Masahiro Sakurai Rumored to Secure Kirby Air Riders Before Crafting the Next Smash Bros.

10 July 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
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Masahiro Sakurai Rumored to Secure Kirby Air Riders Before Crafting the Next Smash Bros.

Summary:

Rumblings across gaming forums and social media suggest that Masahiro Sakurai—the creative powerhouse behind both Kirby and Super Smash Bros.—made an intriguing proposal to Nintendo. According to the chatter, he would only take the reins of a new Smash Bros. if the company green-lit his passion project: Kirby Air Riders for the freshly launched Switch 2. While the story remains unverified, the idea resonates with fans who know Sakurai’s long work streak on Smash Ultimate and his desire for fresh creative challenges. This piece digs into the rumor’s source, evaluates its plausibility, explores how a modern Kirby Air Riders could leverage Switch 2 tech, and considers what it might mean for the beloved crossover fighter’s future. Along the way, we unpack community reactions, Nintendo’s negotiation history, and the broader context of developer burnout—all to give you a clear picture of why this rumor has taken flight.

Masahiro Sakurai’s Creative Drive and Legacy

Few game directors can match Masahiro Sakurai’s knack for blending charm with competitive depth. From Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992 to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2018, he has consistently pushed Nintendo’s characters into new gameplay frontiers. His trademark? Approachable mechanics that blossom into high-skill ceilings. That duality keeps both casual players and esports enthusiasts hooked, and it explains why Nintendo leans on him when a franchise needs that special spark.

A Portfolio Wider Than Dream Land

Beyond Kirby and Smash, Sakurai’s résumé spans Meteos, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and even his own YouTube channel dissecting game design. Each project showcases his obsession with elegant systems. Yet, the sheer scale of Smash Ultimate—boasting every fighter in series history—took that obsession to marathon levels, leading directly to the fatigue many industry insiders discuss today.

The Rumor’s Origin on Social Media

On June 25, 2025, Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly posted a series of messages claiming Nintendo approached Sakurai about a new Smash, only for him to counter with Kirby Air Riders as a prerequisite. Within hours, gaming news sites picked up the story, and hashtags like #AirRidersWhen trended worldwide. Screenshots flew faster than Kirby on a Warp Star, and “grain of salt” disclaimers battled rising hype.

Who Is Kiwi Talkz?

Kiwi Talkz built a modest following through developer interviews and speculative videos. While some of his past leaks have hit the mark, others fizzled. That mixed track record fuels both believers and skeptics. Supporters note his recent accuracy on Switch 2 hardware details; doubters point to premature Metroid rumors he once circulated.

Tracking the Leak Timeline

First came the X thread at 10:02 a.m. JST. Fifteen minutes later, screenshots appeared on Reddit. By noon, major outlets summarized the claim, each scenario adding its own commentary. The speed mirrors previous Nintendo rumor cycles, but the difference this time lies in Sakurai’s well-documented burnout, lending the story a ring of authenticity.

Smash Ultimate Fatigue: Why Burnout Matters

Smash Ultimate demanded near-constant updates from 2018 through late 2021. New fighters, balance patches, and a sprawling marketing blitz kept Sakurai in the spotlight. In multiple interviews, he admitted working through illness and questioning how to top a game that already felt definitive. Burnout isn’t mere gossip; it’s on record. Linking that exhaustion to a desire for a smaller-scope racing spin-off feels plausible, if not yet proven.

The Psychological Toll of “Ultimate”

Imagine pouring years into a magnum opus labeled “Ultimate,” only to be asked, “What’s next?” That question alone can drain creative energy. Sakurai’s solution, if the rumor stands, echoes an athlete switching sports to rediscover joy: a fresh genre, familiar universe, and a chance to innovate without expectations of “bigger than ever.”

Nintendo’s History of Negotiating With Star Talent

From Shigeru Miyamoto’s ability to green-light Pikmin after Mario 64, to Monolith Soft’s expanded autonomy following Xenoblade’s success, Nintendo often compromises to retain visionary developers. The company knows that star power sells consoles and shapes brand identity. Granting Sakurai a personal project in exchange for steering Smash again fits this pattern.

Corporate Flexibility Behind the Family-Friendly Facade

Nintendo outwardly projects whimsical creativity, yet internally it moves with calculated pragmatism. When a studio or director proves they can deliver blockbuster results, negotiators open doors. Sakurai’s tenure, sales figures, and fan devotion make him a negotiating heavyweight—one who could plausibly leverage that clout to resurrect a cult classic racer.

