What Happens When Kirby Eats Kirby? A Deep Dive into the Pink Puffball Paradox

The question of what happens when Kirby eats another Kirby is a surprisingly complex one, steeped in both in-game mechanics and the charmingly bizarre logic of the Kirby franchise. The short answer is: it depends on whether the swallowed Kirby has a Copy Ability. Let’s break it down.

If a Kirby swallows another Kirby without a Copy Ability, the swallowed Kirby will simply pop out, accompanied by the sound effect that plays when Kirby inhales an enemy with no ability. Essentially, nothing of substance happens. Kirby doesn’t gain any new powers or abilities from consuming a plain Kirby.

However, if a Kirby swallows a Kirby that does possess a Copy Ability, the inhaler Kirby will steal that ability. This is the most common outcome you’d see in games like Kirby Star Allies or Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, where multiple Kirbys with different abilities can exist simultaneously. Essentially, it’s a classic case of ability absorption, a core mechanic of the series.

In essence, consuming a fellow Kirby is less about a unique, transformative experience and more about an efficient way of transferring abilities within the pink puffball ecosystem. It doesn’t fundamentally alter Kirby, but it certainly has practical in-game implications. This highlights a key point: that the Copy Ability mechanic is not just about the enemies that Kirby eats, but also, uniquely, about other Kirbys too. The game mechanics are very consistent: Kirby’s ability to copy is about abilities he does not have and those he can take from others, including other Kirbys.

Kirby and Self-Consumption: A Conceptual Oddity

Interestingly, while we can readily examine the results of Kirby consuming another Kirby, the prospect of Kirby consuming himself presents a different challenge. While this isn’t a mechanic in any Kirby game, it begs the question if Kirby could absorb his own ability. Since Kirby’s ability is to copy and absorb, it’s likely that if he swallowed his own self he would just absorb nothing, because he already has the copy ability.

This isn’t something that the games address directly, but it’s a fascinating thought experiment within the logic of the game world. If Kirby swallowed himself, the likely result would be the same as swallowing a powerless enemy – nothing. There is no in-game mechanism for self-consumption having a different result. The focus is always on absorbing other beings and their powers.

Implications for Game Design

The decision to have Kirby consume other Kirbys for ability transfer is a brilliant one in terms of game design. It facilitates cooperative gameplay, allowing multiple players to easily swap abilities. It also makes the “Kirby eating Kirby” mechanic a practical choice with no consequences, preventing an endless loop. This design decision demonstrates that Kirby’s ability is centered on external absorption and not the exploration of some inner self.

This also avoids the need to create a unique visual, auditory, or gameplay effect for an unusual in-game scenario. It maintains the focus on the game mechanics of sharing abilities rather than creating a narrative-breaking or visually disturbing outcome, and this maintains a light-hearted, fun feel to the Kirby games.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirby’s Ingestion Habits

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore Kirby’s unique ability to absorb and the oddities it presents:

What happens if Kirby swallows a boss?

Bosses are usually immune to Kirby’s inhalation. They are designed to be battled, not consumed. However, if a boss is defeated using an item or other mechanism they will vanish rather than be absorbed.

Why can’t Kirby inhale certain enemies?

Enemies like Gordos, Shotzos, and Scarfies are specifically designed as obstacles that can’t be inhaled, usually because they are too dangerous or are intended to force the player to use other strategies. Mumbies are immune for gameplay reasons and consistency in level design.

What happens when Kirby inhales a poisonous object?

Inhaling certain poisonous objects, like Mariels, Capillers, or poisonous fruits, will cause Kirby to take damage. It is the only time his absorption method causes harm.

Can Kirby eat anything his size or larger?

In general, yes, Kirby can eat anything his size or larger, and is capable of absorbing and consuming them. The only limitation is whether the subject is designed as an obstacle or is immune to his absorption. There are no stated limits to his appetite.

What happens if Kirby swallows a non-living object?

When Kirby swallows a non-living object, like a rock or block, they simply disappear without providing an ability. These objects usually have no impact on gameplay once absorbed. It is a non-ability swallowing, similar to the situation when he absorbs a powerless Kirby.

What happens if Kirby swallows a human?

There is no specific interaction programmed in the games for this. However, if we draw a parallel with the Mario example (see below), then swallowing a human might give Kirby a hat, or other unique visual accessory depending on the “ability” it could provide.

What happens if Kirby swallows Mario?

Swallowing Mario gives Kirby a Mario hat and the ability to utilize basic attacks associated with the character. Like all abilities, it is lost if Kirby takes damage or is KO’d.

Is there a cutest Kirby enemy?

Many players consider Waddle Dees to be the cutest enemies in the Kirby franchise, followed by other characters like Susie, Gim, and Chilly.

Could Kirby inhale Goku?

Kirby could theoretically inhale Goku, and could even use his Ice form to slow him down or freeze him. Goku cannot breathe in space, which is another advantage that Kirby has in the matchup.

Does Kirby get full?

Kirby’s official characterization includes an insatiable appetite. When he swallows enemies, they disappear and reappear somewhere else, suggesting he does not digest them in a traditional sense, and does not get full.

Can Kirby eat Thanos?

Kirby could, in theory, swallow Thanos, as Kirby’s inhalation ability doesn’t discriminate between beings. There is nothing in his nature that would prevent him from swallowing this powerful being.

Why does Kirby sometimes turn evil?

On occasions, Kirby has turned evil for unknown reasons, perhaps due to his extreme power. He has caused destruction in Dreamland when consumed by this evil.

What is Kirby afraid of?

Kirby’s known fear is caterpillars. He takes damage when consuming them which suggests it is a dislike based in his mechanics.

Can Kirby eat King Dedede?

Yes, Kirby can eat King Dedede, just like he can eat other Kirbys. In games like Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, the devoured character’s abilities are transferred to Kirby.

How tall is Kirby?

Kirby is officially 20 cm tall, or approximately 8 inches. This adds to his cute, yet deceptively powerful nature.

Conclusion

The question of “What if Kirby eats Kirby?” opens up a fascinating discussion about the game’s mechanics and the logic of the Kirby universe. While not groundbreaking in terms of gameplay or narrative, the interaction between two Kirbys perfectly demonstrates the Copy Ability mechanic. This also highlights the fun and slightly bizarre logic that makes the Kirby franchise so unique and beloved by fans.