The game is a side-scrolling platformer but players can move Kirby to the background and foreground to dodge enemies and solve puzzles. Kirby can also use a new Hypernova ability which powers up his inhale ability and enables him to suck up everything in his path. The game includes more than 20 different copy abilities including four new ones created for this game. Kirby: Triple Deluxe also includes two new game modes: Kirby Fighters lets up to four players pick one of 10 copy abilities for their Kirby and then fight to see which is the most effective in battle. Dedede's Drum Dash asks players to press buttons in sync with Kirby music while jumping and collecting coins.