Switch

"Seems like you can count on a switch to stay switched. But some switches switch back. Really, you can't rely on a switch that clicks like it's counting down after you hit it."

- Daroach

Switches are a recurring type of object in the Kirby franchise. Kirby can usually activate a switch by either stepping on it or attacking it. Switches have a variety of functions, but most are used to activate a certain mechanism, such as opening a gate blocking off an area. Some games feature Switches in a variety of colors to distinguish their functionality from one another, like with Big Switches.

Switches first appear in Kirby Super Star, shortly after their larger counterpart, Big Switches, made their debut in Kirby's Adventure.

Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra
In Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra, there are switches that open doors blocking Kirby's path. Kirby can only activate them for a few seconds, requiring him to move quickly. There are also some puzzles involving the use of Switches, such as in The Great Cave Offensive's Sub-Tree area, where Kirby has to activate a series of Switches so that he can obtain the Crystal Ball treasure at the end.

Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
In Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, switches lose their distinctive, star look and now look more like buttons or toggles. They appear in some levels, where any number of them must be pressed down to open doors or move Blockbots. If the player takes too long trying to press all the switches, they will pop back up and will have to be pressed again.

Kirby: Canvas Curse
Switches make another appearance in Kirby: Canvas Curse. They are one of the many things that Paint Roller can draw in the Paint Panic Sub-Game.

Kirby: Squeak Squad
In Kirby: Squeak Squad, Switches sometimes stay down after pressed, therefore leaving any doors they trigger open. Some switches open doors to areas with a Treasure Chest and may keep them open for only a limited time.

Kirby Mass Attack
In Kirby Mass Attack, Switches are less common than in earlier appearances, and were redesigned to resemble a pedestal. The Switches require more effort to push down, as the Kirbys must jump on it and push it into the ground. These Switches trigger actions such as opening up blockades and releasing Bomb Bricks. The Kirbys also push these Switches down in the intro to each level. The game also features a specific type of Switch, the Melody Switch.

In Stage 10 of Dedede Resort, there are three exclusive Switches, colored red, blue, and green respectively. The Kirbys must hit them in the specific order of red, green, blue, green to cause a blockade to disappear, allowing them to enter a secret room containing a medal.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby: Triple Deluxe / Kirby: Planet Robobot
In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, and Kirby: Planet Robobot, the Switches' functions are differentiated by color; blue Switches are permanently pressed after Kirby touches them, while pink Switches pop back up shortly after being pushed. A pink Switch's effect on an given object is temporary, and they are reusable. Switches can trigger gateways to open, cause blocks to break and/or appear, and reveal hidden doorways or collectibles. Some switches come in the form of handles hanging from ceilings, including a purple one that functions like a toggle switch.

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, although there are purple Switches with a handle, standalone purple ones do not make an appearance, although they exist in the game as an unused object. Regular purple Switches would end up being used in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
"No way! Who wants to press such a bossy switch?"

- Elline

In Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, like in most appearances, a switch opens a gate upon being pressed.

Kirby Star Allies
In Kirby Star Allies, Switches retain their design from Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Profiles

 * Kirby: Canvas Curse instruction booklet (page 22): "Touch or attack switches to activate doors, gates and other gimmicks, allowing Kirby to move forward."