A Legendary Developer Makes a Bold Statement in the Age of Live Service
The hype for ‘Kirby Air Riders’ on the Nintendo Switch 2 is at a fever pitch after a massive, hour-long Direct presentation that showcased a staggering amount of content. But in the final moments of that livestream, director Masahiro Sakurai dropped a bombshell that was just as surprising as any new mode or character reveal. In a refreshing departure from the industry’s current norms, he confirmed that ‘Kirby Air Riders’ will be a complete, finished product on day one. There will be no DLC. And there are no plans for a sequel.
“I’ve thrown everything I have into this game from the start,” Sakurai stated, putting a definitive cap on the project. For fans accustomed to years of post-launch support for games like ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,’ this might seem like a shock. But for many, it’s a powerful and welcome statement about what a video game can, and perhaps should, be.
What It Means to Throw ‘Everything’ Into a Game
When Masahiro Sakurai says he’s put “everything” into a game, it’s not hyperbole. The man is famous for his meticulous attention to detail and his philosophy of content maximalism. His work on the Super Smash Bros. series is a testament to this, where every character, stage, and music track is polished to an incredible degree. For ‘Kirby Air Riders,’ this means players aren’t just getting a game; they’re getting Sakurai’s complete and final vision for what a modern Kirby racing game should be.
Instead of planning to add content down the line via paid DLC or seasonal updates, the development team has focused on packing the initial release with an almost overwhelming amount of things to do. This “one-and-done” approach ensures that when you buy the game on November 20, you are getting the full, definitive experience without needing to worry about future purchases to complete your collection.
A Complete Package From Day One
Sakurai’s statement is backed up by the sheer volume of content revealed in the recent Directs. The game is far from a simple remake; it’s a colossal sequel that is brimming with modes, features, and collectibles. The promise of “everything is here” feels very real when you look at what’s included at launch.
| Feature Category | What’s Included at Launch |
|---|---|
| Game Modes | A new ‘Road Trip’ story mode, the beloved ‘City Trial’, an expanded ‘Top Ride’, plus Time Attack, Free Run, and more. |
| Content & Tracks | 18 total tracks (all 9 from the original game plus 9 brand new ones). |
| Customization | A deep ‘My Machine’ creation system, a ‘Machine Market’ for parts, and unlockable headwear for riders. |
| Progression | Massive checklists of challenges to complete, in-game currencies to earn, and a full music player to unlock. |
| Multiplayer | Full online play for all major modes. |
This approach directly contrasts with games like ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,’ which received a massive wave of DLC years after its initial release. With ‘Kirby Air Riders,’ Sakurai is promising that the feast is ready from the moment you sit down at the table.
A Rare Opportunity: No Sequel Planned
Perhaps even more surprising than the lack of DLC was Sakurai’s comment that he is “not planning on making this an ongoing series.” This elevates the upcoming game from just a sequel to a singular, definitive event. It’s a rare move in an industry that loves to build long-running franchises. By framing it as a one-time opportunity, Sakurai is urging players to cherish this specific creation for what it is: a complete and final work.
This decision was likely influenced by the incredible fan support for the original game. Sakurai acknowledged that the passion of the fans was a huge reason the sequel was even made. In return, he seems to be giving them the ultimate version of the game they’ve been waiting two decades for, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Conclusion
Masahiro Sakurai’s declaration is a breath of fresh air. In an era where many games feel like they are launched incomplete, with the promise of more to come, ‘Kirby Air Riders’ stands as a testament to the power of a finished product. It’s a statement of confidence from one of gaming’s most respected creators. While it may mean we won’t get to see this series continue, it also means that the game we are about to receive will be a polished, content-rich, and complete masterpiece from day one. And in today’s gaming landscape, that’s something worth celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that Kirby Air Riders on Switch 2 won’t have any DLC?
Yes, that’s correct. Director Masahiro Sakurai officially confirmed during the latest Kirby Air Riders Direct that there are no plans for any downloadable content. He stated, “Everything is here.”
Will there be a Kirby Air Riders 3?
It seems very unlikely. In the same presentation, Sakurai stated, “I’m not planning on making this an ongoing series.” He has positioned this new game as a one-time, definitive project.
Why did Sakurai make this decision?
Sakurai explained that he has “thrown everything” he has into this game from the start. His philosophy for this project is to deliver a complete, massive, and finished experience at launch, rather than extending it with post-launch content.
How does this compare to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
It’s a complete reversal. ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ received nearly three years of significant DLC, including 12 additional characters. For ‘Kirby Air Riders,’ Sakurai is intentionally setting the expectation that the launch version is the final version.
Is the game smaller because there’s no DLC?
Not at all. The game is packed with content, including a brand-new story mode, an expanded City Trial, 18 tracks, and deep customization systems. The lack of DLC is a reflection of the base game’s completeness, not a lack of content.
When does Kirby Air Riders release?
The game is scheduled to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025.