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Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from dashing to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!
— Flavor Text • Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Needle is a Copy Ability in the Kirby series, debuting in Kirby's Adventure.

Games[]

Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[]

Needle focuses on surrounding Kirby in spines to deal damage. It operates somewhat similarly to Spark and Freeze. Needle is obtained from Togezo in Kirby's Adventure and Needlous in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.

In Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Needle turns Kirby yellow and he wears a pink helmet with spikes (silver in-game, gold in artwork).

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description
Needle Attack B Kirby surrounds himself in spines. In Kirby's Adventure, the spines hit all adjacent tiles except the ones under Kirby; the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, the spines reach 2 tiles to the left and right, 3 tiles upward, and 1 tile downward; the move lasts until the player lets go of the button.

Move Controls Description
Needle Attack 1 Kirby surrounds himself in spines. In Kirby's Adventure, the spines hit all adjacent tiles except the ones under Kirby; the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, the spines reach 2 tiles to the left and right, 3 tiles upward, and 1 tile downward; the move lasts until the player lets go of the button.

Move Controls Description
Needle Attack Down Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines. The spines hit all adjacent tiles except the ones under Kirby; the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first.

Kirby's Dream Course[]

Lets_Play_Kirby's_Dream_Course_part_1B_Demo_Videos_14.mp4

Lets Play Kirby's Dream Course part 1B Demo Videos 14.mp4

Needle causes Kirby's ground movement to stop almost instantly upon use; it also prevents Kirby from bouncing if he is airborne. Needle is also able to stop Kirby's movement when on a slope, and is the only way to do so; as such, Togezo is usually placed in holes where stopping on a slope would be desirable.

In multiplayer, Needle can be used offensively to attack the opponent and do 2 damage. Needle can also be used defensively, as it stays out during the opponent's turn if used, preventing the opponent from attacking the Needle player; attempting to attack the Needle player normally will result in the opponent taking 2 damage. The Transformer has the potential to give the player Needle.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 and Kirby's Dream Land 3[]

Needle can be combined with one of the Animal Friends to give it a different move. It is also the only Copy Ability that can destroy the Needle Ability Blocks.

In Kirby's Dream Land 2, Needle can be combined with Rick, Coo, or Kine. As with Kirby's Adventure, which preceded it, Needle can only be out for a brief amount of time. Needle can be obtained from the Spikey enemy or the Captain Stitch mid-boss.

In Kirby's Dream Land 3, Needle can also be combined with Nago, ChuChu, and Pitch. Gooey, who behaves near identically to Kirby, can also obtain Needle. Needle can now be kept out for as long as the button is held. Needle is required to pop Piyo's balloon in Stage 2 of Cloudy Park to obtain the Heart Star from Keko. Needle can be obtained from Togezo, Tick, Boten, the Needle Bukiset, and Captain Stitch.

Techniques[]

Animal Friend Controls Description Image
None B Y Kirby surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held.
Rick B Y Rick extends spines out of his back. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile backwards; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines reach 1 tile backwards; the move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Rick sprite
KDL2 Needle Rick sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Rick sprite
Coo B Y Kirby surrounds himself in spines, this time directed downward. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile under Kirby and .5 tiles to the left and right; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines converge to form one long spike, and the spike diverges back into spines when the move ends; Coo cannot move when this move is active, instead slowly falling if in the air. The spike reaches .5 tiles to the left and right and 2 tiles under Kirby; when the spines are out, they reach 1 tile to the left and right. The move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Coo sprite
KDL2 Needle Coo sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Coo sprite
Kine B Y Kine (and Kirby) surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for .75 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held; it behaves identically to Kirby's Needle. KDL2 Needle Kine sprite
KDL2 Needle Kine sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Kine sprite
Nago N/A Y Kirby shoots needle projectiles forward at three different angles for as long as the button is held; the first needle travels forward 5 tiles, the second needle travels forward 5 tiles and upward 1 tile, and the third needle travels forward 5 tiles and down 1 tile. After the third needle is shot, the pattern repeats. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle Nago sprite
ChuChu N/A Y ChuChu crouches down and shoots five needle projectiles simultaneously at different angles; forward, backward, upward, diagonally upward and forward, and diagonally upward and backward. Each needle travels 3 tiles. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle ChuChu sprite
Pitch N/A Y Pitch pecks with his beak at three different angles while propelling Kirby forward for as long as the button is held; the first peck is straight, the second peck is slightly upward, the third peck is straight, and the fourth is slightly downward. After the fourth peck, the pattern repeats. Pitch follows the terrain if on the ground or travels straight if in the air, and there is some momentum when the move ends. Each peck reaches 2 tiles, and Pitch travels forward 3 tiles for every four pecks. KDL3 Needle Pitch sprite

