Kirby: Triple Deluxe arrives on Nintendo 3DS this May

During a special Nintendo Direct livestream today, company president Satoru Iwata took a few minutes to talk about Kirby: Triple Deluxe for the 3DS to announce a release date. It launches May 2.

“Kirby games have always been easy to pick up and play, but as Kirby fans know, there is a lot of depth. …” said Iwata.

Triple Deluxe follows the classic Kirby platformer style. “When Kirby inhales his enemy, and copies its abilities, he gets little powers. He can do so many things with just one ability,” said Iwata during the gameplay video. Kirby can swallow a armor-clad enemy knight, which will equip him with a helmet and sword.

The game adds collectibles, such as 8-bit keychains scattered through the levels, “it’s a real challenge to find them all,” said Iwata. Gamers can also collect in-game items called Sun Stones, which Iwata said will earn players “a special bonus.”

Triple Deluxe has some 3DS Street Pass features, too. Players may encounter a special Waddle Dee character who will throw Kirby help items in need. “If you have a Street Pass encounter with someone beforehand, you’ll get even better items from Waddle Dee.” If players encounter another gamer who’s playing Triple Deluxe, he will receive a special in-game collectable keychain.