Close Menu
  • Latest
  • Help Support Independent Journalism
  • Features
  • Gaming
    • All Gaming
    • Nintendo
    • PlayStation
    • Xbox
    • PC Gaming
    • VR
  • Guides
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • Anime & Animation
    • Movies and TV
    • Books
    • Manga & Comics
    • Toys
    • Geek
    • Pop Culture
  • Previews
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Video Game
    • Anime & Animation
    • Movie & TV
    • Comic Book & Manga
    • Tech & Gear
    • Food
    • Book
    • Toys
    • Tabletop and Card Game
  • Podcasts
    • A-01 Podcast
    • Nintendo Entertainment Podcast
    • Spectator Mode Podcast
  • Contact Us
X (Twitter) YouTube RSS Bluesky Discord

Follow Us

X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Bluesky Discord
The OuterhavenThe Outerhaven
  • Latest
  • Features
  • Guides
  • Previews
  • Reviews
    • Video Game Reviews
    • Anime & Animation Reviews
    • Comic Book & Manga Reviews
    • Films & TV Reviews
    • Tech Reviews
    • Tabletop & Card Game Reviews
    • Toy Reviews
  • Gaming
    • PlayStation
    • Nintendo
    • Xbox
    • PC Gaming
    • Tabletop & Card Game
    • Virtual Reality
  • Entertainment
    • Anime & Animation
    • Comic Books & Manga
    • Films & TV
    • Original English Light Novels DB
    • OELN DB
    • Pop Culture
    • Books
    • Toys
  • Tech News
  • Podcasts
    • A-01 Podcast
    • Nintendo Entertainment Podcast
    • Spectator Mode Podcast
The OuterhavenThe Outerhaven

Masahiro Sakurai Talks How Kirby Success Didn’t Affect Him

Who doesn't like this guy, seriously?
By Todd BlackJanuary 9, 2026
Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby

Over the last however many years, I’ve noted in places like the Nintendo Entertainment Podcast that I adore Masahiro Sakurai. He’s the man behind many hit Nintendo titles, and anytime he gets attached to a game, people are eager to see what it’s like. Furthermore, he’s one of the most humble and grounded people you’ll ever hear from, and a recent interview with 47 News over in Japan highlighted that when he talked about Kirby. The original title was what helped make him a “name” in the game industry, especially after its continued success on various Nintendo platforms, and yet, he was unbothered by how well it was doing:

“Whether the game was selling well or not, I probably would have continued to devote myself to game development. And I don’t really think of myself as a huge hit or a hit maker.

When I look at other games, I think, “Wow!” They’re doing things that neither I nor my team could do. I’m constantly wondering how they can create something so amazing, and I feel like I have to keep challenging myself.”

You can see that statement personified in his latest game, Kirby Air Riders, which is out right now on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game was the sequel to a title from 20 years ago on the Nintendo GameCube, and Sakurai admitted that he put everything he could into the game for its launch, which is why there’s no DLC for it.

As such, with the game done, and Masahiro Sakurai’s mindset always about “challenging himself,” you have to wonder what he’ll do next.

Source: 47 News

kirby Kirby Air Riders Masahiro Sakurai
Avatar photo
Todd Black

A self-proclaimed Nintendo fanboy, born, bred, and Mushroom fed! He’s owned every Nintendo handheld and every console since the SNES. He's got a degree in video game development, is a published comic book writer and an author of several novels!

Latest Articles

ONE PIECE Announces Collaboration With Five NCAA College Basketball Teams

January 9, 2026

Godzilla Minus Zero to be Released by GKids in the US on November 6

January 9, 2026

The Anime Effect Launches Episode with Yasuhiro Nightow Interview

January 9, 2026

Koala’s Diary ED Theme Nijito Swing ver. Available Now

January 9, 2026

The Division 3 Is A Monster? New Details On The Division 2: Survivors

January 9, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem Ray Tracing Trailer Gives Sneak Peak of City Streets

January 9, 2026
About Us • Our Team • Contact Us • Privacy Policy • Review Policy
Ethics Policy • Terms of Service • Metacritic • OpenCritic • CriticDB
Ownership & Funding Disclosure • Fact Checking & Corrections Policy • Editorial Policy
Copyright @2026 The Outerhaven Productions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.