[wikipedia:Atlus|Atlus]] that includes 15 different minigames based on ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]''.
|-
|[[File:Kirby Magical Tower of Medal Land.png|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: Magical Tower of Medal Land]]<ref>[https://www.hallab.co.jp/eng/works/detail/002772/ HAL Laboratory's Website]</ref>
|Arcade machine
|Various
|{{Released|Japan|December 2007}}
|A licensed ''Kirby'' game by Atlus. Mentioned in the Japanese version of ''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]''.
|-
|[[File:KPN_Namco_Arcade 1.jpg|100px]]
|''[[Kirby: PakuPaku Gourmet Race]]''
|Arcade machine
|Action
|{{Released|Japan|December 2021 <small>(location test)</small>}}{{Released|Japan|October 2022 <small>(general)</small>}}
|A licensed Kirby game distributed by Bandai Namco. The machine underwent a location test at namco Lazona Kawasaki between December 24, 2021 and January 10, 2022.<ref>{{twitterlink|bnam_jp|1474213240351588352|wbsnap=true}} for the announcement; {{twitterlink|bnam_jp|1474214497531281410|wbsnap=true}} showing the test machine in action</ref> Later in 2022, Bandai Namco announced the game would roll out first to namco locations starting on October 24, 2022<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoZUxtx4bzE 【BNAM公式】10月24日より順次稼働「星のカービィ ぱくぱくグルメレース」 PV - YouTube]</ref><ref>{{twitterlink|bnam_jp|1584389215776870400|wbsnap=true|wbtime=20231008190847}} of the namco rollout announcement; {{twitterlink|bnam_jp|1584417429710458881|wbsnap=true|wbtime=20231008190755}} calling back to the location test</ref>, followed by a more general rollout across game centers nationwide starting on November 16, 2022.<ref>{{twitterlink|bnam_jp|1592714072285319169|wbsnap=true|wbtime=20231008191131}}</ref><br>The overall object of the game is to lob as many balls and (less abundant) Maxim Tomatoes as possible into Kirby's mouth, in two rounds (with points doubled for the second round) and a bonus "[[Goal Game]]".<ref>[https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/am/vg/kirby/ Official website for ''Kirby: PakuPaku Gourmet Race''] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20221024034317/https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/am/vg/kirby/ Wayback Machine snapshot])</ref> The machine features a voiceover and clips of Kirby's voice, as well as music from ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' including the [[Gourmet Race (theme)|Gourmet Race theme]] and the [[Invincible Candy (theme from Kirby's Dream Land)|Invincible Candy music]].<ref>The Gourmet Race theme features prominently in promotional material for the game; other audio elements like the Invincible Candy theme are evident in unofficial videos of gameplay ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrsvsvFm074 from the Kawasaki location test] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxKfQUGqb5k after official rollout]).</ref>
|}

===Canceled games===
There are at least six known ''Kirby'' games that were under development at some point but were never released. They are regarded as [[:Category:Canceled games|canceled games]].

{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
|-
!rowspan=2|Title
!rowspan=2|Console
!class=unsortable rowspan=2|Notes
|-
|''[[Kid Kirby]]''
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Nintendo]]
|A point-and-click platformer starring a young Kirby. Canceled due to poor sales of the Super NES Mouse and inability to be played with traditional joypad controls.
|-
|''[[Kirby Ball 64]]''
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|The first known 3D ''Kirby'' game. A prototype most likely originally meant to be a sequel to ''[[Kirby's Dream Course]]'', shortly later retooled into ''Kirby's Air Ride''.
|-
|''[[Kirby's Air Ride (Nintendo 64)|Kirby's Air Ride]]''
|Nintendo 64
|A 3D racing game. Eventually released as ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]'' on the [[Nintendo GameCube]].
|-
|''[[Kirby Family]]''
|[[Game Boy Color]]
|A set of sewing patterns based on ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards'', designed to be printed by an embroidery machine that connected to the Game Boy Color. Planned as the ''Kirby'' equivalent of ''[[mariowiki:Mario Family|Mario Family]]'', but canceled due to a lack of interest.
|-
|''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble 2]]''
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|A planned follow-up title to ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]'', which eventually dropped the ''Kirby'' name and became ''Roll-O-Rama'' before ultimately being scrapped. Had it been released, it would have been the first title to demonstrate the connectivity between the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.
|-
|''[[Kirby for Nintendo GameCube]]''
|Nintendo GameCube
|A 2.5D main-series game for [[Nintendo GameCube]] featuring a revamped [[Helper]] system based on that of ''Kirby Super Star'', four-player multiplayer, and the camera perspective of ''Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards''. It was scrapped due to issues designing levels playable in both single player and multiplayer. Had it released, it would have become the eighth mainline ''Kirby'' game. Three more builds followed, with only the last being released as ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land''. The three unreleased builds are collectively referred to by fans as "the three lost ''Kirby'' games".
|}

