With Kingdom Hearts 4 likely still a few years out, Square Enix has a lot of time to prepare fans for the next chapter in Sora's saga. The series has been great about giving players access to all the games necessary to catch up on the full story through compilations like Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts All-in-One Package, but the original version of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for Game Boy Advance is a lot more difficult to access. Now that GBA games are available via Nintendo Switch Online, Square Enix has the perfect opportunity to bring this classic version to a modern platform ahead of Kingdom Hearts 4.
Although the Kingdom Hearts compilations are a convenient way to experience the series, they omit or alter some of the original experiences for the sake of streamlining content. Games like Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded are only included as cinematics within the compilation, giving players access to their stories but depriving them of the original gameplay experience. Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, the PS2 remake of the original game, is included as well. While it's superior to the Game Boy Advance version in some ways, it lacks some of the charm only the GBA version can deliver.
Reliving the Original Chain of Memories on Nintendo Switch Online Would Be Perfect Before Kingdom Hearts 4
The original version of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories released for Game Boy Advance in 2004 as a continuation of the first Kingdom Hearts prior to Kingdom Hearts 2. As a GBA title, the game featured a pixel art style and card-based battle mechanics as opposed to the 3D action-RPG style of its predecessor. Battles were still fought in real time and featured many of the same physical, magic, and summon attacks from Kingdom Hearts, only reconfigured for a handheld console.
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories released in 2008 for the PS2, remaking the Game Boy Advance title utilizing the full capabilities of a home console, including voice acting and a remastered soundtrack. The core card-based gameplay remained, but was intermixed with the 3D action of the original Kingdom Hearts to create a whole new experience. While this may seem like the definitive version, the original GBA release still stands as a classic title worth revisiting.
There has never been a better time to rerelease the original version now that Game Boy Advance games are included in the Nintendo Switch Online library via the Expansion Pack subscription tier. Square Enix could use this opportunity to generate some hype for Kingdom Hearts 4 by getting the series back in the conversation with a release of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories on Switch. After the disappointing cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece, Square Enix could also use this as a gesture of good will for Switch owners.
While the timeline for Kingdom Hearts 4's release is still up in the air, there are plenty of potential opportunities for fans of the series to get their fill of Kingdom Hearts content. It's possible the series could see new spin-off entries in the time before the next mainline release, but reaching back into the series' library could be just as exciting for fans. As the Switch is sure to get a steady stream of Game Boy Advance games in the future, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories would be a worthwhile addition to its catalog.
Kingdom Hearts 4 is in development by Square Enix.
