Nintendo’s Kirby Air Riders has made a significant splash on the Nintendo Switch, not only with its engaging gameplay but also with a standout soundtrack that’s quickly become a hallmark of the racing game’s appeal.
The talent behind the game’s acclaimed music includes three key industry veterans: director Masahiro Sakurai, renowned for his work on the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.
series; Noriyuki Iwadare, known for his compositions in the Grandia and LUNAR series; and Shogo Sakai, the creative force behind beloved titles like MOTHER 3 and previous Kirby entries.
Their collective experience has helped create a soundtrack full of memorable melodies and orchestral vibrancy. Kirby Air Riders, developed by HAL Laboratory and Bandai Namco Studios, launched for Nintendo Switch following its 2025 unveiling during a Nintendo Direct.
A highlight of the game is its diverse in-game music, which enhances the fast-paced racing action.
Masahiro Sakurai, reflecting on the team’s longstanding collaboration, shared that his history with Sakai stretches back to their time at HAL Laboratory, starting with Super Smash Bros.
Melee on the Nintendo GameCube.
This seasoned partnership, alongside Iwadare’s entry to the Super Smash Bros.
Brawl project on the Wii, formed the creative backbone that would distinguish Kirby Air Riders’ soundtrack. Discussing musical direction, Sakurai emphasized to his collaborators that even for a high-energy racing title, he wanted the soundtrack to center on uplifting orchestral compositions.
"The most important concept was to craft melodies that even children could sing along to—catchy, approachable, and memorable," Sakurai explained.
This philosophy is evident in tracks like the main theme "Starlit Journey,” composed by Iwadare, and Sakai’s contributions such as “Floria Fields” and “Galactic Nova." Both composers described a process centered on atmosphere, tempo, and instrumentation, deliberately steering away from direct imitation of sample tracks in order to maintain originality.
Shogo Sakai recounted, “I typically listen to the sample only once, just enough to capture the mood.
Then I focus on making sure the melody stands out.” Iwadare agreed, explaining their habit of referencing the tempo and overarching feel rather than copying actual melodies. Track assignments were decided collaboratively, with Sakai gravitating towards acoustic, nature-inspired courses and Iwadare handling the more electronic and orchestral segments.
This decision led to memorable moments during development—Sakurai recalled how Sakai’s “Waveflow Waters” diverged from the requested style, resulting in lively discussion but ultimately supporting a more organic creative process.
Meanwhile, tracks like "Galactic Nova," an arrangement of themes from Kirby Super Star for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, underwent numerous revisions—eleven in total—to ensure it satisfied both longtime fans and new players alike. The team’s direct communication, established via inclusive email threads, ensured fast, decisive feedback.
Sakai praised Sakurai’s direction, saying, "The conciseness and speed with which he gave feedback helped the music team adjust quickly, leading to a soundtrack that complements the gameplay flawlessly." In an industry where behind-the-scenes stories often remain hidden, Kirby Air Riders stands as a testament to what can be achieved through transparent, creative collaboration.
With the game’s release on Nintendo Switch and its music now available for streaming through the Nintendo Music smartphone app (exclusive for Nintendo Switch Online members), players and fans alike can experience the artistry that defines this latest addition to Nintendo’s celebrated lineup.
The talent behind the game’s acclaimed music includes three key industry veterans: director Masahiro Sakurai, renowned for his work on the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.
series; Noriyuki Iwadare, known for his compositions in the Grandia and LUNAR series; and Shogo Sakai, the creative force behind beloved titles like MOTHER 3 and previous Kirby entries.
Their collective experience has helped create a soundtrack full of memorable melodies and orchestral vibrancy. Kirby Air Riders, developed by HAL Laboratory and Bandai Namco Studios, launched for Nintendo Switch following its 2025 unveiling during a Nintendo Direct.
A highlight of the game is its diverse in-game music, which enhances the fast-paced racing action.
Masahiro Sakurai, reflecting on the team’s longstanding collaboration, shared that his history with Sakai stretches back to their time at HAL Laboratory, starting with Super Smash Bros.
Melee on the Nintendo GameCube.
This seasoned partnership, alongside Iwadare’s entry to the Super Smash Bros.
Brawl project on the Wii, formed the creative backbone that would distinguish Kirby Air Riders’ soundtrack. Discussing musical direction, Sakurai emphasized to his collaborators that even for a high-energy racing title, he wanted the soundtrack to center on uplifting orchestral compositions.
"The most important concept was to craft melodies that even children could sing along to—catchy, approachable, and memorable," Sakurai explained.
This philosophy is evident in tracks like the main theme "Starlit Journey,” composed by Iwadare, and Sakai’s contributions such as “Floria Fields” and “Galactic Nova." Both composers described a process centered on atmosphere, tempo, and instrumentation, deliberately steering away from direct imitation of sample tracks in order to maintain originality.
Shogo Sakai recounted, “I typically listen to the sample only once, just enough to capture the mood.
Then I focus on making sure the melody stands out.” Iwadare agreed, explaining their habit of referencing the tempo and overarching feel rather than copying actual melodies. Track assignments were decided collaboratively, with Sakai gravitating towards acoustic, nature-inspired courses and Iwadare handling the more electronic and orchestral segments.
This decision led to memorable moments during development—Sakurai recalled how Sakai’s “Waveflow Waters” diverged from the requested style, resulting in lively discussion but ultimately supporting a more organic creative process.
Meanwhile, tracks like "Galactic Nova," an arrangement of themes from Kirby Super Star for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, underwent numerous revisions—eleven in total—to ensure it satisfied both longtime fans and new players alike. The team’s direct communication, established via inclusive email threads, ensured fast, decisive feedback.
Sakai praised Sakurai’s direction, saying, "The conciseness and speed with which he gave feedback helped the music team adjust quickly, leading to a soundtrack that complements the gameplay flawlessly." In an industry where behind-the-scenes stories often remain hidden, Kirby Air Riders stands as a testament to what can be achieved through transparent, creative collaboration.
With the game’s release on Nintendo Switch and its music now available for streaming through the Nintendo Music smartphone app (exclusive for Nintendo Switch Online members), players and fans alike can experience the artistry that defines this latest addition to Nintendo’s celebrated lineup.
