Masahiro Sakurai’s Creative Collaboration with Nintendo: Focus Remains on Super Smash Bros. and Kirby Franchise

Masahiro Sakurai, a renowned figure in the gaming industry, has been instrumental in shaping many of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises.

As the creator of both the Super Smash Bros.

series and the Kirby franchise, Sakurai’s influence extends across several decades of Nintendo history, spanning multiple hardware generations and leaving an indelible mark on fans and the industry alike. Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, released for the Nintendo Switch in December 2018, stands as one of Sakurai’s most ambitious projects.

Developed by Bandai Namco Studios in collaboration with Sora Ltd., the game brought together every previously playable fighter in the series’ history and introduced new characters, amassing over 89 fighters by the end of its DLC cycle.

The title rapidly became a best-seller for Nintendo, surpassing 33 million global sales as of 2023, making it the top-selling fighting game of all time. Sakurai’s contributions, however, are not limited to Smash Bros.

He also originated the Kirby series, first debuting with Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992.

Among Kirby’s spin-offs, "Kirby Air Ride" for the Nintendo GameCube remains a notable entry, recognized for its accessible yet deep gameplay and innovative multiplayer modes.

Released in 2003, Kirby Air Ride achieved cult classic status and continues to enjoy a dedicated fan following, prompting ongoing interest in potential sequels or remakes. In past public statements, Sakurai has openly discussed the challenges and creative toll involved in developing major releases like Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate.

He emphasized the exhaustive scope of the project and his commitment to high quality, saying that building something on such a scale required immense dedication and often resulted in significant personal and team stress.

While Nintendo fans have speculated about Sakurai’s future projects, the developer himself remains focused on sharing his game design expertise and consulting within the industry, often featured in Nintendo Directs and on his own YouTube channel. Nintendo’s ongoing collaboration with Masahiro Sakurai underlines the company’s reliance on his creativity and expertise for flagship franchises including Super Smash Bros.

and Kirby.

With Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate setting new sales records on the Nintendo Switch and Kirby titles continuing to captivate audiences via the eShop and retail releases, Sakurai’s legacy at Nintendo is secure.

For accurate updates on Sakurai's next ventures or official announcements regarding new projects like a Kirby Air Ride sequel, fans should rely on trusted sources such as official Nintendo Direct presentations, press releases, or statements from Nintendo and Sakurai himself.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros Nintendo Masahiro Sakurai Smash Bros Kirby Air Ride Switch Sakurai Super Smash Bros. Ultimate