HAL Laboratory Celebrates 45th Anniversary: A Legacy of Innovation on Nintendo Platforms

HAL Laboratory, the acclaimed developer behind Nintendo staples like Kirby, Super Smash Bros., and EarthBound, is marking its 45th anniversary—a significant milestone in the world of game development.

Founded on February 21, 1980, by Mitsuhiro Ikeda, HAL Laboratory initially focused on creating games for home computers.

However, the company’s trajectory took a pivotal turn just four years later when Nintendo launched the Famicom (known internationally as the NES), forging a partnership that has lasted for decades and shaped the future of gaming on Nintendo hardware. Among HAL Laboratory’s most influential contributions is the birth of the Kirby franchise.

Legendary programmer Satoru Iwata played a critical role in the early days, assisting Nintendo with NES classics such as Pinball, Golf, and Balloon Fight.

It was soon after that Masahiro Sakurai joined HAL and directed the company’s debut platformer, Kirby’s Dream Land.

This 1992 Game Boy title not only introduced players to the then-white "puffball" Kirby but also set the foundation for what would become one of Nintendo's most beloved mascots. Kirby’s success has been nothing short of extraordinary, with nearly 40 games spanning multiple generations of Nintendo systems, from the Game Boy and SNES to the Nintendo Switch.

The franchise has also inspired a vast array of merchandise, rivaling even some of the most iconic characters in popular culture.

Yet, HAL Laboratory’s creative range extends far beyond Kirby.

Their diverse portfolio includes not only core Nintendo properties such as Super Smash Bros.

and EarthBound but also experimental and fan-favorite titles. In 1999, the studio broadened its horizons with Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Pinball, offering inventive twists on the Pokémon formula.

More recently, the BOXBOY! puzzle platformer series has gained acclaim for its inventive mechanics, and Part Time UFO, available on the Nintendo Switch eShop since 2020, established itself as a go-to source for quick, casual gameplay sessions. Despite being an independent company, HAL Laboratory’s close relationship with Nintendo has made its intellectual properties nearly synonymous with the brand.

Their collaborations have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and game design on Nintendo hardware, setting standards that resonate throughout the industry. To commemorate this significant 45-year milestone, Shinya Kumazaki, director of the Kirby series at HAL, shared his gratitude with fans across social media.

Speaking on behalf of the studio, Kumazaki thanked long-time supporters and highlighted a special commemorative artwork initially created for HAL Laboratory’s 40th anniversary—a testament to the enduring bond between the developer and its global fanbase. While the last major release from HAL Laboratory was Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe on Nintendo Switch in 2023, anticipation remains high for future projects.

As Nintendo’s next generation of hardware looms, fans of HAL’s iconic franchises—Kirby, EarthBound, and beyond—can look forward to more innovative titles on the horizon. For 45 years, HAL Laboratory has delivered unforgettable experiences, shaping the legacy of Nintendo platforms.

As the studio celebrates this venerable anniversary, the gaming community eagerly awaits what the next chapter holds.

Kirby Nintendo Smash Bros Switch EarthBound HAL Laboratory Nintendo Switch