Sora Co. Ltd Celebrates 20th Anniversary: Masahiro Sakurai Reflects on Two Decades of Innovation with Nintendo

Sora Co.

Ltd, the independent game development studio helmed by renowned designer Masahiro Sakurai, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025—a significant milestone for a company that has played an instrumental role in Nintendo’s modern era.

Best known for its work on the globally acclaimed Super Smash Bros.

series, Sora Co.

Ltd was officially established by Sakurai in 2005 as a means to create games outside the limitations of large publishers, following his departure from HAL Laboratory, where he originally created Kirby. Though many sources list September 30, 2005, as Sora Co.

Ltd’s founding date, Sakurai himself recently clarified via Twitter that the anniversary falls this year, marking two decades since the studio’s formation.

In his post, Sakurai expressed heartfelt thanks to fans, emphasizing the ongoing support that has enabled Sora to maintain its reputation for quality and innovation within the gaming industry. "I am deeply grateful to everyone who’s supported Sora Co.

Ltd throughout the years," Sakurai tweeted, underscoring the passion and commitment that have defined the studio’s projects.

Despite its relatively small portfolio, Sora Co.

Ltd’s impact has been immense—its only official projects have centered on entries in the Super Smash Bros.

franchise, universally praised for their polish and depth. In 2009, Sora established Project Sora as an official Nintendo subsidiary to develop Kid Icarus: Uprising for the Nintendo 3DS.

After the successful launch of Kid Icarus: Uprising in 2012, Project Sora was disbanded, and Sora Co.

Ltd returned to a more flexible, independent model—still frequently collaborating with Nintendo on high-profile projects. Fans eager for news about the future of Sora Co.

Ltd were keenly watching Sakurai’s statements.

While the developer touched upon the highly anticipated Kirby Air Riders—a new racing title set for Nintendo’s next-generation Switch 2 hardware—he offered only a brief update: "We expect to be able to release more information on it soon," he relayed.

No release date or specific details were shared, reflecting the meticulous standards for which Sakurai is well-known. With successes such as Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate (2018)—a title that achieved over 31 million units sold on the Nintendo Switch eShop—and a legacy that encompasses both classic and contemporary Nintendo franchises, Sora Co.

Ltd stands as a testament to Sakurai’s influence and artistry in game development.

As the company marks 20 years of operation, the gaming world awaits further announcements, while recognizing the relentless dedication that has defined Sakurai’s career. Looking ahead, fans and industry peers alike hope that Sakurai, now an enduring figurehead in Nintendo’s history, continues to deliver groundbreaking experiences—while also taking the well-deserved opportunity for rest and creative recharge.

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