06. KIRBY

Franchise / home series: Kirby

Notable non-Smash games: Kirby’s Adventure (1993); Kirby Super Star (1996); Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022)

Kirby has been a core Smash fighter since the original game and is one of the characters most closely associated with series director Masahiro Sakurai, who also created the Kirby franchise. His cute, round design and copy ability make him a natural fit for a crossover where characters borrow and mix abilities.

In Smash, Kirby is characterized by multiple midair jumps, strong aerial attacks, and the ability to Inhale opponents and copy their neutral special move. This mechanic not only references his platformer roots but also visually highlights the crossover nature of the roster, as Kirby gains unique hats and costumes for each fighter he copies. In the original Super Smash Bros., Kirby was considered extremely strong, with powerful combos and edgeguarding tools.

Throughout later games, Kirby’s power level has shifted, but his identity as a light, floaty, air-based fighter remains intact. Ultimate further refined his animations, making his copied forms and expressions more detailed and character-accurate. Kirby is often central in Smash story modes and promotional material, reinforcing his role as a key Nintendo hero and a symbol of the series’ playful side.