Game Boy · Pinball

Kirby's Pinball Land

カービィのピンボール

Japan: November 27, 1993 · Dev: HAL Laboratory

About this game

Developed by HAL Laboratory and released in November 1993, Kirby's Pinball Land is a pinball game built entirely around Kirby's universe — with Kirby himself serving as the ball. Three interconnected tables each culminate in a boss battle, turning a simple pinball concept into a miniature platforming adventure. The game was directed by Masahiro Sakurai and supported by a young Satoru Iwata, the future president of Nintendo.

Key Features

The game features three distinct pinball tables — each themed around a Kirby villain — stacked vertically. Players launch Kirby upward through multiple floors, defeat a mid-boss on each table, and ultimately face King Dedede. A Super Game Boy border adds visual flair when played on the SNES accessory.

The Story Behind

Kirby's Pinball Land was created during a creative high point at HAL Laboratory, where Masahiro Sakurai — in his early twenties — was already leading full projects. Satoru Iwata, then a key programmer at HAL, contributed technical support. The two would go on to collaborate on many more landmark titles, and both became defining figures in Nintendo's history.

Tricks & Tales

Kirby's Pinball Land was released just days before Kirby's Adventure hit the NES, making November 1993 a remarkable month for Kirby fans. The game makes clever use of the Game Boy's limited vertical screen real estate by scrolling the view up and down as Kirby travels between floors — a design problem elegantly solved.

Collector's Guide

Rarity common
Original Price at Launch ¥2,800 at launch (Japan, 1993)
Japan Release November 27, 1993

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Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.

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