Animal Friend Controls Description Image
None 1 Kirby surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held.
Rick 1 Rick extends spines out of his back. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile backwards; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines reach 1 tile backwards; the move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Rick sprite
KDL2 Needle Rick sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Rick sprite
Coo 1 Kirby surrounds himself in spines, this time directed downward. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile under Kirby and .5 tiles to the left and right; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines converge to form one long spike, and the spike diverges back into spines when the move ends; Coo cannot move when this move is active, instead slowly falling if in the air. The spike reaches .5 tiles to the left and right and 2 tiles under Kirby; when the spines are out, they reach 1 tile to the left and right. The move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Coo sprite
KDL2 Needle Coo sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Coo sprite
Kine 1 Kine (and Kirby) surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for .75 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held; it behaves identically to Kirby's Needle. KDL2 Needle Kine sprite
KDL2 Needle Kine sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Kine sprite
Nago 1 Kirby shoots needle projectiles forward at three different angles for as long as the button is held; the first needle travels forward 5 tiles, the second needle travels forward 5 tiles and upward 1 tile, and the third needle travels forward 5 tiles and down 1 tile. After the third needle is shot, the pattern repeats. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle Nago sprite
ChuChu 1 ChuChu crouches down and shoots five needle projectiles simultaneously at different angles; forward, backward, upward, diagonally upward and forward, and diagonally upward and backward. Each needle travels 3 tiles. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle ChuChu sprite
Pitch 1 Pitch pecks with his beak at three different angles while propelling Kirby forward for as long as the button is held; the first peck is straight, the second peck is slightly upward, the third peck is straight, and the fourth is slightly downward. After the fourth peck, the pattern repeats. Pitch follows the terrain if on the ground or travels straight if in the air, and there is some momentum when the move ends. Each peck reaches 2 tiles, and Pitch travels forward 3 tiles for every four pecks. KDL3 Needle Pitch sprite

Animal Friend Controls Description Image
None Down Button Left Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for 1.5 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held.
Rick Down Button Left Button Rick extends spines out of his back. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile backwards; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines reach 1 tile backwards; the move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Rick sprite
KDL2 Needle Rick sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Rick sprite
Coo Down Button Left Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines, this time directed downward. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the spines reach a little over 1 tile under Kirby and .5 tiles to the left and right; move lasts for 1 second or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the spines converge to form one long spike, and the spike diverges back into spines when the move ends; Coo cannot move when this move is active, instead slowly falling if in the air. The spike reaches .5 tiles to the left and right and 2 tiles under Kirby; when the spines are out, they reach 1 tile to the left and right. The move lasts for as long as the button is held. KDL2 Needle Coo sprite
KDL2 Needle Coo sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Coo sprite
Kine Down Button Left Button Kine (and Kirby) surrounds himself in spines that hit all adjacent tiles. In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the move lasts for .75 seconds or until the player lets go of the button, whichever occurs first. In Kirby's Dream Land 3, the move lasts for as long as the button is held; it behaves identically to Kirby's Needle. KDL2 Needle Kine sprite
KDL2 Needle Kine sprite 2
KDL3 Needle Kine sprite
Nago N/A Left Button Kirby shoots needle projectiles forward at three different angles for as long as the button is held; the first needle travels forward 5 tiles, the second needle travels forward 5 tiles and upward 1 tile, and the third needle travels forward 5 tiles and down 1 tile. After the third needle is shot, the pattern repeats. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle Nago sprite
ChuChu N/A Left Button ChuChu crouches down and shoots five needle projectiles simultaneously at different angles; forward, backward, upward, diagonally upward and forward, and diagonally upward and backward. Each needle travels 3 tiles. The needles penetrate terrain and blocks, but not enemies. KDL3 Needle ChuChu sprite
Pitch N/A Left Button Pitch pecks with his beak at three different angles while propelling Kirby forward for as long as the button is held; the first peck is straight, the second peck is slightly upward, the third peck is straight, and the fourth is slightly downward. After the fourth peck, the pattern repeats. Pitch follows the terrain if on the ground or travels straight if in the air, and there is some momentum when the move ends. Each peck reaches 2 tiles, and Pitch travels forward 3 tiles for every four pecks. KDL3 Needle Pitch sprite