Kirby Air Riders: What a Modern Sequel Could Offer

The original Kirby Air Ride on GameCube married simple controls with surprisingly deep mechanics like City Trial. A sequel could double down on that “easy to pick up, tough to master” ethos. Picture expansive multiplayer arenas, online tournaments, and customizable Air Ride machines you tweak down to the last turbo nozzle.

Design Opportunities in 2025

Today’s players expect robust online features, seasonal events, and social sharing. Integrating track-builder tools, cross-region leaderboards, and asynchronous friend challenges would keep the experience lively. City Trial could evolve into a procedural open zone where item drops rotate daily, nudging you back for “just one more round.”

Switch 2 Hardware Features That Suit Air Riders

Switch 2 reportedly packs DLSS-style upscaling and Joy-Con Plus controllers with haptic triggers. For a racing title, those triggers could simulate engine thrust, while HD rumble mimics varying terrain. Higher processing power opens doors for 60 FPS split-screen, volumetric clouds to weave through, and dynamic weather that affects handling—think Dream Land skies turning stormy mid-race.

Local Multiplayer, Reinvented

Nintendo’s consoles thrive on couch play. A modern Air Riders could let eight players connect two Switch 2 consoles wirelessly, each showing unique camera angles. Docked modes might support reverse-split views, where you always see the rival behind you, adding mind-game layers to drafting tactics.

Community Reactions: Hype, Skepticism, and Memes

Fans erupted with art of Kirby sporting racing goggles, while others joked that Kirby would simply inhale the entire racetrack to win. Skepticism also brewed: some argued the rumor downplays Smash’s development pipeline or overestimates Sakurai’s autonomy. The debate itself underscores a community hungry for fresh Kirby spin-offs and anxious about Smash’s evolution.

The Role of Memes in Signal Boosting

A single meme can amplify a rumor faster than an official press release. When users posted mock box art captioned “Negotiation Edition,” engagement spiked. The more ridiculous the meme, the wider it spread—proof that humor fuels virality and cements a story in the public consciousness, whether or not it stands up later.

Implications for the Next Smash Bros.

If Sakurai indeed gets his Air Riders wish, Smash 6 (or whatever title Nintendo chooses) may arrive later than expected. That delay could benefit the series, allowing time to rethink mechanics instead of merely scaling up roster size. A creative breather might produce bold changes—perhaps a fresh engine or a gameplay pivot reminiscent of Melee’s faster tempo.

Addressing the “Ultimate Wall”

For many, Smash Ultimate feels impossible to top. Allowing the director to cleanse his creative palate could sidestep the wall entirely. A leaner roster reboot, more robust mod support, or new physics might emerge from renewed inspiration. Patience now could pay dividends later for competitive and casual communities alike.

Gauging the Rumor’s Credibility and Future Updates

The rumor aligns with verified details—Sakurai’s burnout, his public admiration for Kirby, and Nintendo’s past negotiation behavior—yet still lacks official confirmation. Until Nintendo or Sakurai speaks, treat the story as informed speculation. Watch upcoming Direct presentations, patent filings, and Sakurai’s YouTube hints; any could provide the telltale signal that makes rumor morph into reality.

Conclusion

Whether Kirby Air Riders is a sure thing or an internet daydream, the conversation highlights two truths: Masahiro Sakurai’s creative influence remains colossal, and Nintendo fans crave fresh spins on beloved universes. If the rumor proves true, we’re in for a high-speed return to Pop Star’s racetracks. If not, the excitement still underscores how a single whisper can ignite imaginations across the gaming world.

FAQs
  • Did Nintendo confirm Kirby Air Riders?
    • No official announcement exists yet; the buzz comes from reported negotiations and insider chatter.
  • Why would Sakurai choose a racing game over Smash Bros.?
    • A smaller-scope project lets him recharge creatively after years of overseeing massive crossover fighters.
  • Could another team handle Smash Bros. without him?
    • In theory, yes, but Nintendo historically relies on Sakurai’s vision to maintain the series’ identity.
  • What platforms would Kirby Air Riders launch on?
    • Reports tie it exclusively to Switch 2, leveraging the console’s upgraded hardware features.
  • When might we hear official news?
    • The next major Nintendo Direct or Tokyo Game Show presentation would be prime venues for confirmation—or denial.
Sources
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