When Kirby debuted in 1992, he was a pink balloon thing on the original Game Boy. Now, 20 years later, he’s still a pink balloon thing—but one that is occasionally made of yarn or clay.
Check out the pictures below to see exactly how he has changed across the main series. (Note: Spin-off titles, cross-overs, and remakes are not included.)
(Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Dream Land 2)
(Kirby Super Star, Kirby’s Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)
(Kirby & the Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad)
(Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land)
(Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Rainbow Curse)
Now, check out the changes again in sprite form.
(Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Dream Land 2)
(Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)
(Kirby & the Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad)
(Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land)
(Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Rainbow Curse)
You know, while we’re at it, let’s see how Kirby’s rival Dedede has evolved.
(Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Dream Land 2)
(Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)
(Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Epic Yarn)
(Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe)
And once again in sprite form.
(Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby's Dream Land 2)
(Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards)
(Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Epic Yarn)
(Kirby Mass Attack, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe)
For more Kirby character art and sprites, head on over to the Kirby Wiki.
Enjoy seeing how gaming characters have changed over the years? Then be sure to check out our looks at the evolution of the Zelda, Final Fantasy's Cid, and Sailor Moon.
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