Published on: April 03, 2023
Nintendo Officially Concludes Kirby 30th Anniversary Celebrations: A Look Back at a Pivotal Year for the Pink Puffball
Nintendo has officially brought its year-long Kirby 30th Anniversary festivities to a close, confirming the end of celebrations with a public statement that thanks fans for their ongoing support of one of gaming’s most enduring mascots.
The news, announced across Nintendo’s social media platforms, signals a transition for the company as it turns its focus to other major titles and initiatives for the Nintendo Switch platform.
In a message to the community, Nintendo expressed, “Thank you for celebrating Kirby’s 30th Anniversary with us.
Please continue enjoying his adventures for years to come!” This declaration marks the formal end of a celebration period that has seen a resurgence of Kirby across multiple Nintendo Switch releases and online services.
Over the past twelve months, Nintendo has revived and expanded the Kirby franchise with a series of new and classic releases.
Among the highlights was the critically acclaimed "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" for Nintendo Switch, which offered fans a new 3D adventure and quickly secured impressive sales milestones following its eShop launch.
In addition, the company introduced "Kirby's Dream Buffet," a competitive multiplayer experience exclusive to the Switch platform, broadening Kirby’s appeal to both nostalgic and new players.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers also benefited, as several retro Kirby titles were added to the service, allowing fans to revisit classic entries from the franchise’s storied history.
One of the most significant moments arrived with the remastered launch of "Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe," a modern take on the beloved Wii title, bringing new features and updated visuals to a worldwide audience in early 2023.
Kirby’s impact extended beyond game releases.
At the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards, "Kirby and the Forgotten Land" was honored with the 'Best Family Game' award, further cementing the franchise’s reputation for delivering engaging and accessible content for all ages.
As the curtain falls on Kirby’s 30th anniversary, Nintendo is preparing for a busy season that includes the launch of "Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp" later this month, and the highly anticipated release of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" in May.
According to industry analysts, Nintendo’s approach of celebrating its most iconic characters — while consistently delivering premium content on the Nintendo Switch and through services like the eShop and Switch Online — has contributed to the platform's continued success and strong engagement with global audiences.
While official festivities may have concluded, the legacy of Kirby continues to thrive on Nintendo Switch.
Fans can look forward to replaying recent releases or exploring the franchise’s extensive back catalog, ensuring that the pink hero’s adventures remain a staple of Nintendo fandom.