Kirby Air Riders: Latest Update from Masahiro Sakurai and Sora Ltd’s 20th Anniversary

Kirby Air Riders: Latest Update from Masahiro Sakurai and Sora Ltd’s 20th Anniversary Earlier this year, Nintendo reignited excitement among fans of the Kirby franchise with the announcement of Kirby Air Riders, a fresh installment in the long-shelved Kirby racing game spinoff series.

Developed for the Nintendo Switch, this anticipated entry marks the series’ return after nearly two decades of dormancy, following the cult classic Kirby Air Ride that originally launched for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003.

The announcement came as part of a broader strategy by Nintendo to revitalize beloved franchises on their flagship hybrid console and through digital platforms like the Nintendo eShop. Since its reveal, Nintendo has largely remained tight-lipped about new developments on Kirby Air Riders, with no gameplay footage or detailed features released to date.

However, a promising update has surfaced through Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary game designer and director best known for his pivotal role in both the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.

series.

Sakurai is also the founder and director of the development studio Sora Ltd, which recently celebrated an important milestone. In a commemorative post on social media marking the 20th anniversary of Sora Ltd, Sakurai expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from fans and addressed anticipation for the new title.

"Although most people may not be directly connected to this, today marks the 20th anniversary of Sora Ltd.," he shared.

"Thank you for your continued support throughout these years.

As for the upcoming title, Kirby Air Riders, there’s been no gameplay footage released yet, but information should be shared soon.

We appreciate your patience." Kirby Air Riders is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch, with its initial 2025 release window signaling that the game could arrive as early as Q4, given the rapidly approaching end of the year.

The project continues the legacy of innovative gameplay and creative world design that both Nintendo and Sakurai have built over their decades in the industry.

Sora Ltd, founded in 2005, has grown synonymous with some of Nintendo's highest-quality experiences, most notably for its crucial development work on Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, which recently surpassed 30 million units sold globally, making it one of the best-selling fighting games of all time. While direct footage and further details concerning gameplay mechanics or new features for Kirby Air Riders are still under wraps, the acknowledgment from Sakurai points to imminent revelations.

As the Nintendo community gears up for major announcements, including potential spots in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, anticipation is high for how Air Riders will innovate within the racing genre and bring Kirby's unique charm to a new generation of players. Stay tuned for more verified developments on Kirby Air Riders, including official release dates and feature announcements, as they become available through Nintendo’s official channels and future Nintendo Directs.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Masahiro Sakurai Switch Ltd. Ltd Sora Sakurai Sora Ltd. developer