Kirby's Block Ball[]

Needle lets Kirby briefly stop and surround himself in spines. This destroys any white blocks, gray blocks, and Ability Blocks in its way for double points. If used near a paddle, Kirby attaches to it and can be re-launched. Needle can be obtained from Spikey or a Changer.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[]

Needle can be combined with other Copy Abilities to create Power Combos, which can be used to create various spiky options. Needle is capable of destroying orange color-coded blocks. Needle can be obtained from Punc, Tick, Ghost Knight, Kacti, and Miracle Matter's Needle form.

Techniques[]

Power Combo Controls Description
Needle B Kirby surrounds himself in spines for 1 second by pressing B. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.

Power Combo Controls Description
Needle 1 Kirby surrounds himself in spines for 1 second by pressing B. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.

Power Combo Controls Description
Needle Down Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines for 1 second by pressing B. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.

Power Combos[]

Power Combo Description
Burning Needle Kirby transforms into a taut bow with a fire-tipped arrow by pressing B. Holding B causes Kirby to tilt back, increasing the angle and distance of the shot; Kirby can move in this form, but only by jumping by pressing A. Any arrows fired will leave a lingering flame where they land.
Stone Needle Kirby transforms his hand into a drill by pressing B. Holding B causes Kirby to be propelled forward by the drill, while releasing it causes Kirby to fire the drill as a projectile; firing the drill as a projectile stalls Kirby's descent. Kirby can transform his feet into a downward-pointing drill by pressing down and B; releasing B also causes it to release as a projectile, but this does not stall Kirby's fall.
Ice Needle Kirby encases himself in ice that slowly expands into a giant snowflake by holding B. Any enemy that touches Kirby while transformed will turn into a block of ice.
Needle Needle Kirby surrounds himself in pointy objects for 1.25 seconds by pressing B. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.
Needle Bomb Kirby transforms into a form that greatly resembles Gordo by pressing B. Kirby can slowly float around in any direction, but will explode upon contact with an enemy, after a set period of time, or after pressing B while in this form. Upon detonation, Kirby will fire off the spikes in eight directions.
Needle Spark Kirby transforms his hands into a giant spike above him before being struck by lightning by pressing B. Three bolts of lightning strike from above, and the impact causes a small explosion.
Needle Cutter Kirby's hands become giant claws by pressing B. By holding B, Kirby can keep his claws out to his sides. By releasing B, Kirby snaps his claws shut above his head.

Power Combo Description
Burning Needle Kirby transforms into a taut bow with a fire-tipped arrow by pressing 1. Holding 1 causes Kirby to tilt back, increasing the angle and distance of the shot; Kirby can move in this form, but only by jumping by pressing 2. Any arrows fired will leave a lingering flame where they land.
Stone Needle Kirby transforms his hand into a drill by pressing 1. Holding 1 causes Kirby to be propelled forward by the drill, while releasing it causes Kirby to fire the drill as a projectile; firing the drill as a projectile stalls Kirby's descent. Kirby can transform his feet into a downward-pointing drill by pressing down and 1; releasing 1 also causes it to release as a projectile, but this does not stall Kirby's fall.
Ice Needle Kirby encases himself in ice that slowly expands into a giant snowflake by holding 1. Any enemy that touches Kirby while transformed will turn into a block of ice.
Needle Needle Kirby surrounds himself in pointy objects for 1.25 seconds by pressing 1. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.
Needle Bomb Kirby transforms into a form that greatly resembles Gordo by pressing 1. Kirby can slowly float around in any direction, but will explode upon contact with an enemy, after a set period of time, or after pressing 1 while in this form. Upon detonation, Kirby will fire off the spikes in eight directions.
Needle Spark Kirby transforms his hands into a giant spike above him before being struck by lightning by pressing 1. Three bolts of lightning strike from above, and the impact causes a small explosion.
Needle Cutter Kirby's hands become giant claws by pressing 1. By holding 1, Kirby can keep his claws out to his sides. By releasing 1, Kirby snaps his claws shut above his head.

