Once Upon a Katamari has arrived on Switch 2 as a native release, bringing sharper visuals, higher resolution and better performance than the original Switch version, which ran through backward compatibility. It also adds mouse controls using the Joy-Con and launches alongside Rolling Live Highlights, a paid DLC expansion. Having already played the game on PS5 and PC, I loved its strange humour and addictive gameplay. This new version brings the Switch experience much closer to those releases, though the new controls and extra content are less impressive.
The formula remains as wonderfully ridiculous as ever. You roll a small ball around, picking up everything from household clutter to increasingly large objects until your Katamari is big enough to rival entire planets. It’s a simple concept that still works thanks to the goofy presentation, funky soundtrack and constant humour. The story stays in the background, where it belongs, while the levels take you through the past, present and future, with settings inspired by different periods and civilizations. There’s always plenty to collect, and the core gameplay remains as satisfying as it was before.
The visual upgrade is immediately noticeable. Colours look sharper, environments are clearer, and performance remained solid throughout my time with the game. Having played the PS5 and PC versions, I found the Switch 2 release much closer to them in presentation. If you prefer playing on Nintendo’s hardware, this is a welcome improvement without sacrificing too much of what makes the game look and feel good.
Mouse controls are another addition, letting you steer the Katamari using the Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse functionality. I found them more of a novelty than a genuine alternative. The series has always worked best with both analogue sticks, and that remains the case here. Using the mouse is amusing for a while, but the appeal wears off quickly, and it doesn’t make the gameplay any better. It’s nice to have the option, but certainly not a reason to buy this version. Mouse controls are exclusive to Switch 2, while motion controls, which appeared in some older entries, aren’t available in either Switch release.
The other major addition is Rolling Live Highlights, a paid DLC expansion costing around $12. It includes 10 new quests, six playable Cousins, 12 additional songs and 18 customisation accessories. Drawing inspiration from the mobile game Katamari Damacy Rolling Live, it introduces a few different objectives. Rather than simply asking you to make your Katamari as large as possible, some quests require you to collect specific objects or tackle additional challenges. There’s a little more variety as a result, but the underlying gameplay hasn’t changed much.
My biggest issue is how quickly the DLC runs out of steam. The 10 quests are so short that the expansion feels over almost as soon as it begins. Many objectives are variations on the time-limited challenges found in the main game, and while they’re fun enough in small doses, there’s little reason to revisit them. Each quest awards a rank, with S being the highest, but the lack of meaningful unlockables makes chasing better scores feel less rewarding than it should.
The additional Cousins and accessories are decent extras, although customisation has never been what I enjoy most about Katamari. The new songs are the highlight, adding some welcome variety to an already great soundtrack. Still, a few extra tracks can’t make up for the limited number of quests. At around $12, Rolling Live Highlights feels more like a small collection of bonus challenges than a substantial expansion. More levels and better rewards would have made it a much easier recommendation.
Once Upon a Katamari remains a charming and thoroughly enjoyable entry in the series, and the Switch 2 version is a good way to experience it. The improved visuals and performance bring it closer to the PS5, PC and Xbox versions, while the free upgrade for existing Switch owners is a welcome bonus. Mouse controls are a neat extra, but they don’t offer much beyond an alternative way to play. Rolling Live Highlights is far less convincing, with too few quests and little incentive to replay them for the price. The base game is still a great time, but the DLC doesn’t offer enough to make the experience significantly better.
Once Upon A KATAMARI + Rolling LIVE Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Developer: RENGAME
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
