Summary
- The Legendary Starfy 1, 2, and 3 are now available worldwide on the NSO + Expansion Pack, years after their Japan-only release.
- These games' addition hints at a potential Starfy revival on the horizon.
- Speculation suggests that a Starfy project may coincide with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, targeting a new generation.
On July 12, 2024, Nintendo surprised global audiences by adding Densetsu no Starfy 1, 2, and 3 to the worldwide Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, marking the first time these games have ever left Japan. Known in English as The Legendary Starfy, this 2D platformer series is developed by the typically support-oriented studio Tose, and consists of five titles spread across the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Only the fifth and final entry, simply localized as The Legendary Starfy, previously reached North America in 2009, so this trilogy’s global launch was a big deal.
Although most of the text in these games remains in Japanese, just enough was translated for curious players to get by. While full localization would have been preferable, gaining official access to these previously Japan-exclusive games has further sweetened the NSO + Expansion Pack’s deal, with the door remaining open for a remastered Starfy pack or remakes in the future. At any rate, this is an unexpected move for Nintendo to make twenty years after the third Starfy game’s release, and fifteen after the last installment. There's likely an ulterior motive behind these Starfy games reaching English shores, and Nintendo fans may not even need to wait that long to see why.
How The Legendary Starfy Fits Into Nintendo’s Lineup
The broader Nintendo community’s relationship with Starfy is relaxed compared to a lot of other properties, although the cartoon starfish isn't completely unknown. Starfy himself has made a couple of appearances in games over the years, most notably as an Assist Trophy in later Super Smash Bros. Entries. Only gamers around during the DS era would actually have any experience with Starfy, however, and that applies to Japanese players just as much. If his series were to make a return, Starfy would need to draw a whole new generation’s attention before he could make a serious splash.
Why Densetsu no Starfy May Be Joining The Switch Now
Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion tier receiving the old Starfy trilogy definitely succeeded in catching people's attention, even if they weren't interested in playing these untranslated games. The novelty of Nintendo launching unlocalized games from their back catalog is significant enough to get The Legendary Starfy into the news for a bit, which is all it really needs to do. Anyone signing up for NSO + Expansion Pack just to examine these games is just a bonus. It's likely that Nintendo wants local and international audiences to remember The Legendary Starfy exists, and has something bigger lined up for the Nintendo Switch successor to actually capitalize on that awareness.
The Nintendo Switch 2 May Have A Starfy Project In The Wings
While a proper Starfy revival isn't guaranteed for the approaching Nintendo Switch 2, launching them together feels like the optimal move. The Legendary Starfy is a small enough franchise that it could benefit from some new console hype, and wouldn't be worth throwing onto the current Switch in its last few months. Filling a dry spot in the Switch 2’s launch year feels like the best bet, as even with The Legend of Zelda present in the Switch's last two years, there's no doubt a lot of heavy hitters from major Nintendo franchises getting ready to make that launch a success.
What's Next For The Legendary Starfy Series
It's somewhat unfortunate that Starfy may have to reintroduce itself a second time to finally reach Nintendo stardom, but at least it's probably getting that chance. The remaining Starfy games could also come to the Switch alongside a DS NSO collection in the meantime, and would ensure people have Starfy on their minds while picking through the rumored wave of Switch 2 launch games. Whatever happens, the time feels right for a new star to join Nintendo's usual platformer lineup, even if it turns out to be an old face like The Legendary Starfy getting a promotion.
