This past week has easily been among the busiest periods of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Between the 20th Anniversary Event releasing a lengthy 7-minute trailer, to the waves of information that came out afterward, fans have had an immense amount of news to parse; perhaps overwhelmingly so.
This article aims to compile all of the recent news we have received the past week, with various hyperlinks to merchandise and more detailed avenues of coverage. Essentially, this article can be seen as a convenient hub for all of the recent 20th Anniversary information. I'll also be providing light speculations and breakdowns (though not quite Bio-Roxas level.)
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road has been delayed yet again, this time to August 2022. This is the most detailed release window we've received since the previous September 2022 window, so hopefully that's indicative of the title being finalized at that time. The new trailer showcased a slew of new story scenes, primarily highlighting Xehanort's upperclassmen. We do not know any of their names, but there is one character who looks strikingly similar to Baldr, likely implying that she's the sister he has been searching for.
Additionally, Odin's actions and words are somewhat suspicous. He tells one of the new characters to prioritize studying the darkness, and perhaps more damning, is him approaching Young Xehanort and Young Eraqus with what appears to be a cognizant Darkness entity behind him. These beings made themselves known near the end of Kingdom Hearts Union χ's finale and are pivotal to the overarching narrative going forward, so seeing at least 1 present here is already cause for concern.
A common theory going around is that Odin is potentially Luxu, which is definitley probable. Master Xehanort is shown at the trailer's start in the Dwarf Woodlands, specifically in the Queen's chamber where the Magic Mirror resides. One has to wonder how long this experience will be if we'll be viewing the life of Xehanort in both his youthful and elderly days.
Those aforementioned points are the entirety of the Dark Road updates we received. The title's full offline release state will have no microtransactions, though its state of playability is still up in the air. Regardless, we'll assuredly learn more as we approach August.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's portion on Kingdom Hearts Dark Road. Moreover, new screenshots of this upcoming final Dark Road update were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link is the new upcoming mobile entry, taking place between the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ and the start of Dark Road. It utilizes Pokémon Go-esque systems with AR technology, but the specifics of how combat will work have not been specified yet. At the very least, it can be highly assumed that gacha elements will be returning in the form of amiibo-looking statues that will replace the medals seen in Union χ.
General information about this game's systems were provided by Nomura at the 20th Anniversary event Q&A, and those points are viewable below (via our team's Ryuji) :
Smartphone game, to be released for Android and iOS
Promises to have action elements to be as faithful as possible to the main series
Max of 6 players can play together.
Screen orientation can be switched between portrait or landscape.
The story, chronologically speaking, is between Union χ's finale and before Dark Road's start.
"All of the mysteries we've had so far will be explained."
Keywords: Scala Ad Caleum, Founding Father Ephemer, Keyblade Wielders of a Secret Society
Closed Beta Test is scheduled for Fall of this year (Details on how to enter are still unknown, however)
Two systems: A story mode where you progress through quests, and a mode where you walk around (Comparable to Pokémon Go, but with ways to play it even without having to walk around in real life)
In this walking mode, you'll collect pieces and strengthen your Keyblades.
As a minor note, the custom player character seems to be receiving orders from an earpiece in the trailer, possibly implying that they are part of the same organization that Sigurd reveals himself to be a part of in the Union χ finale. He also contacts other individuals via an earpiece when first meeting Brain.
The following statement was provided via a press release:
Those aforementioned points are all we currently know about Missing - Link, but considering how there's a planned Closed Beta Test this Fall, more news will undoubtedly arise soon. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out Missing - Link's specific 20th Anniversary trailer portion. Additionally, official screenshots and the logo were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts IV
Kingdom Hearts IV was officially announced in the Anniversary trailer's final portion. After brief panning shots of a city-like landscape and a forest, the camera revealed Sora sleeping in an apartment. He looks dramatically different due to his presence in this new reality. Then, after being awoken by a doorbell and seeing the visitor to be Strelitzia from Kingdom Hearts Union χ, she reveals that Sora has been asleep since he arrived in this city 1 week ago; here in Quadratum.
This world, as stated by Strelitzia, can be perceived as an "afterworld" for both her and Sora, following their passings in their previous lives. Still, Sora committed a nature taboo, while Strelitzia's circumstances are more questionable when the final scenes of Union χ are taken into account. So, the ways in which denizens of the Kingdom Hearts reality enter Quadratum may differ rather than solely committing nature taboos.
