Kingdom Hearts IV received an extended new look during D23 2026, with Square Enix and Disney revealing that Pixar’s Coco will officially be one of the Disney worlds featured in Sora’s next adventure.
After years of limited information surrounding the highly anticipated sequel, Kingdom Hearts IV returned to the spotlight at D23 with new footage showcasing the colorful world inspired by Pixar’s 2017 animated film Coco. The reveal offers fans one of their clearest looks yet at how Disney properties will be incorporated into the next major chapter of the long-running action RPG franchise.
Coco Is Officially Coming to Kingdom Hearts 4
The biggest reveal from the new footage is the introduction of a world based on Coco. The Pixar film follows Miguel and his journey into the Land of the Dead, making its colorful supernatural setting a natural fit for the Kingdom Hearts universe.
The D23 footage provides a look at the Coco-inspired environment recreated for Kingdom Hearts IV, marking the first time the Pixar property has appeared as a playable world in a mainline Kingdom Hearts game. The footage also shows Sora exploring and fighting within the new location.
The inclusion of Coco is particularly notable because music, memories, family and the connection between life and death are fundamental elements of the movie. Those themes could potentially fit closely with the direction of Kingdom Hearts IV, although Square Enix has not yet revealed exactly how the story of Coco will connect to Sora’s larger journey.
New Gameplay Gives Fans a Better Look at Kingdom Hearts IV
Beyond the Disney world reveal, the presentation provides another look at Kingdom Hearts IV’s action-focused gameplay. Sora once again uses his Keyblade in fast-paced battles, continuing the series’ combination of real-time combat, movement and Disney-inspired environments.
The new footage also gives players another opportunity to see the visual direction Square Enix is pursuing for the sequel. Kingdom Hearts IV was originally announced in 2022, introducing Quadratum and a noticeably more realistic version of Sora compared with previous mainline games.
The Coco sequences demonstrate that the game can still dramatically alter its visual presentation when Sora enters different Disney worlds, maintaining one of the franchise’s defining characteristics.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Is Targeting 2027
The D23 presentation also provided an important update regarding the game’s release. Kingdom Hearts IV is currently targeting 2027, bringing the long wait for the next mainline installment closer to an end.
Current information surrounding the D23 showcase lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC as platforms for the game. PC availability includes Steam, the Epic Games Store and Xbox on PC.
An exact release date has not been announced.
Kingdom Hearts Returns to the Spotlight at D23
The new trailer arrives during an important moment for the franchise. Disney previously confirmed a special D23 panel celebrating 25 years of Kingdom Hearts, featuring developers and creatives associated with the series.
Disney has also revealed that Kingdom Hearts has grown into a $1 billion gaming franchise, with the series surpassing 38 million copies sold across its history.
With Kingdom Hearts IV returning with new gameplay and Coco now officially joining its collection of Disney worlds, attention will likely turn toward which other Disney and Pixar properties Square Enix has selected for Sora’s next adventure.
For now, Coco represents one of the biggest confirmed additions to Kingdom Hearts IV and gives fans their strongest indication yet of how the traditional Disney-world structure will continue in the next chapter.
Kingdom Hearts 4 FAQ
Is Coco in Kingdom Hearts 4?
Yes. New footage shown during D23 2026 confirms a playable world inspired by Pixar’s Coco.
When will Kingdom Hearts 4 be released?
Kingdom Hearts IV is targeting a 2027 release, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
What platforms will Kingdom Hearts 4 be available on?
The D23 showcase information lists PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
Who is developing Kingdom Hearts 4?
Kingdom Hearts IV is being developed by Square Enix as the next mainline installment in the Kingdom Hearts franchise.
Will Sora be the protagonist of Kingdom Hearts 4?
Yes. Sora remains at the center of Kingdom Hearts IV, with the game’s larger story continuing after the events of Kingdom Hearts III.
What Disney worlds are confirmed for Kingdom Hearts 4?
Coco is now among the Disney/Pixar properties confirmed through the new D23 footage. Square Enix has not yet revealed the complete lineup of worlds.
