New footage from Kingdom Hearts 4 could be unveiled this August. Disney has officially confirmed a panel titled "A Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts" at D23 Expo 2026 to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary, though it's not yet confirmed whether Kingdom Hearts 4 will be directly featured in the panel.

What to Expect from the D23 Panel

The panel is set for August 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM Pacific Time, and promises insights from the creative team and character voice actors about how the series brought together Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix. While Kingdom Hearts 4 hasn't been specifically mentioned, fans believe such a major celebration is unlikely to pass without new info. There's precedent for this expectation: the Big Hero 6 world in Kingdom Hearts 3 was first revealed at a previous D23 event.

Highlights from the June Trailer

Kingdom Hearts 4 received its first new trailer in four years during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct. The trailer showcased Sora's redesign with a more realistic art style, as well as the photorealistic approach to the world of Quadratum and its inhabitants. In contrast, classic characters like Donald and Goofy retain their Kingdom Hearts 3 look; director Tetsuya Nomura has mentioned that Sora's appearance will revert if he returns to his original world. Composer Yoko Shimomura is also confirmed to be returning for the game.

Platforms and Reported Release Window

The same Nintendo Direct confirmed that the game will launch simultaneously on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). While an exact release date hasn't been announced, an internal report suggests the target has shifted from the previously optimistic 2026 window to Q3 2027. The report also notes that Square Enix is considering several venues for the next trailer, including D23, Tokyo Game Show, and The Game Awards, but no final decision has been made.

Compilation Arriving in October

Square Enix is also planning to release a compilation of previous Kingdom Hearts titles for Nintendo Switch 2 in October 2026, as a way for new players to jump in or for longtime fans to revisit the series before Sora's next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there definitely be Kingdom Hearts 4 news at D23?

No, that's not confirmed. The panel is announced as a 25th anniversary celebration for the series, with no official word that Kingdom Hearts 4 will be specifically featured.

Is there an official release date for Kingdom Hearts 4?

No. The reported Q3 2027 target is based on internal sources and is not an official announcement; Square Enix hasn't confirmed any dates yet.

Which platforms will the game be released on?

It has been confirmed for simultaneous release on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).