KINGDOM HEARTS 3D Dream Drop Distance was first announced at the unveiling of the Nintendo 3DS (being introduced at the time as KINGDOM HEARTS 3D Demo). The game was specifically developed to incorporate all of the Nintendo 3DS's new features (the touch screen, Augmented Reality functionality, and of course, the 3D slider).

Continuing the narrative beyond the events of KINGDOM HEARTS II (and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Coded, technically), as well as setting the stage for the events of KINGDOM HEARTS III, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D Dream Drop Distance is often criticized by fans for introducing many new complications to an already overly-complex narrative.

KINGDOM HEARTS 3D Dream Drop Distance was remastered as KINGDOM HEARTS HD Dream Drop Distance and included in the KINGDOM HEARTS HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue collection. The game featured updated graphics, 60 FPS gameplay, and reworked controls and mechanics to adjust for the jump from the Nintendo 3DS to the PlayStation 4.

In addition to the enhanced graphics and gameplay, 3 new Spirits were added to the game. PlayStation Trophy support was also added, as well as small tweaks to the in-game UI to improve the player's experience.

KINGDOM HEARTS HD Dream Drop Distance was also included in the KINGDOM HEARTS ~The Story So Far~ collection for PlayStation 4.

This collection was a 2-disc set that came with KINGDOM HEARTS HD I.5 + II.5 ReMIX as well as KINGDOM HEARTS HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue. There was nothing different about this iteration of KINGDOM HEARTS HD Dream Drop Distance compared to its inclusion in the KINGDOM HEARTS HD II.8 Final Chapter Prologue collection; it was simply a repackaged collection to include every KINGDOM HEARTS remastered title in one bundle.