Fans and gamers all over the world are gushing over the confirmation of "Kingdom Hearts IV" during the latest Nintendo Direct event.
Nintendo Direct: 'Kingdom Hearts IV' Is Official
After months of silence, Square Enix finally delivered a fresh update on "Kingdom Hearts IV" with a new trailer that aired during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct event. It marks the first time fans have heard anything about the game this year, and it came alongside a confirmation that the next chapter in Sora's journey is still very much in active development.
The reveal was unexpected given that "Kingdom Hearts IV" skipped Summer Game Fest entirely the week before, leading many fans to assume they would be waiting even longer for news. Instead, Square Enix chose the Nintendo Direct as its platform, and the reason behind that choice became clear almost immediately.
"Kingdom Hearts III" came out in 2019 and did not arrive on the Nintendo Switch until 2022, making the gap between platform launches a frustrating wait for Nintendo fans at the time. Now, this means that it could be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on day one of the game's release.
'Kingdom Hearts IV' Teases Sora, Disney Characters
The new trailer gives fans a fairly in-depth look at the game's combat, which brings back familiar moves alongside what appears to be a few new tricks. Players can also see the older version of Sora in action, along with a handful of familiar-looking Heartless enemies returning from earlier entries in the franchise.
The setting shown in the trailer continues to build on what was first revealed in 2022, with Sora navigating a modern city environment that stands in sharp contrast to the more fantastical worlds the series has historically visited.
Disney characters and worlds have been central to the franchise's identity since the very beginning, and the new footage hints that familiar companions will once again be joining Sora on his journey.
However, the teaser only showed Donald Duck and Goofy. Mickey Mouse was nowhere to be seen.
When to Expect 'Kingdom Hearts IV'
The trailer confirmed that "Kingdom Hearts IV" will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch, a significant commitment from Square Enix that guarantees Nintendo fans will not be left waiting for a port this time around.
A specific release date or even a release window was not shared alongside the new trailer, leaving the timeline for the game still uncertain. Some earlier reports had suggested a possible 2027 launch window, but Square Enix has not confirmed that.
Beyond the Switch 2 confirmation and the combat footage, the trailer did not introduce much new structural information about the game's worlds or story.
The Nintendo Direct itself was stacked with major announcements, including a "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" remake reveal that followed immediately after the "Kingdom Hearts IV" trailer. All of these represented arguably the two biggest moments of the show for longtime Nintendo fans.
