Nintendo Acts Quickly to Remove Chef Kawasaki Micro Bikini Designs from Kirby Air Riders
Kirby Air Riders for Nintendo Switch is experiencing a wave of creativity—and controversy—as user-generated vehicle designs flood its popular Machine Marketplace.
The latest trend sees players crafting machines inspired by the beloved Kirby character Chef Kawasaki, notably featuring the character wearing a micro bikini, a meme originating from 2020.
While the game's engaging custom machine creation tools have fostered a passionate community, recent events have spotlighted Nintendo's active moderation policies when it comes to content shared within its online platforms, including the eShop and Machine Marketplace. The Machine Marketplace in Kirby Air Riders allows players to design, upload, and purchase custom vehicles using coins earned through in-game races.
Creativity thrives here, but popularity directly influences the virtual price and visibility of a machine—the more sought after a design becomes, the higher its in-game cost.
According to Automaton and further confirmed by VGC, the first Chef Kawasaki micro bikini machine appeared soon after Kirby Air Riders launched and quickly shot to the top ranks of the Marketplace.
In a statement to industry press, Nintendo acknowledged the removal of the controversial micro bikini Kawasaki design, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring an enjoyable and appropriate environment for all players.
"Nintendo continually reviews user submissions to maintain content standards across all Nintendo Switch titles," a company representative summarized. Following Nintendo's actions, creative players continued to submit new variations on the Chef Kawasaki theme, each iteration integrating additional elements such as matching wings, tails, and shoes.
These user-generated assets rapidly gained in value within the Marketplace, likely spurred by heightened demand amidst rumors of impending takedowns.
VGC later reported that a second major design following the same theme became one of the most expensive machines before also being removed by Nintendo.
Not long after, a third design, this time featuring Chef Kawasaki in a bikini wielding two pans, began gaining traction among the game's community. Kirby Air Riders launched on Nintendo Switch to strong fanfare and has benefited from regular updates and a thriving player base.
The cycle of user content creation and moderation underscores both the enduring appeal of Nintendo franchises like Kirby and the challenges posed by user-generated content on interactive gaming platforms.
While Nintendo has not elaborated on future policy changes, its recent actions signal an ongoing commitment to managing shared spaces on the eShop and within in-game marketplaces. As the Kirby Air Riders community continues to evolve, the balance between creativity and content guidelines will remain central to the experience, ensuring the franchise remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
The latest trend sees players crafting machines inspired by the beloved Kirby character Chef Kawasaki, notably featuring the character wearing a micro bikini, a meme originating from 2020.
While the game's engaging custom machine creation tools have fostered a passionate community, recent events have spotlighted Nintendo's active moderation policies when it comes to content shared within its online platforms, including the eShop and Machine Marketplace. The Machine Marketplace in Kirby Air Riders allows players to design, upload, and purchase custom vehicles using coins earned through in-game races.
Creativity thrives here, but popularity directly influences the virtual price and visibility of a machine—the more sought after a design becomes, the higher its in-game cost.
According to Automaton and further confirmed by VGC, the first Chef Kawasaki micro bikini machine appeared soon after Kirby Air Riders launched and quickly shot to the top ranks of the Marketplace.
In a statement to industry press, Nintendo acknowledged the removal of the controversial micro bikini Kawasaki design, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring an enjoyable and appropriate environment for all players.
"Nintendo continually reviews user submissions to maintain content standards across all Nintendo Switch titles," a company representative summarized. Following Nintendo's actions, creative players continued to submit new variations on the Chef Kawasaki theme, each iteration integrating additional elements such as matching wings, tails, and shoes.
These user-generated assets rapidly gained in value within the Marketplace, likely spurred by heightened demand amidst rumors of impending takedowns.
VGC later reported that a second major design following the same theme became one of the most expensive machines before also being removed by Nintendo.
Not long after, a third design, this time featuring Chef Kawasaki in a bikini wielding two pans, began gaining traction among the game's community. Kirby Air Riders launched on Nintendo Switch to strong fanfare and has benefited from regular updates and a thriving player base.
The cycle of user content creation and moderation underscores both the enduring appeal of Nintendo franchises like Kirby and the challenges posed by user-generated content on interactive gaming platforms.
While Nintendo has not elaborated on future policy changes, its recent actions signal an ongoing commitment to managing shared spaces on the eShop and within in-game marketplaces. As the Kirby Air Riders community continues to evolve, the balance between creativity and content guidelines will remain central to the experience, ensuring the franchise remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
