Once Upon a Katamari announced: Release date for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and Consoles

Economic Times

6 days ago

Once Upon a Katamari release date (Image: Apple)
A beloved cult-classic is readying for its next roll. Bandai Namco has officially announced Once Upon a Katamari , the first entirely new console game in the Katamari Damacy franchise in over a decade. The game is slated for digital release on October 24, 2025, across multiple platforms, including the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, as per Nintendo Direct.
The announcement was made during Wednesday's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, which focused heavily on third-party titles coming to the Switch ecosystem this holiday season. Among the notable reveals, Once Upon a Katamari stood out for marking the return of a fan-favorite franchise with an imaginative twist across time periods.
In Once Upon a Katamari , players once again take on the role of the tiny but determined Prince, tasked with rebuilding a cosmos that his royal father, the eccentric King of All Cosmos, has accidentally obliterated. The player's mission is as charmingly bizarre as ever: to roll up everything from pebbles and pinecones to prehistoric relics using a magical ball called a Katamari.However, this time, the journey spans across time and space. The game introduces historical time zones as new worlds — from the roaring Jurassic period and frigid Ice Age to the cultural richness of Edo-period Japan and ancient Egypt. Players will roll through myth and memory, reshaping the universe one absurdly sticky object at a time.
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With Once Upon a Katamari confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, it becomes one of the flagship third-party titles showcasing the next-generation capabilities of the console. The new hardware is expected to elevate the game's vibrant art style, quirky animations, and chaotic fun.
The release further signals Nintendo's intent to court legacy franchises through exclusive partnerships and fan engagement. This comes as the company expands its Switch 2 portfolio with third-party titles ahead of the holiday season. The game retains the whimsical tone that has long defined the franchise but introduces fresh gameplay mechanics. New power-ups like rockets (for bursts of speed), magnets (to attract nearby items), and time-freezing timers add a layer of strategy to the famously carefree rolling mechanics.A major new feature is the four-player online multiplayer mode called KatamariBall. Here, players compete to gather the most items in a timed battle, exchanging their gathered masses for points in real-time. It's a competitive twist on the game's typically solitary experience, offering new ways to engage with the franchise.
Adding to the charm, Once Upon a Katamari features 68 'cousins' — quirky alternate characters who can be unlocked and customised. Long-time fans of the series will also recognise returning music tracks alongside original compositions on the game's eclectic soundtrack.
Those who already own either Katamari Damacy REROLL or We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie will be rewarded with a Young King outfit, a cosmetic nod to the series' eccentric lineage.
Additionally, pre-orders for Once Upon a Katamari have gone live, with digital storefronts offering special packs and cosmetic DLC options. While the game is currently a digital-only release, there is growing speculation about a potential physical edition based on fan demand.
The Katamari Damacy series began as an experimental PlayStation 2 title in 2004. It quickly gained a cult following for its unique gameplay and offbeat humor. While several spin-offs and mobile adaptations followed — including Touch My Katamari (2011), Tap My Katamari (2016), and Amazing Katamari Damacy (2017) — the core console experience has remained dormant.
Remakes like Katamari Damacy Reroll (2018) and We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie (2023) introduced the series to newer audiences, but Once Upon a Katamari is the first fully original console title in the series since 2011. Earlier this year, Katamari Damacy Rolling Live launched exclusively on Apple Arcade, indicating a sustained interest in the IP across platforms.
The development of the new title had been the subject of speculation since Bandai Namco filed a trademark for Once Upon a Katamari in March 2025. The confirmation in the Nintendo showcase has been met with enthusiasm by both long-time fans and the newer generation of players.The announcement cements Katamari's place among nostalgic reboots making a comeback in the gaming industry's ongoing push toward multi-generational appeal.By launching the new Katamari game on the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside other major consoles and PC, Bandai Namco appears to be investing in both legacy audiences and new gamers. The series' mix of quirky visuals, original music, and relaxing gameplay continues to resonate in an industry increasingly dominated by action-heavy and hyper-realistic titles.The Nintendo Direct event also included announcements for Octopath Traveler 0 and other upcoming RPGs, indicating a strong third-party presence on the Switch 2. Nintendo seems to be strategically positioning its platform not only as a home for first-party IPs like Mario and Zelda , but also as a hub for timeless gaming experiences and artistic storytelling.
The inclusion of Once Upon a Katamari in this lineup sends a clear message: Nintendo is looking to deepen its catalogue with distinctive, genre-defying content that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
As fans await the return of their favourite rolling royal, the arrival of Once Upon a Katamari on Nintendo Switch 2 and beyond marks a nostalgic yet forward-looking moment in gaming. With its October 24 release date closing in, this imaginative adventure through time and space is poised to bring joy, laughter, and chaos to screens around the world. With the announcement complete and pre-orders now open, it seems the stars, quite literally, are aligning once again. And all thanks to a little Prince with a very big Katamari. Once Upon a Katamari is the latest installment in the Katamari Damacy video game series by Bandai Namco. It is the first completely new console title in the franchise since 2011. The game is scheduled for digital release on October 24, 2025.