![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/JIxo87wJh5Y_xgjF1boGNUXVYNtu3dzb2tnY/14104.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14104.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14105.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some quirky DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14106.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls in the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14108.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14109.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14110.png)
![It really gives you that “I’m rolling around with the prince!” feeling. We tried out the mouse controls for the Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari*—and played some unique DLC stages too [Play Report & Interview]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/14111.png)
"Katamari Damacy" is a game with a world that’s cute, funny, surreal, and heartwarming.In October 2025, the latest home console title, *Once Upon a Katamari*, was released, and on October 8, 2026—about a year later—the Nintendo Switch 2 version and the paid DLC *Rolling Live Highlights* (Nintendo Switch™ 2 / Nintendo Switch™ /PlayStation®5/Xbox Series X|S/Steam®) will be released. I got an early hands-on experience with this highly anticipated title, so here’s a brief report.
First, during the hands-on session, I tried out “Rolling Live Highlights” on the Switch 2 version. In this DLC, the King has become a streamer, giving it a slightly different vibe than usual. I played the glow stick challenge titled “I Tried Waving a Glow Stick.”
This stage basically only features penlights—there aren’t any objects of different sizes—so I just watched as the penlights rolled around and got caught up in the action. It felt kind of strange. They looked like colorful sea urchins, which was actually pretty cute.
One thing that caught my attention while playing was the stream of comments on the right side of the screen. Since the King is a streamer, comments from viewers scroll by—but for me, it was a bit too much to handle, and I had a hard time keeping up… I really came to appreciate just how amazing streamers are for being able to read comments while playing the game.
Next, I tried out the mouse controls available in the Switch 2 version. Holding two Joy-Con 2 controllers in each hand, you can move forward by sliding them repeatedly. It looked like it would be difficult at first, but once I tried it, it was surprisingly satisfying. You get a direct sense of “I’m rolling it!” While navigating curves and other maneuvers takes some practice, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to move through the game smoothly.
The map featured various objects that would look great on a livestream, such as a concert venue and a Ferris wheel. Also, the new Mates are adorable! Jack the Pumpkin is cute, but for fans of non-human characters, Cameron and Phil—with their lens-shaped faces—are absolutely irresistible. There’s also been a wide variety of merchandise released recently, which I’m truly grateful for.
We also had the chance to speak with Ryo Ishida (hereinafter “Producer Ishida”), the producer of *Once Upon a Katamari*, despite his busy schedule. We’ll be sharing that interview as well.
――What are the differences in the Switch 2 version?
Ishida P: Compared to the Switch version, the main differences are improved screen resolution and frame rate, as well as the addition of mouse controls. The mouse controls are a completely new feature.
――I had the chance to try out the mouse controls earlier—why did you decide to introduce them? Could you also tell us what aspects you were particularly focused on?
Ishida P: When the Switch 2 was announced and we learned about its new features, the idea started with the thought that it would be fun to actually experience rolling alongside the Prince in *Katamari Damacy*.
There was another control scheme proposed where you’d slide once and keep moving forward indefinitely, but we really didn’t want to compromise the game’s world where the little Prince is working hard to roll the ball… We felt that keeping the character moving continuously was the right approach for *Katamari Damacy*, so we implemented controls that require constant input.
――I understand that the DLC “Rolling Live Highlights” is being released simultaneously with the Switch 2 version. Who is this DLC aimed at?
Producer Ishida: While the DLC is essentially a port of some stages from *Katamari Rolling LIVE*, currently available on Apple Arcade, we hope it will be enjoyed not only by those who’ve already played it but also by those who are just starting out with *Once Upon a Katamari*.We hope that the news of new stages coming via the DLC will encourage both those who were already familiar with *Once Upon a Katamari* and those who hadn’t had a reason to buy it yet to give it a try.
――Could you tell us what you think are the game’s highlights?
Producer Ishida: Since *Rolling LIVE* is set in a world where the King collaborates with popular streamers, many of the stages feature slightly unusual rules. There are unique stages not found in the regular series—like stages where you have to roll up lots of glow sticks, collect specific ducks, or scrub away grime at a public bath—so I hope players will enjoy those aspects.
――This is a bit of a tangent from the new features, but I think the world of *Katamari Damacy*—with its gentle, cute, and slightly humorous vibe—is wonderful. I imagine it must be quite difficult to maintain that atmosphere; what kind of things do you pay special attention to?
Producer Ishida: Since *Once Upon a Katamari* is the first new home console game in the series in 14 years, the staff members who were originally involved in *Katamari*’s development had already left the company.So, while consulting with employees who were there back then, we’ve been discussing what makes *Katamari* unique as a team, repeatedly asking, “Is this truly ‘Katamari-like’?” Regarding this latest title, *Rolling Live Highlights*, we also had many discussions among team members and proceeded with development while being careful not to compromise the essence and worldview of *Katamari*.
――There are some characters and “Mates” that make people wonder, “What kind of idea led to their creation?” How do you go about creating them?
Producer Ishida: For *Once Upon a Katamari*, the conversation often started with casual chit-chat—things like, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Meit with this kind of motif?” or “Wouldn’t it be fun if we designed it like this?”—and the conversation just branched out from there, leading to the addition of these new Meits.
――Regarding the songs on the album, how do you decide which artist should sing or compose a particular track?
Producer Ishida: After discussing it with the sound team and other team members, we’d decide, “Let’s reach out to this artist,” and proceed from there. Rather than having one person make the decision, we move forward based on group discussions—deciding, “To stay true to this worldview, let’s ask this particular person to contribute.”
――In *Once Upon a Katamari*, content from *Gakuen Idolmaster* was added. I imagine some fans are hoping to see other Bandai Namco titles featured in the future—what are your thoughts on that?
Producer Ishida: If the opportunity arises, I’d love to collaborate with them, but there are no plans at this time.
――Speaking of the breadth of our outreach, you’ve been putting a lot of effort into X posts lately, haven’t you? Do you have any plans for how you’d like to expand our reach to fans in this way going forward?
Producer Ishida: For players, I want them to keep diving deeper into the game, which is why I post regularly. Conversely, I also hope that even people who aren’t familiar with the game will be drawn in by the princes’ visuals and the game’s surreal world.
We plan to take on various new challenges in the future, so we’d appreciate it if you’d keep an eye on our X account. We’re also looking for collaboration partners!
――Finally, please share a message for your fans.
Producer Ishida: We’re releasing the Nintendo Switch 2 version of *Once Upon a Katamari* this time. In addition to adding new control methods from the version released last year, you can now adjust the camera angle in the options menu.
In *Once Upon a Katamari*, the camera was previously tilted slightly away from the perspective of rolling the Katamari, allowing you to play from a near-horizontal viewpoint. In addition to that, you can now also choose a top-down perspective.This camera feature is available not only on the Nintendo Switch 2 version but also on all platforms currently available via free update (Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam®).
In that sense, we believe you’ll enjoy the even more enhanced *Once Upon a Katamari*.
We’ve also prepared the DLC “Rolling Live Highlights,” which includes new stages and music tracks—the first additions in quite some time.
It’s packed with plenty of content that anyone can easily enjoy—not only those who have already played *Once Upon a Katamari*, but also fans of previous titles and even those who say, “I know about *Katamari*, but I’ve never actually played the game.” We hope you’ll give it a try.
――Thank you very much.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of *
” is scheduled for release on October 8, 2026. The paid DLC “Rolling Live Highlights” will also be available for all platforms. Let’s roll our way through a world that continues to expand!