Power Combo Description
Burning Needle Kirby transforms into a taut bow with a fire-tipped arrow by pressing Down Button. Holding Down Button causes Kirby to tilt back, increasing the angle and distance of the shot; Kirby can move in this form, but only by jumping by pressing Right Button. Any arrows fired will leave a lingering flame where they land.
Stone Needle Kirby transforms his hand into a drill by pressing Down Button. Holding Down Button causes Kirby to be propelled forward by the drill, while releasing it causes Kirby to fire the drill as a projectile; firing the drill as a projectile stalls Kirby's descent. Kirby can transform his feet into a downward-pointing drill by pressing down and Down Button; releasing Down Button also causes it to release as a projectile, but this does not stall Kirby's fall.
Ice Needle Kirby encases himself in ice that slowly expands into a giant snowflake by holding Down Button. Any enemy that touches Kirby while transformed will turn into a block of ice.
Needle Needle Kirby surrounds himself in pointy objects for 1.25 seconds by pressing Down Button. Kirby sticks to walls he makes contact with during this move.
Needle Bomb Kirby transforms into a form that greatly resembles Gordo by pressing Down Button. Kirby can slowly float around in any direction, but will explode upon contact with an enemy, after a set period of time, or after pressing Down Button while in this form. Upon detonation, Kirby will fire off the spikes in eight directions.
Needle Spark Kirby transforms his hands into a giant spike above him before being struck by lightning by pressing Down Button. Three bolts of lightning strike from above, and the impact causes a small explosion.
Needle Cutter Kirby's hands become giant claws by pressing Down Button. By holding Down Button, Kirby can keep his claws out to his sides. By releasing Down Button, Kirby snaps his claws shut above his head.

Kirby Air Ride[]

Needle extends its spines out for as long as the button is held; simply ramming into enemies is also enough to do damage. Needle is obtained from Pichicri.

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description
Needle Attack A Kirby surrounds himself in spines for as long as the button is held.

Kirby: Canvas Curse[]

Needle retains its behavior of surrounding itself in spines, although in this game, Kirby is still mobile while performing the move. When attacking, Kirby rolls forward while surrounded with spines, and can stick to any walls and ceilings it makes contact with. Needle can be obtained from Needlous and Tick.

As Kirby: Canvas Curse only allows Copy Abilities to be used within the stages they are found, Needle can only be used in certain locations. Needle can be found in Dreamy Darkness, Frozen Fantasy, and Mad Mechanism.

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description
Needle Attack Tap with the stylus Kirby surrounds himself in spines; Kirby rolls forward while the move is active.
Wall Stick Touch a wall during Needle Attack Kirby sticks to a wall with his spines.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[]

Needle can now fire its spines as projectiles, roll into a ball with spikes out, and create a single large needle up above, similarly to Needle with ChuChu, Wheel, and Needle + Spark respectively. Needle can be obtained from Needlous, Tick, and Totenga.

