Kirby's Adventure
Kirby's Adventure is a 1993 platformer developed by HAL Laboratory for the NES, and the first game in the series to introduce Kirby's signature copy ability. By inhaling enemies and swallowing them, the pink hero absorbs their powers, transforming into a sword-wielder, a fireball-thrower, and dozens of other forms.
Released late in the console's life, it pushed the aging hardware with vibrant graphics, smooth animation, and pseudo-3D visual effects that were striking for an NES title. Its gentle difficulty made it welcoming to newcomers, while hidden switches, minigames, and optional collectibles gave more experienced players reasons to explore every stage thoroughly. Kirby's ability to float indefinitely also let players approach levels at their own pace.
The copy mechanic became the defining feature of the entire Kirby franchise. The original was later remade in enhanced form on handheld hardware and has appeared on various classic-game services, letting new audiences experience the debut of one of Nintendo's most enduring characters.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Kirby's Adventure, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoku's Island Express Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series | € 49,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Sackboy: A Big Adventure | € 59,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | € 59,99 | Not on Steam | Switch |
| Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe | € 59,99 | Not on Steam | Switch |
Yoku's Island Express Indie
€ 19,99A cheerful indie platformer with the gentle charm of Kirby's worlds.
Yoku's Island Express runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
€ 49,99Two remastered Klonoa games, gentle 2.5D platforming with the same warm tone as Kirby.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
€ 59,99A friendly, colourful 3D platformer built for playing with someone who does not play games.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure runs on PC, PlayStation. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox, Switch.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
€ 59,99The modern 3D Kirby adventure with the beloved copy abilities.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
€ 59,99A modern 2D Kirby platformer in the classic side-scrolling style.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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