==Main characters==
{| class="wikitable sortable" border=1 cellpadding=2
|-
!class=unsortable|Artwork
!Name
!Description
|-
|{{center|[[File:KRtDLD Kirby.png|130px]]}}
|[[Kirby]]
|Kirby is the hero of the franchise and the primary playable character in each game ([[Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe|with one exception]]). His powers, which are vital to the gameplay of most installments, include inhaling objects and creatures in order to either spit them out again or steal their ability, as well as inflating himself, enabling him to fly. In most games, he must use his unique powers to save his homeland named [[Dream Land]], the planet [[Popstar]] on which it is located or even the entire galaxy from the respective game's main antagonist.
|-
|{{center|[[File:KRtDLD King Dedede.png|180px]]}}
|[[King Dedede]]
|King Dedede is the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land and Kirby's archrival, though rarely the main antagonist. Although portrayed as greedy and selfish primarily in ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'', where he steals all of Dream Land's food for himself, he often means well throughout the series, but ends up antagonizing Kirby due to a misunderstanding or being mind-controlled by the true villain. Once the misunderstanding has been resolved or the mind-control has been broken, however, he often ends up helping Kirby, most notably in ''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]'' and ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', where he is one of the game's main heroes.
|-
|{{center|[[File:KRtDLD Meta Knight.png|160px]]}}
|[[Meta Knight]]
|An enigmatic character of ambiguous allegiance, Meta Knight repeatedly confronts Kirby during the latter's journeys, often challenging him to a duel. Although seemingly antagonistic towards Kirby, he serves as a stalwart ally to the pink puffball more often than not, and any misgivings they may have had over the sinking of the [[Halberd]] seem to have been mended. When Meta Knight is inclined to battle with Kirby, no matter the circumstance, he provides Kirby with a [[sword]] in order to force a fair fight. He is the leader of a group of warriors known as the [[Meta-Knights]], who Kirby often has to battle against.
|-
|{{center|[[File:KRtDLD Bandana Waddle Dee.png|160px]]}}
|[[Bandana Waddle Dee]]
|A [[Waddle Dee]] who is distinguished only by his blue bandana, Bandana Waddle Dee is one of King Dedede's most loyal subjects, but is also very good friends with Kirby. He can wield both a [[Spear]] and a [[Parasol]] in combat with good efficacy, but he sometimes avoids fighting and aims to help the main characters by tossing them [[Assist Star]]s instead. He got his first major role in ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', and he went on to become a recurring major character in the ''Kirby'' franchise.
|}

The series has many other characters, some of which have rather significant presences in many games. More information can be found on the [[Character]] page.

==Sales==
As of March 2024, the entire ''Kirby'' series has sold over 50.54 million copies worldwide.