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description Damage
Needle Attack 1 Kirby surrounds himself in spines for as long as the button is held. Kirby sticks to walls and ceilings he makes contact with during this move. 16
Wall Stick Touch a wall during Needle Attack Kirby sticks to a wall with his spines. N/A
Needle Burst Hold 1 + Shake Wii Remote or hold 1 + Directional Pad All Kirby's spines shrink down before being fired as projectiles. Kirby fires six needle projectiles simultaneously at 36° intervals; if Kirby is not on the ground, he fires ten needle projectiles, with the additional four being fired below Kirby, mirroring the ones fired above him. If Kirby's spines are short enough when performing this move, Kirby will stop sticking to the wall or ceiling he's attached to. 16
Rolling Needle Dash + 1 Kirby hops up .5 tiles and begins spinning, rolling along the ground 9.5 tiles after landing. If Kirby makes contact with a wall during this move, he will rebound off it; Kirby will not rebound off a wall during the ending portion of the move when Kirby is reverting to normal. Kirby's forward movement stops if this move goes into the air, although it does slow Kirby's descent while active. Kirby can turn around at any time during the move; this move can also be canceled into Needle Attack. Kirby is invincible during this move. 28
Mega Needle Directional Pad Up + 1 Kirby's needles converge into one large, screw-like spike above Kirby that reaches 4 tiles upward. 16

Move Controls Description Damage
Pro Controller Joy-Con
Needle Attack B Down Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines for as long as the button is held. Kirby sticks to walls and ceilings he makes contact with during this move. 16
Wall Stick Touch a wall during Needle Attack Kirby sticks to a wall with his spines. N/A
Needle Burst B + Left Stick All Down Button + Left Stick All Kirby's spines shrink down before being fired as projectiles. Kirby fires six needle projectiles simultaneously at 36° intervals; if Kirby is not on the ground, he fires ten needle projectiles, with the additional four being fired below Kirby, mirroring the ones fired above him. If Kirby's spines are short enough when performing this move, Kirby will stop sticking to the wall or ceiling he's attached to. 16
Rolling Needle Dash + B Dash + Down Button Kirby hops up .5 tiles and begins spinning, rolling along the ground 9.5 tiles after landing. If Kirby makes contact with a wall during this move, he will rebound off it; Kirby will not rebound off a wall during the ending portion of the move when Kirby is reverting to normal. Kirby's forward movement stops if this move goes into the air, although it does slow Kirby's descent while active. Kirby can turn around at any time during the move; this move can also be canceled into Needle Attack. Kirby is invincible during this move. 28
Mega Needle Left Stick Up + B Left Stick Up + Down Button Kirby's needles converge into one large, screw-like spike above Kirby that reaches 4 tiles upward. 16

Move Controls Description Damage
Pro Controller Joy-Con
Needle Attack Y Left Button Kirby surrounds himself in spines for as long as the button is held. Kirby sticks to walls and ceilings he makes contact with during this move. 16
Wall Stick Touch a wall during Needle Attack Kirby sticks to a wall with his spines. N/A
Needle Burst Y + Left Stick All Left Button + Left Stick All Kirby's spines shrink down before being fired as projectiles. Kirby fires six needle projectiles simultaneously at 36° intervals; if Kirby is not on the ground, he fires ten needle projectiles, with the additional four being fired below Kirby, mirroring the ones fired above him. If Kirby's spines are short enough when performing this move, Kirby will stop sticking to the wall or ceiling he's attached to. 16
Rolling Needle Dash + Y Dash + Left Button Kirby hops up .5 tiles and begins spinning, rolling along the ground 9.5 tiles after landing. If Kirby makes contact with a wall during this move, he will rebound off it; Kirby will not rebound off a wall during the ending portion of the move when Kirby is reverting to normal. Kirby's forward movement stops if this move goes into the air, although it does slow Kirby's descent while active. Kirby can turn around at any time during the move; this move can also be canceled into Needle Attack. Kirby is invincible during this move. 28
Mega Needle Left Stick Up + Y Left Stick Up + Left Button Kirby's needles converge into one large, screw-like spike above Kirby that reaches 4 tiles upward. 16

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[]

Needle is mostly unchanged from its appearance in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. However, it lacks Rolling Needle. Instead, Needle received Falling Spine, which resembles an inverted version of Mega Needle, although acts more similar to Needle with Coo; Needle Burst also only shoots five needles instead of six, regardless of being on the ground or in the air, making it more similar to Needle with ChuChu. Needle is obtained from Tick.