A gargantuan monster appears in the city's center, awfully akin to a Darkside except far more terrifying in visage. After some scripted combat sequences where Sora's keychain is highlighted to have a grappling hook, two black-robed figures are shown observing the batttle on top of a nearby building. The general consensus is that the right figure is the Master of Masters, though the one on the left is more up in the air. The most frequent predictions identify the left figure as Luxu/Xigbar, or perhaps Luxord.
There are also theories going around about Star Wars being potentially incldued, which we discussed in a separate article, but aside from that, we'll have to look forward to more information. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's specific portion announcing Kingdom Hearts IV, and official screenshots and the logo are viewable via our gallery below:
Tetsuya Nomura's 20-Head Anniversary Message Cipher
At the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event venue, there was a displayed message by Tetsuya Nomura, which we translated. However, there was a secret hidden within the message that several fans figured out. Essentially, the cipher read that "The voice's identity is Sigurd. Pay close attention." Sigurd, a character introduced in the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ, is the narrator of the Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV trailers.
The methodology of how this secret was uncovered can be viewed via our Twitter thread below:
Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Famitsu
Famitsu conducted an interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura about Kingdom Hearts IV, Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link, and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road.
The entire interview has been translated by our team's Ryuji and is viewable below. Further, a franchise canon timeline was included in this Weekly Famitsu issue and has been translated by our team's Corfidbizna, also below:
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Proper
Square Enix has stated that they intend on releasing a recording of the stage event, but if you want peeks at how the venue itself looked like, check out our dedicated event coverage where several attendees shared photos of the location.
Moreover, various photos of the venue and stage event have been provided by 4Gamer and Game Watch, also viewable via our gallery below:
Dengeki shared exclusive photos from their event coverage, viewable via our gallery below:
During the stage event, a mini-concert was held, where five songs were selected from the series' many masterpieces, and were performed live in an arrangement for the 20th anniversary event (via Famitsu) :
Dearly Beloved
Sora's Theme
Vector to the Heavens
Nachtflügel
Link to All
After the performance, Risa Uchida, the Japanese voice actress of Kairi and Xion started hosting the event as the MC, and Yoko Shimomura, composer of the Kingdom Hearts series, took the stage. Regarding the live performance, Shimomura said that since this was a commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of the series, she personally took on the challenge of arranging chamber music (jargon for a small ensemble of musicians) for the first time.
"For the songs chosen, I made sure that they were not only popular songs, but also that there was no bias toward any particular work." she stated. One of the main reasons "Nachtflügel" was chosen was that because it was a newer song that had never been performed live.
Looking back on 20 years of Kingdom Hearts, Yoko said she had many memories of her times with songwriting and concerts. "There are many ideas that I still have in my mind, and I hope to have another concert sometime in the future." she stated.
Further, Yoko Shimomura provided a new comment regarding these recent announcements, viewable below alongside a translation:
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Merchandise
A vast variety of celebratory anniversary merchandise was announced, which we intricately covered. Links to our coverage of all of the merchandise announced following the event's conclusion are listed below. Store pages and officially provided images can be accessed via these avenues.
SuperGroups announced 45 incoming Kingdom Hearts-themed accessories
Sora, Kairi, and Riku Play Arts Kai figures
Kingdom Hearts II Naminé & Roxas plushes
Anniversary T-shirts & hoodie
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Plate Collection Blind Boxes
Kingdom Hearts announces collab with Samantha Thavasa
Kingdom Hearts Light-up Keyblade
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glass sets, tea cups & bowl
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary jewelry and watches
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary bath towel & face towel
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Die-Cut Memo Pad Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Metal Keychain & Pin Badge
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Postcard Set
Kingdom Hearts Art Can Badges
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Badge Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Amnibus Hoodies
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tetsuya Nomura Postcard Sets
Kingdom Hearts Mini Glass Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Soba Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Bean Plate Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Boxes Vol. 1 & 2
Kingdom Hearts II King Mickey 20th Anniversary Plush
The following merchandise was announced prior to the event, but is still celebratory for the 20th Anniversary:
Sony Japan announces Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary walkman
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tamagotchi
Kingdom Hearts Organization XIII Necklaces
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glasses, cases & cloths
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Q&A
A Q&A session was held during the Anniversary event, with our translations of specific questions and responses being viewable below:
Q1. Does the finale of Dark Road imply that the Player's heart is now inside Xehanort's?
