On this day 10 years ago, the pink puff was awakened hundreds of feet in the air by the might of a giant beanstalk and the appearance of a curious spider-like magician. It has officially been a decade since the release of Kirby: Triple Deluxe in Japan!
Arguably one of HAL Laboratory's most important games in recent years, the tenth mainline Kirby entry on Nintendo 3DS featured three different experiences and utilized three of the system's core features—in case it hasn't clicked with you yet, the game's title is one huge play on three and Roman Numeral ten. Originally called "3DX" behind the scenes, the system name and number amalgamation, paired with HAL's goals for their first Kirby project on the device, helped birth the game's iconic title.
At the time of its release in 2014, Kirby: Triple Deluxe was met with positive reception from both critics and fans, but more importantly, it helped kickstart a massive resurgence for the series. From game releases to merchandise, Triple Deluxe's popularity is arguably what led audiences into our current endless age of Kirby goodness. Since the release of Triple Deluxe, HAL Laboratory's leading hero has only been on the rise, with each mainline game (aside from its sequel Planet Robobot, sadly) breaking records for the franchise.
While the Nintendo 3DS eShop shut down last year, Triple Deluxe was released physically, and a Nintendo Selects iteration of the game hit store shelves after it had crossed over a million unit sales. Additionally, the game's "World Edition," made for select territories in the Middle East, has kept Triple Deluxe readily available and still can be purchased across several online retailers.
Happy 10th Anniversary, Kirby: Triple Deluxe! From the Fine Fields to King Dedede's whimsical musical tours, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.