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description Damage
Needle Attack B Kirby surrounds himself in spines for as long as the button is held. 16
Wall Stick Touch a wall during Needle Attack Kirby sticks to a wall with his spines. N/A
Needle Burst Hold B + Directional Pad All Kirby's spines shrink down before being fired as projectiles. Kirby fires five needle projectiles simultaneously at 45° intervals. If Kirby's spines are short enough when performing this move, Kirby will stop sticking to the wall or ceiling he's attached to. 16
Mega Needle Directional Pad Up + B Kirby's needles converge into one large, screw-like spike above Kirby that reaches 4 tiles upward. 16
Falling Spine Directional Pad Down + B Kirby jumps and flips upside-down and creates a screw-like spike on top of his head in addition to other spines. Kirby jumps upward 2.5 tiles if on the ground or accelerating upward, it stalls his descent when falling, and the screw-like spike reaches 2.5 tiles downward, although it sticks 1 tile deep into the ground upon landing. 16

Kirby and the Forgotten Land[]

Techniques[]

Move Controls Description Damage
Pro Controller Joy-Con Normal Attack Boost
Needle
Needle Ball Hold B + Move Hold Down Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of needles, and if the button is held he can roll around and jump. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball visibly shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the needles. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 16 per hit 24 per hit
Spin Needle Hold B in midair Hold Down Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Needle Ball.
Roll Up and Throw Hold B - Release Hold Down Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. 50 (thrown enemies/objects) 75 (thrown enemies/objects)
Clutter Needle
Clutter Needle Ball Hold B + Move Hold Down Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of spiky objects, and if the button is held he can roll around and jump. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the spiky objects. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Additionally, junk will be scattered in random directions around Kirby at the move's beginning and end, damaging anything the junk hits. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 22 per hit, 1 (dropped clutter) 33 per hit, 2 (dropped clutter)
Spin Clutter Needle Hold B in midair Hold Down Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Clutter Needle Ball. This will drop 1-2 objects.
Roll Up and Throw Hold B - Release Hold Down Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. 69 (thrown enemies/objects) 104 (thrown enemies/objects)
Crystal Needle
Crystal Needle Ball Hold B + Move Hold Down Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of sharp crystals, and if the button is held he can roll around at high speed and jump. While rolling, he also leaves a trail of crystals that damage enemies on contact. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the crystals. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Additionally, crystals will be scattered in front of Kirby at the move's end, damaging anything the crystals hit. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 24 per hit, 9 (ground crystal), 12 (dropped crystal) 36 per hit, 14 (ground crystal), 18 (dropped crystal)
Spin Crystal Needle Hold B in midair Hold Down Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Crystal Needle Ball. Releasing this move will shoot 1-3 crystal projectiles.
Roll Up and Throw Hold B - Release Hold Down Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. This move will also shoot 1-3 crystal projectiles. 75 (thrown enemies/objects), 12 (dropped crystal) 113 (thrown enemies/objects), 18 (dropped crystal)