A1: Play Dark Road and you will find out.
Q2. This is the first time in KH that there is a story branch (the Yozora battle). What is the meaning behind this?
A2: Since Yozora is so strong, I thought it would be better to put something in the game "if he loses".
Q3. Was Ephemer aware of the player's true intentions in Union Cross' finale?
A3: It was a pretty sad farewell, but there's more to Ephemer than meets the eye. A "Missing Link", if you will. All of the questions will be answered once you play Missing Link.
Q4: When did Naminé and Ansem first meet?
A4: In Castle Oblivion.
Q5: Riku's hair was cut in Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance. Who cut it for him?
A5: Well, you all wanted his hair to be cut, so I answered your prayers...
Q6: Please tell us about the return of Roxas and Xion.
A6: There were some doubts on whether to bring them back or not, but everyone had such strong feelings for them, so we decided to bring them back.
Audrey of Aitai Kuji has provided translations for information we did not personally cover, viewable below. This information is sourced from the coverage of Japanese publication, Gamer.
Other Notable Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary News
A Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary cafe was held in select locations throughout Japan. We provided translations for the menus. Merchandise was also on sale in the cafes', though they have also been made available for pre-order via digital storefronts which we listed 2 sections prior.
Additionally, official images of the cafes' dishes can be viewed via our gallery below:
The official Final Fantasy VII Remake Twitter account shared celebratory artwork for Kingdom Hearts' 20th Anniversary, viewable via our gallery below:
While not specifically tied to the Anniversary event, Sora's English voice actor, Haley Joel Osment, was interviewed by Deadline in which he reflected on his time voicing the iconic protagonist.
Utada Hikaru also sang "Simple and Clean" and "Face My Fears" at Coachella 2022.
Further, these three following points are not tied to the Anniversary event, but they're remarkably coincidental.
One of Mickey's Keyblades, Kingdom Key D, received a cameo in a recent Mickey Mouse short on Disney+.
Sora's Dive to the Heart and Destiny Islands received highly detailed cameos in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
The Kingdom Key appeared in the official trailer for Chip N' Dale: Rescue Rangers.
Tetsuya Nomura shared a gorgeous Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary illustration. Further, the official Kingdom Hearts media accounts have shared this new artwork in clean, high-quality, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts series Brand Manager, Ichiro Hazama provided the following statement regarding the announcements of Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV, viewable below:
Walt Disney Games Director, Nana Gadd, provided the following statement regarding the collective anniversary event, viewable below:
Lastly, the Kingdom Hearts Memory Locker website launched, containing 15 quotes from several crucial members of the series staff. Unfortunately, the website's messages went offline following the Anniversary event's conclusion. They will be made viewable again at an unspecified date.
However, we have provided translations for each Memory Locker message, accessible via our dedicated coverage.
Did we miss anything from the Kingdom Hearts Anniversary event? Inform us!
What were your favorite parts of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary celebration, be it merchandise, game announcements, or more? Let us know in the comments below!
Personally, I can't wait to see what the future of Kingdom Hearts has in store, and I'm sure the rest of the KH13 staff agrees. We have some incredible content to look forward to, so let's wait for the future and hype responsibly!
Sony Japan has finally revealed the previously announced Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary walkman and specially designed earbuds.
The Walkman NW-A105 KH 20th Anniversary Limited Edition costs ¥36,000 and comes with "Hikari" (via a coupon) sung by Utada Hikaru, in "high-resolution" quality. Additionally, the 20th Anniversary branded Wireless Noise Cancellation Stereo Earbuds cost ¥34,000. Both products also have a 3-year warranty.
You can view images of these products via our gallery below:
These products are now available to purchase via Sony Japan's website.
Sony Japan also tweeted about the items' availability, viewable below:
Japanese retailer Blooming Nakanishi has announced that Kingdom Hearts-themed handkerchiefs and microfiber cloths will be available for pre-order via their digital storefront. Each microfiber cloth costs ¥1,100, and the handkerchiefs cost ¥2,200.
