Kirby

For fighter info, see Kirby (SSB), Kirby (SSBM), Kirby (SSBB), Kirby (SSB4), and Kirby (SSBU).

Kirby
Kirby Official artwork of Kirby from Kirby Star Allies.
Universe	Kirby
Debut	Arcana (video game) (cameo, 1992) Kirby's Dream Land (1992)
Smash Bros. appearances	SSB Melee Brawl SSB4 Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance	Kirby Star Allies (2018)
Console/platform of origin	Super Nintendo Entertainment System (cameo) Game Boy
Species	Kirby
Gender	Male
Place of origin	Dream Land
Created by	Masahiro Sakurai
Designed by	Masahiro Sakurai
Voice actor	Makiko Ōmoto
Article on WiKirby	Kirby

Kirby (カービィ, Kirby) is the main protagonist of the Kirby series. He was created by Masahiro Sakurai, who also created the Super Smash Bros. series. As a member of the "perfect-attendance crew", Kirby has been featured as a playable character throughout the entire Super Smash Bros. series.

Character description

File:Kirby's Dream Land 3.png

Official artwork of Kirby from Kirby's Dream Land 3. Kirby's design was later changed to its current design in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, which was likely inspired by Kirby's appearance in Smash 64.

Kirby began as an entirely different character that starred in Masahiro Sakurai's early Game Boy game in development, originally called "Twinkle Popo". During development, he used a placeholder sprite resembling a ball with a happy face on it. Sakurai eventually came to prefer this more simplistic design and decided to use it as the final character. Originally called Popopo, the little protagonist was eventually named Kirby, and the game itself named Kirby's Dream Land. His name is believed to have one of two possible inspirations: a vacuum cleaner company named Kirby Company, or the legal counsel of Nintendo, John Kirby, who saved Nintendo during a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Universal Studios over the name of Donkey Kong. While Kirby was always intended to be pink, Shigeru Miyamoto initially interpreted the character as yellow; as a result, the second player in later Kirby games is typically a yellow Kirby.

Kirby is a resident and the consistent hero of the yellow star-shaped planet Popstar. He is generally depicted with an easygoing, childlike personality. His round form is only 20 cm (8 inches) in height, though his dimensions are obviously enlarged in the Super Smash Bros. series. He can Inhale forcefully, allowing him to swallow enemies in front of him and copy their abilities to fight back (known as a Copy Ability). He can also float by storing the air he inhales, making himself large and puffy. Kirby's species is left unclear, but appears to be similar to Meta Knight; any relationship species-wise between the two is unknown.

In Super Smash Bros.

Kirby's official Super Smash Bros. artwork.

Kirby is a starter character in Super Smash Bros.. Kirby is known for his great recovery, quick attacks which gives him a great combo ability, his incredibly fast up tilt, and surprisingly long-range aerials, all of which place him high in the original game's Tier list, placing 2nd only behind Pikachu. Kirby's trademark move is Swallow, which allows him to him suck in enemies caught within the vortex and emulate their neutral special attack.

In-game description:

The 8-inch high Kirby hails from a distant, peaceful star. Like his simplistic appearance, he is an easily-understood character. True to his instincts, Kirby eats when he gets hungry and sleeps as soon as he grows tired. Nevertheless, Kirby remains a formidable opponent. In addition to his distinct flying and swallowing skills, he also has the ability to copy enemy attacks for ever-changing action.

Works:

• Kirby's Dream Land (GB)
• Kirby's Pinball Land (GB)
• Kirby Super Star (SNES)

In Super Smash Bros. Melee

Kirby, as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

As a playable character

In Kirby's return appearance in the GameCube game, he gets a redesign and has new attacks that include the Hammer Special Move as his new forward special move. He is still a starter character and is still a floaty, lightweight character that can jump five times in midair. However, Kirby has been severely nerfed, losing most of his power, combo ability, and speed from Smash 64. In the time-tested viewpoint of the Smash community's elite, "Kirby's tournament viability has dropped like a stone". This nerf has significantly dropped him in the G tier, placing him all the way down to the last placing of the tier list.

Trophies

Kirby is the most extensively represented character in Melee trophies: In addition to having his set of three trophies earned through single player modes, there are five trophies named "Kirby Hat" that provide information about the powers he gains with his in-game inhale ability. See List of Copy Abilities.

His Classic mode trophy reads as follows:

Kirby

A denizen of the far-off, peaceful planet Pop Star, Kirby became a citizen of Dream Land after defeating King Dedede. Even though he's only about eight inches tall, Kirby is an extremely skilled technician. He has the ability to absorb the powers of his enemies, and his elastic body makes him a versatile adventurer.

: Kirby's Dream Land

There are also trophies depicting Kirby in various guises he has taken in Kirby games:

Ball Kirby

When Kirby swallows a ball enemy, he turns into a ball and can bounce off of floors and walls. It's tough to control, but well worth it for the strong attack power it gives Kirby. After his debut in Kirby's Adventure, Ball Kirby has popped up in several more Kirby games, such as Kirby's Pinball Land and Kirby's Block Ball.