Move Controls Description Damage
Pro Controller Joy-Con Normal Attack Boost
Needle
Needle Ball Hold Y + Move Hold Left Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of needles, and if the button is held he can roll around and jump. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball visibly shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the needles. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 16 per hit 24 per hit
Spin Needle Hold Y in midair Hold Left Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Needle Ball.
Roll Up and Throw Hold Y - Release Hold Left Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. 50 (thrown enemies/objects) 75 (thrown enemies/objects)
Clutter Needle
Clutter Needle Ball Hold Y + Move Hold Left Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of spiky objects, and if the button is held he can roll around and jump. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the spiky objects. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Additionally, junk will be scattered in random directions around Kirby at the move's beginning and end, damaging anything the junk hits. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 22 per hit, 1 (dropped clutter) 33 per hit, 2 (dropped clutter)
Spin Clutter Needle Hold Y in midair Hold Left Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Clutter Needle Ball. This will drop 1-2 objects.
Roll Up and Throw Hold Y - Release Hold Left Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. 69 (thrown enemies/objects) 104 (thrown enemies/objects)
Crystal Needle
Crystal Needle Ball Hold Y + Move Hold Left Button + Move Kirby turns into a ball of sharp crystals, and if the button is held he can roll around at high speed and jump. While rolling, he also leaves a trail of crystals that damage enemies on contact. Kirby can only remain in this state for a limited time (recognizable by the ball shrinking), but the time it remains active can be extended by defeating enemies and breaking blocks to get them stuck on the crystals. When the move's duration expires, any enemies and blocks picked up by the move will be thrown forwards and damage anything they hit. Additionally, crystals will be scattered in front of Kirby at the move's end, damaging anything the crystals hit. Kirby is unaffected by strong wind while rolling. 24 per hit, 9 (ground crystal), 12 (dropped crystal) 36 per hit, 14 (ground crystal), 18 (dropped crystal)
Spin Crystal Needle Hold Y in midair Hold Left Button in midair Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Crystal Needle Ball. Releasing this move will shoot 1-3 crystal projectiles.
Roll Up and Throw Hold Y - Release Hold Left Button - Release Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him. This move will also shoot 1-3 crystal projectiles. 75 (thrown enemies/objects), 12 (dropped crystal) 113 (thrown enemies/objects), 18 (dropped crystal)

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![]

HnK Needle

Needle Kirby in the anime

Needle undergoes the greatest visual change in the anime. It gains an ability cap for the first time in the franchise, gaining a pink helmet with a red visor, a white chin-strap, yellow skin and orange feet, but Kirby no longer turns into one giant spike ball (spinning like one giant spike ball in the episode Flower Power). Instead, Needle is changed into a long-distance ability. A similar cap would later be used in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, and would make further appearances.

Kirby can launch the needles off the top of the helmet like tiny missiles, which he can then control. The needles 'grow back', but not always, leaving him defenseless at times. In the transformation sequence, a flash of red lightning forms his helmet and changes his skin color. Needles appear from the helmet, which shrink to their usual size seen in the games.

Transformation Sequence[]

Kirby spins around and his head turns into a helmet, closing his eyes off-screen. His skin changes to yellow and his helmet gains spikes on his helmet, as he opens his eyes after the complete transformation, he’s now a strong needle little guy.

In the Super Smash Bros. series[]

Needle Kirby appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. In the former, its appearance is very similar to the artwork from Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.

Needle Kirby also appears as a sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The sticker uses his design from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and increases any fighters' Head Attack by 29 when applied.

Flavor texts[]

GameFlavor text
Kirby's Adventure
Lots of needles, just like a porcupine's, come out of Kirby! It's a great defense!
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Hands off! Here: pointy spikes! There: pokey spikes!
Kirby: Canvas Curse
Spike anything! Ride rainbows!
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from a dash to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Cover yourself in pointy needles to poke your enemies and attach to walls! You can also poke needles into the ceiling and floor!
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from dashing to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!

Related Quotes[]

A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.
— Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability!
— Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

In Other Languages[]

Names, etymology and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology and notes
Japanese ニードル Officially romanized as Needle.
American English Needle
Traditional Chinese Translates to Needle.
Simplified Chinese Translates to Needle.
Korean 니들 Translates to Needle.
German Igel Translates to Hedgehog.
Dutch Prikker Translates to Poking.
French Épine

Aiguille
Translates to Spine.

Translates to Needle.
Italian Spino Translates to Spine.
Spanish Erizo Translates to Hedgehog.
Brazilian Portugese Ouriço Translates to Hedgehog.

Trivia[]

  • In Kirby: Return to Dream Land, the Rolling Needle attack resembles the signature move of Togezo, which was the first enemy to offer the ability.
  • Pre-release screenshots of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards reveal that the colors of Needle and Cutter's ability icons were swapped; Needle was originally green and Cutter was originally orange.[1]
  • Though the ability icons in Kirby: Triple Deluxe are mostly circular versions of the icons in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Needle's icon in the former game was changed from orange to yellow.

Videos[]

Artwork[]

Concept Artwork[]

Gallery[]

Sprites and Models[]

Other Ability Icons[]

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