Additionally, pre-orders for these products begin on May 27th, 2022, at 12:00 JST and conclude on June 10th, 2022, at 03:00 JST. Shipments are expected to occur in August 2022.
You can view images of each microfiber cloth and handkerchief via our galleries below alongside respective store page links.
Kingdom Hearts II Microfiber Cloth
Sora Station of Awakening Microfiber Cloth
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Microfiber Cloth
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Handkerchief
Kingdom Hearts II Handkerchief
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Handkerchief
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Handkerchief
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Handkerchief
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Handkerchief
If you're interested in purchasing any or all of these products, be sure to check back on these store pages later this week!
Japanese publication Game Watch has announced that Kingdom Hearts merchandise will appear at a dedicated Animate Fair event to celebrate the franchise's 20th anniversary.
A summation of the provided information has been provided via our team's translator, Ryuji:
Of the products currently showcased, there are new stickers depicting each of the games, viewable via our gallery below:
In the latest of Kingdom Hearts references appearing in different media, this one could be the most random. In a recent ad for Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza on their official Facebook page, the rap includes the line "Key to my heart like Sora." You can watch and listen to the ad below.
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So far in 2022, in addition to the 20th anniversary celebration of the franchise, Kingdom Hearts has been referenced and have cameos in a couple of Disney+ shows from The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse, The Proud Family: Prouder and Louder, and very recently in Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers.
Fans have discovered an over 5-year old Twitter post of user TheDaguar sharing their discovery of the unused Alice Stained Glass platform within the files of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix.
While this platform artwork was viewable via the Kingdom Hearts Design Document, it being found in the game files themselves is a new, resurged development altogether. Further, it's also far clearer, and several facets of the Station of Awakening platform can be better viewed, including the Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and more. The borders of the platform also house unique icons like the other Station of Awakening platforms, with Alice's containing playing card symbols indicative of Wonderland's motifs.
You can view the original Alice Stained Glass platform via our gallery below:
Thanks to Twitter user @DaniZayaa for sharing this news.
A post from the aforementioned user shared an image of how the platform looks in-game, though it isn't in particularly high-quality yet:
Following the Kingdom Key cameo in the trailer for Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, another Kingdom Hearts-related cameo has appeared, though this one is quite odd.
Sora's hair is viewable in the recently released Disney+ film as a wig. It's certainly unexpected, but still cool, we guess?
You can view the Sora's hair wig below. Credit to GlaxonXIII for spotting it:
Livedoor News has announced that the upcoming BBC Proms orchestral concert occurring later this year will have video game music performed, including songs from the Kingdom Hearts series. In addition, Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda are also stated to be making musical appearances, with video game tracks being performed on August 1, 2022, by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Royal Albert Hall.
No details on which songs will be performed were provided, but we'll be sure to keep you updated when that information arises.
The official Japanese Kingdom Hearts Twitter account has announced that the Nintendo Switch Cloud apps of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind have been updated to display the server congestion present throughout each title.
The Square Enix Japan support website reiterates this collective announcement with no accompanying details on this matter. Additionally, Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will now provide the option to prioritize graphical presentation or performance quality.
Japanese retailer Sega Plaza has announced that their stores will start selling Kingdom Hearts-themed can badges, premium bath towels, and premium clearium on June 10th, 2022. For reference, Clearium is an epoxy resin substance used for decorations in Japan.
You can view images of the Kingdom Hearts-themed can badges and premium clearium via our gallery below. The premium bath towels currently lack images.
Speedrunning has been a constant practice in the Kingdom Hearts fandom, with there being an admirably dedicated community intently focused on maximizing their results with the hobby. However, the history of how these speedruns began and eventually grew has only been known by those who partook in or viewed them during the appropriate times.
Though recently, Kingdom Hearts speedrun community member Saiyanz constructed a remarkable video intricately detailing the growth of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix's speedrunning scene. Saiyanz provides insight and objectivity regarding the runners responsible for pushing the game's limits, the routes used to make these feats possible, and an excellent timeline.
Further, this video's commentary, also done by Egglamation, is beginner-friendly. It explains most concepts and terminology that those unfamiliar with the speedrun scene would not ordinarily be aware of.
Above all else, this video can be perceived as a collective celebration of the Kingdom Hearts speedrunning scene, so congratulations to Saiyans for taking the time to make such a stellar breakdown.
