Square Enix Removes Kingdom Hearts Cloud Versions from Nintendo Switch
As of June 9, cloud-based versions of the Kingdom Hearts franchise are no longer available for Nintendo Switch owners, according to a statement from Square Enix. This marks the end of an era for players who relied on cloud streaming to access the series, which includes titles like Kingdom Hearts – HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
What Happens to Existing Cloud Versions?
Players who previously purchased cloud versions of the games will no longer be able to access them after June 9. Square Enix confirmed that save data from these editions can be transferred to the new digital versions of the games for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. However, the company did not specify whether the cloud versions will be permanently removed or if they might return in the future.
What About the New Switch 2 Releases?
Square Enix has announced digital versions of Kingdom Hearts – HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] for the Nintendo Switch 2, both of which are available for preorder. Owners of the cloud versions are eligible for a 50% discount on these new releases. A physical version of Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will also be available for Switch 2, though the discount does not apply to the physical copy.
What’s Next for the Kingdom Hearts Franchise?
The franchise’s next installment, Kingdom Hearts 4, received a surprise teaser during Nintendo’s June 2024 Direct presentation. Square Enix confirmed that the Switch 2 version of the game will launch alongside versions for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, though no release date has been announced. The studio has not yet provided details on the game’s story or mechanics.
How Do the New Releases Compare to the Cloud Versions?
The new digital versions offer enhanced graphics and performance compared to the cloud-streamed editions, which were limited by internet connectivity and hardware constraints. The Switch 2 releases also include additional content, such as the Re Mind DLC for Kingdom Hearts III. However, the exact differences between the cloud and digital versions have not been fully disclosed by Square Enix.