Japan-only Starfy games now out worldwide on Nintendo Switch Online

Three Starfy games previously only available in Japan have been added to Nintendo Switch Online for Expansion members.

Densetsu no Starfy 1, 2 and 3 were all released on the Game Boy Advance between 2002 and 2004, but are now available globally on Switch. A fourth game came to Nintendo DS in 2006, which was followed by The Legendary Starfy on the same console – the only game in the series to be released outside of Japan, until now.

So who is Starfy? As one comment on X put it: “He’s like Kirby, but a starfish”. Makes sense.

The Starfy games are platformers with underwater worlds, which also makes sense considering Starfy is a starfish. He’s also the prince of Pufftop, which is maybe why these games were Japan only.

Smash Bros. fans may recognise Starfy as an assist trophy, though. He’s appeared in each game since Super Smash Bros. Brawl on the Wii with a handy spin attack.

His trophy data also provides some more background information: “He’s a bit spacey and clumsy, but when he sets his mind to something, he gives it his all”. He also “sometimes dons a pig suit and throws pork cutlets”.

Nintendo recently added a Mature section to its Switch Online catalogue, specifically for the N64 shooters Perfect Dark and Turok.

Also, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope has a free trial this week – there’s still time if you’re quick!

For more on Nintendo Switch Online, check out the full list of available classic games.