RUMOR: Kirby Air Riders is a passion project for Sakurai, told Nintendo he would develop a new Smash Bros. after – GoNintendo

🔍 Summary:

Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., has reportedly negotiated with Nintendo to prioritize developing a new game, Kirby Air Riders, before embarking on the next installment of the Smash series. This decision comes after Sakurai experienced burnout from nearly a decade of continuous work on the Smash franchise, from the Wii U & 3DS versions in 2012 to the final DLC for Smash Ultimate in 2021. Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride, is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

Discussion among fans and commentators suggests that the future of the Smash series could see a significant shift. With Smash Ultimate being so comprehensive, there’s a sentiment that simply adding more content might not be as appealing. Some suggest a potential reset or a fresh approach for the next Smash game, possibly moving away from the traditional format to keep the franchise vibrant. Others speculate about the introduction of a new crossover game property that could offer a different gameplay experience, providing a break from the Smash series. This reflects a broader desire for innovation in how Nintendo approaches its flagship fighting series moving forward.

📌 Source: https://gonintendo.com/contents/50176-rumor-kirby-air-riders-is-a-passion-project-for-sakurai-told-nintendo-he-would