Sora Returns: Kingdom Hearts 4 Drops Its First Real Gameplay in Years at the June Nintendo Direct

Kingdom Hearts 4 made a surprise appearance at the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, showing off its first substantial gameplay since the game was announced in 2022. Square Enix confirmed the long-awaited sequel will launch simultaneously on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, sending the franchise faithful into a frenzy.

Kingdom Hearts 4 crashed the June 2026 Nintendo Direct as one of its final reveals, handing fans their first real look at gameplay since the sequel was announced back in 2022. Square Enix used the moment to confirm a simultaneous launch across Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Sora Steals the Show’s Final Minutes

Just as the presentation was winding down, Sora appeared to show patient fans what it looks like to wield the Keyblade once more. Nintendo and Square Enix confirmed the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 when it eventually launches. In a separate post, Square Enix added that Kingdom Hearts 4 will release simultaneously on PC through the Epic Games Store and Steam, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The footage put Sora, Donald, and Goofy front and center for a surprise grand entrance. “A new installment in the action role-playing series developed and published by Square Enix, KINGDOM HEARTS 4 gives fans a look at some of the characters that protagonist Sora will meet in the mysterious city of Quadratum,” an official description reads. “Sora will once again journey to realms, where new figures cross his path and new powers awaken his next chapter.”

A Long-Awaited Return Years in the Making

Kingdom Hearts 4 was one of the last games anyone expected at the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, yet Nintendo not only slotted it in as a closing reveal but showed off more of the series’ fourth mainline installment than fans have seen in years. Square Enix first revealed the game at the franchise’s 20th anniversary event in 2022, where an on-rails segment showed Sora battling a skyscraper-sized Heartless in a city far removed from the dreamlike Disney worlds the series is known for. There had been next to no news since.

That drought ended with this gameplay showcase. While it continued the thread teased in 2022, it offered a much closer look at the moment-to-moment combat players can expect from the next chapter of Sora’s journey.

The Kingdom Hearts Collection Arrives in October

Square Enix opened the segment by announcing that all three numbered entries will soon be available as part of the Kingdom Hearts Collection. Due October 8, 2026, the bundle includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts 3 + Re Mind, each also available to purchase separately. A demo for Kingdom Hearts 3 is on the eShop now.

Why This Matters

This is the most fans have seen of Kingdom Hearts 4 since its reveal, and the confirmed multiplatform launch — Switch 2 included — means few players will be left out when it finally arrives. The catch: there’s still no release date or even a window, so the wait for Sora’s next adventure continues, just with a lot more to chew on in the meantime.