You can view Saiyanz' video chronicling the history of Kingdom Hearts Final Mix speedruns below:
The official Kingdom Hearts Twitter account has finally shared a high resolution, clean version of the series 20th Anniversary art drawn by Tetsuya Nomura!
Numerous characters are gorgeously depicted such as the Guardians of Light, select members of the True Organization XIII, the Master of Masters alongside the Foretellers, and more.
You can view this stellar artwork via our gallery below:
Chapter 24 for the Kingdom Hearts III manga is now available in English from Yen Press. Toy Box Part 5 can be bought as a digital download from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, Google Play, iBooks, and Kobo. The issue's price varies from $1.99 for the United States to $2.99 in Canada.
Chapter 24 was released in Japanese on Gangan Online back on April 21st. Chapter 25 will release on May 26th.
You can also check out the articles for the previous chapters by clicking on the links below!
Chapter 0 Prologue Japanese English
Chapter 1 The New Departure Japanese English
Chapter 2 Olympus Coliseum Part 1 Japanese English
Chapter 3 Olympus Coliseum Part 2 Japanese English
Chapter 4 Olympus Coliseum Part 3 Japanese English
Chapter 5 Olympus Coliseum Part 4 Japanese English
Chapter 6 Olympus Coliseum Part 5 Japanese English
Chapter 7 Olympus Coliseum Part 6 Japanese English
Chapter 8 Olympus Coliseum Part 7 Japanese English
Chapter 9 The Dark World Japanese English
Chapter 10 Unbreakable Connection Japanese English
Chapter 11 The Self inside the Mirror Japanese English
Chapter 12 Reunion Japanese English
Chapter 13 Warmth Japanese English
Chapter 14 Destiny Island Japanese English
Chapter 15 Remaining Light Japanese English
Chapter 16 Tracking the Bond Japanese English
Chapter 17 Following the Heart's Guidance Japanese English
Chapter 18 Twilight Town [1] Japanese English
Chapter 19 Twilight Town [2] Japanese English
Chapter 20 Tox Box [1] Japanese English
Chapter 21 Toy Box [2] Japanese English
Chapter 22 Toy Box [3] Japanese English
Chapter 23 Toy Box [4] Japanese English
Chapter 24 Toy Box [5] Japanese
In addition, Volume 2 of the manga is now available for Japan. The English version is schedule to release on May 3rd.
Square Enix has revealed more celebratory Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary merchandise; a King Mickey plush revolving around his Kingdom Hearts II attire. The endearing collectible comes with a miniature suitcase, and it has the 20th-anniversary logo engraved upon his left shoe's sole.
Further, the plush is available for pre-order via Square Enix Japan's digital storefront (¥9,680), and it is planned to ship on November 12th, 2022.
Additional store links will be listed at this article's conclusion when they are provided.
You can view images of the Kingdom Hearts II King Mickey 20th Anniversary Plush via our gallery below:
UPDATE (4/29/2022)
The product is now available for pre-order via Square Enix North America for $99.99 ahead of a March 2023 release window.
AmiAmi & Aitai Kuji have also listed the product for pre-order:
AmiAmi - ¥7,740 - November 2022 shipment
Aitai Kuji - ¥7,750 November 2022 shipment
Square Enix has revealed more celebratory Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary merchandise; pin boxes boasting gorgeously arrayed key art from the franchise. The pin boxes are divided across 2 sets, with them both available for pre-order via Square Enix Japan's digital storefront for ¥13,750. They will also ship on September 17th, 2022.
The Square Enix Japan store links are listed below:
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 1
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 2
Additional store links will be listed at this article's conclusion when they are provided.
You can view images of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Volume 1 & 2 Pin Boxes via our galleries below:
UPDATE (4/29/2022)
The products are available for pre-order via Square Enix North America and they both ship in January 2023 with $134.99 price tags.
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 1
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 2
Both Pin Boxes are also available for pre-order via AmiAmi with September 2022 shipments. Further, each package costs ¥13,060 (approximately $100). Thanks to Twitter user @NipahDUBS for pointing this out.
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 1
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 2
Aitai Kuji also has both Pin Boxes available for pre-order with September 2022 shipments. Both packages individually cost ¥13,000.
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 1
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Box Vol. 2
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