The latest Nintendo Direct finally gave fans a deeper look at the Nintendo Switch 2, and it confirmed that Nintendo is looking to continue the massive success of the original Switch. Despite some controversy surrounding the price of the Nintendo Switch 2, its accessories, and even some of its upcoming games, the myriad of exciting, and surprising, first- and third-party titles that were revealed during the Direct succeeded in getting many eyes on Nintendo’s new system.
One major surprise revealed near the end of the show was Kirby Air Riders. A sequel to 2003’s Kirby Air Ride, this new racing game serves as a surprising follow-up to one of the Nintendo GameCube’s more underrated titles. As exciting as it is to see the game finally receive a proper sequel, the development of Kirby Air Riders does seem to spell some bad news for one of Nintendo’s hallmark franchises: Super Smash Bros.
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Kirby Air Riders Brings Back A Familiar Face
Masahiro Sakurai Returns To Kirby For The First Time Since 2003
The reveal trailer for Kirby Air Riders ended with confirmation that this new game is being directed by none other than Masahiro Sakurai. While Sakurai is known around the gaming world specifically as the creator of Super Smash Bros., he initially broke through as the creator of the Kirby series. He worked with Nintendo on that series before leaving in 2003, at which point he formed his own freelance company, Sora Ltd., with his wife, Michiko.
Interestingly, though, Sakurai is now back to working on the Kirby series with Kirby Air Riders. This title appears to be a collaboration between Sora and HAL Laboratory, and it is Sakurai’s first time directing a Kirby game since he did so for Kirby Air Riders‘ predecessor, Kirby Air Ride. It seems HAL wanted Sakurai back at the helm and trusted his vision to help craft a follow-up to the cult classic GameCube entry.
Sakurai’s Work On Kirby Air Riders May Hold Back Smash Bros.
The news of Sakurai’s involvement in Kirby Air Riders may feel like a bit of a blow to fans of the Super Smash Bros. series. Being that Smash Bros. is one of the most popular series in Nintendo’s catalog, there’s always an expectation that a new entry will be released when there is a new Nintendo platform. Considering the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which became the highest-selling fighting game of all time, it’s reasonable to expect a new Smash Bros. game to arrive at some point in the Switch 2’s life.
That said, Nintendo may not want to make a new Smash Bros. game without Sakurai’s direction, and it may be difficult for him to balance work on both a new entry and Kirby Air Riders. This is especially true given the high expectations Super Smash Bros. Ultimate‘s massive scope has set for the franchise moving forward.
Super Smash Bros. Should Still Arrive On Switch 2 At Some Point
While Smash Bros. fans may still have to wait a bit for news about an upcoming entry, the franchise will almost certainly continue on the Switch 2 at some point. Considering the incomparable popularity and status of Super Smash Bros., Nintendo seems unlikely to let the series go away on its new system. If nothing else, the recent reveal of Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of previously released games means that Ultimate could very well receive a Switch 2 re-release, and perhaps it will even have some new characters.
It may take a moment for Smash Bros. to truly make its first appearance on the Nintendo Switch 2, as Masahiro Sakurai will be busy with Kirby Air Riders. Even so, the franchise shouldn’t be away for too long, and Nintendo will surely bring the hype when Super Smash Bros. is ready to go on the Switch 2. In the meantime, here’s hoping Sakurai’s work on Kirby Air Riders brings back the cult-classic racer with a bang.
- Released
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2025
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo