Quick answer
The Otamatone Kirby is a licensed special edition of the classic otamatone made by Cube Works in collaboration with Nintendo Japan. It is all-pink with Kirby's characteristic round eyes and rosy cheeks — the body is shaped like a musical note, just like any otamatone, but the face is unmistakably Kirby. Mechanically it is identical to the standard classic model: same touch-sensitive neck, same singing-mouth speaker, same AAA batteries. The collectible appeal comes entirely from the design.
What is the Otamatone Kirby?
The otamatone is a Japanese electronic toy synthesiser created by the art collective Maywa Denki. It is shaped like a musical note (a quaver), with a touch-sensitive neck that changes pitch as you slide your finger and a face that opens its mouth for vibrato. It went viral worldwide for its funny, nasal, distinctly kawaii voice.
The Kirby edition was produced by Cube Works, the toy company that manufactures and distributes otamatones, under licence from Nintendo. The result: an otamatone where the round note-head becomes Kirby's face — pink body, big blue oval eyes, and pink blush marks on the cheeks. It is one of the most sought-after collector editions, alongside the Hatsune Miku, Ninja, and Kabuki models.
How it sounds
Sound-wise, the Otamatone Kirby is identical to the classic otamatone. It uses the same analogue synthesiser circuit and the same size neck (approximately 27 cm). The "Kirby voice" people hear in viral videos is simply the otamatone's own sound — that nasal, expressive, vaguely cartoony singing tone that happens to fit Kirby perfectly.
You change the note by sliding your finger up (higher pitch) or down (lower pitch) on the neck, and squeeze the head's cheeks to open the mouth for vibrato. Volume is controlled by a switch on the back.
The video above shows the Kirby otamatone playing Kirby game music: this is exactly what makes the Kirby edition so beloved.
Specs at a glance
| Feature | Otamatone Kirby |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cube Works (Nintendo licence) |
| Size | ~27 cm (classic size) |
| Batteries | 3 × AAA |
| Colours | All pink, Kirby face |
| Sound | Analogue synthesiser, touch neck |
| Headphone output | No (classic-size models) |
| Type | Limited / collector edition |
Playing Kirby songs on it
One of the most popular things to do with the Kirby otamatone is play songs from the Kirby video games — Green Greens, Gourmet Race, Meta Knight's Revenge. These melodies work beautifully on the otamatone because the instrument's cheerful, slightly absurd voice matches Kirby's musical aesthetic almost perfectly.
Tips for playing Kirby melodies:
- Start with Green Greens — it has a simple, repetitive structure that is ideal for memorising neck positions.
- Use the mouth (cheeks) for expression — Kirby's music is expressive and bouncy, so the wah-wah vibrato of the otamatone adds life to every phrase.
- Watch your pitch — the classic-size neck is short, so notes are close together. Go slowly at first.
- Reference videos — search YouTube for "otamatone kirby green greens" to see finger position guides.
Kirby edition vs Deluxe: which to choose?
| Model | Neck length | Tuning ease | Kirby design | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otamatone Kirby (classic) | 27 cm | Harder (notes close together) | Yes | Collector, fan display, Kirby fun |
| Otamatone Deluxe | 44 cm | Easier (more space between notes) | No | Actually learning melodies in tune |
The honest answer: if you want to play Kirby music accurately in tune, the Deluxe is easier. If you want to play Kirby music on a Kirby instrument (and you do not mind the extra challenge), the Kirby edition is the obvious choice. Many fans own both.
Where to buy
The Otamatone Kirby is a special edition and availability varies. The most reliable place to find it is Amazon — search for "Cube Otamatone Kirby" and filter for official Cube Works / Maywa Denki products to ensure quality. Prices typically range from $50 to $90 USD depending on stock and market. The product ASIN B07C9R5ST8 is the Japan-import Kirby version sold on Amazon.
FAQ
Is the Otamatone Kirby an official Nintendo product?
Yes. The Kirby edition is an officially licensed product, produced by Cube Works (the otamatone manufacturer) under licence from Nintendo Japan. It is not a counterfeit or fan-made item.
Does the Otamatone Kirby sound different from the regular one?
No. The Kirby edition uses exactly the same internal electronics as the classic otamatone. The sound is unchanged; only the design is different.
Is it hard to play Kirby songs?
The classic-size neck (27 cm) is shorter than the Deluxe, making precise tuning harder. Simple Kirby melodies like Green Greens are learnable with practice. For easily recognisable results, the Deluxe is more forgiving.
What batteries does it use?
3 × AAA batteries, same as all classic-size otamatones.
Is it for children?
Yes, from around 6 years old with adult supervision. There are no small detachable parts. The Kirby design makes it especially appealing to younger players and Nintendo fans of all ages.