Cube Otamatone Series Otamatone Kirby Version
✅ PROS
- Kirby's face is the actual sound-producing membrane — squeeze the cheeks to bend pitch, just like the original Otamatone
- Built-in speaker is surprisingly decent for the size; also has a headphone jack for silent practice
- Runs on 3 AAA batteries (included) and weighs barely 8 ounces — genuinely portable
❌ CONS
- No volume control — it's either full blast or silent, which gets annoying fast
- The touch strip is narrow; adult fingers will accidentally hit adjacent notes during fast passages
- Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory licensing means you pay a premium over the standard Otamatone for the Kirby skin
The Verdict
Is this a real instrument or just a novelty? Both — and that’s exactly why it works.
The Otamatone has been the internet’s favorite weird instrument for over a decade. The Kirby Version from Cube takes the same bizarre electronic saxophone concept and wraps it in everyone’s favorite pink puffball. At 4.6 stars across 229 ratings, it’s clearly delighting people. But before you drop your money, here’s what you’re actually getting.
What’s in the box
You get the Kirby-shaped Otamatone, three AAA batteries (thoughtful touch), and a basic instruction sheet. That’s it. No carrying case, no strap — you’ll want to protect that face if you’re tossing it in a backpack. The unit measures about 12 inches long and weighs 8 ounces, so it’s genuinely portable. The Kirby design isn’t just a sticker slapped on — the character’s face is the actual membrane you squeeze to create the wah-wah effect that makes the Otamatone famous.
How it actually plays
Here’s the honest truth about the learning curve: it takes about 10 minutes to make sounds, and weeks to make music. The left hand slides along the stem to change pitch. The right hand squeezes Kirby’s cheeks to bend notes and control volume. Getting both hands coordinated while reading the tiny note markers takes practice.
The built-in speaker sounds better than it has any right to — it’s got that slightly lo-fi, chiptune quality that suits Kirby’s aesthetic perfectly. There’s a headphone jack on the side, which is essential because…
The biggest flaw
There’s no volume control. None. You get one volume level, and it’s loud enough to fill a small room. This is a design choice carried over from the original Otamatone, and it’s baffling in 2026. If you’re buying this for a kid, be prepared to hear it from across the house. Multiple reviewers echo this — one wrote, “My daughter loves it, my ears do not.” Another noted, “I wish there was a volume knob, but honestly I’ve gotten used to just using headphones.”
What buyers consistently praise
The novelty factor is off the charts. One reviewer summed it up: “It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever bought and I don’t regret it for a second.” Parents report kids aged 8-12 picking it up quickly. Adult buyers who already owned a standard Otamatone say the Kirby version feels slightly more responsive, likely due to the smaller membrane that’s easier to squeeze.
The build quality holds up too — the touch strip is responsive, and the plastic feels sturdy enough for the intended audience. Nobody in 229 ratings reported it breaking.
Who should buy this
- Kirby fans — if you love the character, this is a collector’s piece that also functions
- Parents of music-curious kids (8+) — it teaches pitch and rhythm without the commitment of a real instrument
- Novelty gift givers — this is a guaranteed reaction at white elephant exchanges
Skip it if
- You want something actually playable for a beginner musician — get a recorder or keyboard
- You’re noise-sensitive — without volume control, this is not a quiet toy
- You’re on a tight budget — the Kirby license adds about 40% over a standard Otamatone
FAQ
Q: Can you actually play real songs on it? A: Yes, but simple melodies only. The touch strip covers roughly two octaves. “Happy Birthday” and the Kirby theme are realistic goals. Anything with fast runs will frustrate you.
Q: Is it appropriate for a 5-year-old? A: They can make noise with it, but the coordination required is beyond most 5-year-olds. The membrane is easy to squeeze, but hitting specific notes takes fine motor skills that develop around 8+.
Q: Does it come in other colors? A: The Kirby version is pink, period. The standard Otamatone comes in black, white, and several neon colors if you want variety.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a conversation piece that actually makes music, or you’re a Kirby collector who wants something functional. It’s a genuinely fun instrument with a cult following for good reason.
Skip it if you need volume control, want something a child can master quickly, or you’re looking for a serious musical instrument.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The lack of volume control and the licensing markup knock off half a star, but for what it is — a ridiculous, delightful, surprisingly musical novelty — it does exactly what it promises.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.