Kirby’s Star Stacker recently arrived on Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy library, bringing a classic puzzle challenge to modern screens. But beyond the gameplay, classic games often have iconic box art that captures a moment in time. We took a look at the different regional covers for Kirby’s Star Stacker in our latest ‘Box Art Brawl’ and asked fans to pick their favorite. The West’s simple, sweet design faced off against Japan’s multi-Kirby vertical art, and the results are in.
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Our ‘Box Art Brawl’ series is where we pit different regional covers of classic games against each other, asking you, the fans, to decide which one stands out. Last time, the character-focused Japanese cover for F-Zero X comfortably beat the European/North American version, taking a massive 84% of the vote. Could Japan repeat its victory, or would the West claim the prize this time?
With Kirby’s Star Stacker now available for Nintendo Switch Online members via the Game Boy app, it’s the perfect time to revisit this 1997 puzzle gem. While maybe not as famous as Kirby’s Adventure or Super Star, this Tetris-style block dropper offered a fun challenge back in the day. The goal? Line up Star Blocks between two matching Friend Blocks to make them disappear from the screen.
Kirby's Star Stacker featured in a Box Art Brawl comparison
In this specific battle, Europe and North America shared the same box art design, setting up a direct East vs. West duel. Let’s take a closer look at the contenders.
Meet the Contenders: The Box Art Styles
Comparing box art is more than just picking a favorite image; it’s about understanding the design choices made for different markets and what message they intended to convey.
North America / Europe
The Western design for Kirby’s Star Stacker is undeniably cute and straightforward. It features a sketched, falling block pattern in the background, hinting at the game’s puzzle mechanics. At the center, a very happy-looking Kirby is prominently displayed, holding onto a flying warp star. He’s zooming around the large game logo positioned in the upper half of the box. It’s a simple, cheerful image that puts the main character front and center, making it instantly recognizable for fans of the pink puffball.
North American and European box art for Kirby's Star Stacker Game Boy game
Japan
Japan’s approach takes advantage of the region’s vertical box format for Game Boy games. While the background concept is similar, it’s framed by an even larger star border. The main Kirby is still central, but depicted in a different, upright pose. The key difference, and arguably the most charming detail, is the addition of a second tiny Kirby walking along the game’s logo at the bottom. This extra little character adds an extra layer of cuteness and visual interest, leaning into the character’s appeal.
Japanese box art featuring two Kirbys for the Game Boy puzzle game Star Stacker
The Verdict: Which Cover Won?
After showcasing both designs, we opened the poll to our readers to cast their votes for the best Kirby’s Star Stacker box art. Would the simple charm of the Western cover win, or would the “two Kirbys” and vertical layout of the Japanese art take the crown?
After the votes were counted, the results show a clear preference. The North America/Europe cover took the win with 70% of the vote, leaving the Japanese version with 30%. This time, the Western design’s straightforward, happy depiction of Kirby proved more popular with voters than the slightly busier, vertical Japanese layout.
The Western design’s focused, charming look won over voters this time. If this has you feeling nostalgic for some classic Game Boy puzzle action, remember that you can now play Kirby’s Star Stacker yourself on Nintendo Switch Online if you have a subscription!
What did you think of the covers? Which one did you vote for and why? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check out previous Box Art Brawls to see more classic game cover comparisons!
