Kingdom Hearts IV unveiled an extensive gameplay trailer during D23 2026, following a brief preview the day before. The presentation also confirmed that Pixar’s Coco will appear in the forthcoming game.
Series creator and director Tetsuya Nomura made an unexpected appearance during the panel, where additional content from the anticipated next mainline entry was showcased. Square Enix also provided an update on the game’s progress and release timeline. Co-director Tai Yasue stated that development is moving along well and emphasized that Kingdom Hearts IV will “100%” be released in 2027.
“I can confidently say and promise that it will launch in 2027. Schedule wise, development is very smooth. It’s not like an 80% or 90% thing, it’s a 100% thing.”
This update comes after several years of limited information concerning Kingdom Hearts IV, which was first announced in April 2022 as part of the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration. The initial trailer was showcased at Nintendo Direct in June this year. The game will be available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Nintendo Switch™ 2, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
Disney and Square Enix also revealed the first original Kingdom Hearts animated series at D23, which will feature a newly crafted storyline and involve Nomura along with Square Enix’s creative team.
No products found.
First launched in 2002 as a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, the Kingdom Hearts franchise merges original characters with worlds and characters from Disney properties. Over the past twenty years, the series has expanded through multiple console and handheld releases, selling over 38 million copies globally and becoming one of Square Enix’s most successful franchises.
The latest numbered installment, Kingdom Hearts III, wrapped up the lengthy Dark Seeker Saga focused on Xehanort, while Kingdom Hearts IV will signify the start of a new narrative.
Source: Square Enix Official YouTube
© Disney. © Disney/Pixar. Developed by Square Enix.