For 30 years, the original ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' had been the best-selling ''Kirby'' game of all time. Its sales numbers were surpassed by ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'' by the end of September 2022.<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/221108_8e.pdf</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="2"
!Game
!Sales numbers
!As of
!Reference(s)
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]''
|5.13 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation">https://www.installbaseforum.com/forums/threads/nintendo-software-and-hardware-sales-data-from-1983-to-present.170/</ref>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Adventure]]''
|1.75 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Pinball Land]]''
|2.19 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Course]]''
|0.369 million*
|March 12th, 1995
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary">https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search</ref>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land 2]]''
|2.36 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]''
|0.063 million*
|January 7th, 1996
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Super Star]]''
|1.44 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Star Stacker (Game Boy)|Kirby's Star Stacker]]''
|0.069 million*
|June 29th, 1997
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]''
|0.076 million*
|June 28th, 1998
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards]]''
|1.77 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]''
|1.23 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]''
|2.10 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Air Ride]]''
|1.35 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby & The Amazing Mirror]]''
|1.47 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]''
|0.315 million*
|December 31st, 2006
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]''
|2.27 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Super Star Ultra]]''
|2.99 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]''
|1.85 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]''
|1.22 million
|December 31st, 2014
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]''
|1.93 million
|September 30th, 2023
|<ref name="Nintendo2023Q2">https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/231108e.pdf</ref>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition]]''
|0.246 million*
|December 29th, 2013
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]''
|2.66 million
|December 31st, 2022
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Fighters Deluxe]]''
|0.005 million*
|August 3rd, 2014
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]''
|0.092 million*
|December 27th, 2015
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]''
|1.64 million
|December 31st, 2022
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Battle Royale]]''
|0.193 million*
|December 30th, 2018
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''
|4.38 million
|December 31st, 2022
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]''
|0.025 million*
|June 30th, 2019
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]''
|7.52 million
|March 31st, 2024
|<ref>https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/240507_4e.pdf#page=18</ref>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Dream Buffet]]''
|0.019 million*
|September 25th, 2022
|<ref name="GameDataLibrary"/>
|-
|''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe]]''
|1.82 million
|June 30th, 2023
|<ref name="CesaCompilation"/>
|}

Games marked with an * only have sales numbers in Japan available.

==Trivia==
*Originally, the English ''Kirby'' logo used a proprietary font, which was seen from ''[[Kirby's Dream Land]]'' to ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]''. ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]'' introduced a new English logo based on the Helvetica Rounded Black typeface, which was adopted with ''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]'' and used for most games up to ''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]''. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary, another new English logo debuted with ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', using the Seurat Pro EB typeface.
*So far, the platform with the most original ''Kirby'' games is the [[Nintendo 3DS]], with seven entries (nine if counting remakes and ports).
*At least one ''Kirby'' game has been released on every non-[[wikipedia:Dedicated console|dedicated]] Nintendo console, with the exception of the Virtual Boy.
*On their official website, HAL Laboratory keeps a [https://www.hallab.co.jp/works/series/kirby/ list] of every ''Kirby'' game they have developed. ''[[Kirby's Avalanche]]'', ''[[Kirby's Block Ball]]'',  ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]'', ''[[Kirby's Epic Yarn]]'', and ''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]'' are not present on HAL's list, despite being officially counted as part of the ''Kirby'' series, because they were developed primarily by other companies ([[wikipedia:Compile (company)|Compile]], [[wikipedia:Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D1]], [[wikipedia:Nintendo Research & Development 2|Nintendo R&D2]], and [[wikipedia:Good-Feel|Good-Feel]] respectively).

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Generic 2000s Kirby logo.png|The general logo for the ''Kirby'' series, used from ''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]]'' up until ''[[Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn]]''
Kirby Series Logo.png|General logo for the Kirby series, text only
KatFL Kirby logo.png|A 3D version of the current general logo for the Kirby series, used in ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]''
JP Kirby logo 2022.png|Japanese logo for the Kirby series, as of ''Kirby and the Forgotten Land''
SSB Kirby Series Symbol model.png|Series symbol from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', which is a model due to the [[Nintendo 64]]'s inability to display high-resolution sprites
</gallery>

==External links==
*[https://www.kirby.jp Kirby Portal - Japanese official series website]
*[https://kirby.nintendo.com The Official Home of Kirby - English official series website]
*[https://twitter.com/Kirby_JP Kirby official Twitter (@Kirby_JP)]

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