This Thursday, July 11, Nintendo recalls a remarkable day in its history-with mixed emotions for fans. Exactly 22 years ago, Kirby Air Ride was released at GameCube in Japan. But the date has also scored a decade since the death of Satoru Iwata, former president of Nintendo and a key figure for the company.
Masahiro Sakurai, known for creating acclaimed franchises such as Kirby and Super Smash Bros., went to social networks to honor Iwata and share news about his next project, Kirby Air Riders, the new franchise title developed for Nintendo Switch 2, where he claims to be “Putting your whole heart”.
“Today was the release date of Kirby Air Ride in Japan to GameCube. It’s been 22 years! At the same time, today also marks Iwata’s death anniversary in 2015. It’s been ten years since then… Iwata and I had about ten years of age difference. Now I’m coming to the age, right? incredible!”
Kirby Air Riders will be a totally unprecedented game, focusing on electrifying races and refined gameplay. The debut is scheduled for this year on the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Today was the release date for the GameCube “Kirby’s Air Ride.” 22nd anniversary!!
At the same time, it is also the anniversary of Iwata’s death. 2015.Ten years have passed since then…
Iwata and I’m aged and joining the company for about 10 years, so I’m getting closer to my age.I’m currently devoted to the production of “Kirby’s Air Rider.”
— Sakurai Masahiro / Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) July 11, 2025
Source: https://www.gamevicio.com/noticias/2025/07/kirby-air-ride-aniversario-homenagem-iwata/
