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Change form and Hold the A Button! BOUNCE! BOING! BONK!
— Ball's Flavor Text • Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

General Information

Ball is a copy ability that has so far only appeared in Kirby's Adventure and its remake Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land; although a few other games feature Kirby as a ball, his shape is never directly attributed to the actual Ball copy ability. When Ball is used, Kirby becomes a perfect sphere and is able to roll and bounce around the level when the jump button is held, damaging anything he hits in the air. The longer he falls, the more force his bounce will have when he hits the ground.

Ball is a fast-moving ability and can be difficult to control when faced with a wall or cliff. On top of that, although Kirby is invincible when flying through the air, he is vulnerable both at the peak of his jump and immediately after he hits the ground, meaning he will take damage if he happens to land directly in front of a moving enemy (or lands right on top of a boss or invincible enemy like Shotzo). However, while it may be impractical when dealing with minor ground-borne enemies, the Ball ability's saving grace is, strangely, its sheer damage: it can destroy most of the game's bosses with a mere four hits, and mini-bosses (the ones that don't grab Kirby) with as few as two or three.

Also, in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Ball Kirby (when not in ball form) has a sort of a hat like Yo-yo or Wheel, but not exactly alike and without a visor. Strangely, there is another design for this cap in the icon. Along with Hi-Jump, it was upgraded - the top of the screen is considered a wall and will not reset Kirby's momentum.

In Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby is turned into a ball by Drawcia, but this is not the same as the copy ability.

Move Set

Move Controls Description Element
Ball Transformation B Kirby transforms into a smooth ball. While in ball form, he must roll or bounce to move.


Only in Kirby's Adventure
When in ball form and bouncing, Kirby is vulnerable to grabs.


Only in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Kirby cannot be grabbed. Also, the top of the screen counts as a boundary when bouncing. To return to regular Kirby, press B again.
None

Super Smash Bros. series

Ball Kirby is one of three Copy Abilities that appear as a Trophy In Super Smash Bros. Melee. Some others being Fire and Fighter. Out of these three it is also the only one that doesn't return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trivia

  • What appear to be the American and Japanese Flags are depicted on Ball's ability icon in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.
    • Also, the ability icon shows Kirby wearing a wig. He never actually wears this when yielding the ability.

Flavor texts

GameFlavor text
Kirby's Adventure
Kirby can roll into a smooth ball! If you hold the A Button, he will jump higher!
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Change form and Hold the A Button! BOUNCE! BOING! BONK!

Artwork

Gallery

Other Ability Icons

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