: Kirby's Adventure

Fighter Kirby

Kirby dons a warrior's headband and becomes a fierce fighter when he swallows an enemy skilled at physical attacks. Fighter Kirby uses many colorful punching and kicking moves as he overpowers his enemies with his sparring skills. The Vulcan Jab is just one of the many techniques Kirby can use thanks to his copying power.

: Kirby Super Star

Fire Kirby

When Kirby swallows a fire-wielding enemy, he transforms into Fire Kirby. Not only does he breathe fire in this form, but he can also sprout flames on his entire body and damage enemies by crashing into them. Fire Kirby wears the bright red headdress of his enemy Burning Leo. The hat turns into a helpful weapon when thrown.

: Kirby's Adventure

• 

  Classic Mode trophy.

• 

  Adventure Mode trophy.

• 

  All-Star Mode trophy.

• 

  Fire Kirby trophy.

• 

  Fighter Kirby trophy.

• 

  Ball Kirby trophy.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Kirby, as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

As a playable character

Kirby returns for his third appearance in the Wii version of the Smash series. He was revealed in all trailers for Brawl before its release (also being the only character who didn't undergo drastic changes in graphics, as shown by the trailers), and was confirmed on the official website on June 7, 2007 [1]. He rounds out the roster again as a starter character and is finally not the sole representative character for his series with the inclusion of King Dedede and Meta Knight. It would seem that he is a lot closer to his N64 "glory days" in Brawl than he was in Melee, having increased reach, speed, power, combo ability, and aerial mobility. He is probably the character who improved the most from Melee to Brawl, along with Mr. Game & Watch, and is ranked 20th on the current tier list in D tier.

Kirby, like all characters, received a Final Smash in this game. Called Cook Kirby, the move allows Kirby to cook opponents and items, and then send opponents flying and release new items.

Trophies

Many of Kirby's forms are made into trophies in Brawl.

Kirby

A round, pink ball of cuteness from a distant, peaceful star. He can swallow anything with his gigantic mouth, then spit it out as ammo. He has the handy ability to copy powers and use them as his own. His hovering ability lets him fly through the air with ease. He's so round, he's sometimes treated like a ball.

: Kirby's Dream Land

: Kirby Super Star

Cook Kirby

Beam Kirby

Kirby in a jester cap...and a supercute Kirby at that. Beam Kirby features a Beam ability, acquired by inhaling Waddle Doo, that allows him to shoot a whiplike beam at his enemies. With a wide attack range, this ability is extremely easy to use, especially for taking out enemies in bunches. In Kirby Super Star, this beam can also be charged and fired.

: Kirby's Adventure

: Kirby: Squeak Squad (NTSC)/Kirby: Mouse Attack (PAL)

Needle Kirby

A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.

: Kirby's Adventure

: Kirby: Canvas Curse (NTSC)/Kirby: Power Paintbrush (PAL)

Sword Kirby

A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a sword-wielding foe or a sword itself. Doing so provides Kirby with a rapid sword slash, a jumping sword spin, or even the energy-beam blast of the Final Sword. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that this is the #1 Copy Ability in terms of accessibility.

: Kirby's Adventure

: Kirby: Squeak Squad (NTSC)/Kirby: Mouse Attack (PAL)

Sleep Kirby

Kirby after he copies the ability to sleep peacefully. Kirby takes on this form when he inhales Noddy or other such enemies. Kirby cannot move at all while sleeping, so extra care should be taken not to use this ability when enemies are near. Kirby, in his slumber, tends to drool, and in his panicked awakening, isn't it cute how he forgets to wipe off the drool?

: Kirby's Adventure

: Kirby: Squeak Squad (NTSC)/Kirby: Mouse Attack (PAL)

Wing Kirby

Kirby when he inhales a winged enemy and copies its flying ability. This ability can be used to proceed through strong winds that would otherwise be too tough to overcome. Wing Kirby can also perform a plethora of attack moves, such as the Bomber Head, where Kirby dive-bombs onto enemy heads.

: Kirby Super Star

: Kirby Air Ride

Fighter Kirby

Kirby when he is skilled in martial arts, especially close-quarters combat. Inhaling brawny challengers like Knuckle Joe will transform Kirby, allowing him to use a bunch of fight moves like Rising Break, the heroic uppercut. His Mega Power Shot in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, which used charged energy to take out faraway enemies, is another Fighter Kirby highlight.

: Kirby Super Star

: Kirby: Canvas Curse (NTSC)/Kirby: Power Paintbrush (PAL)

Fire Kirby

Kirby when he inhales an enemy who uses fire. Shooting fire from his mouth, Fire Kirby can cook enemies from afar. This ability also allows Kirby to light explosive blocks, fuses, and so on. In Kirby Super Star and Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Fire Kirby can roll his burning body into enemies as an attack move.

: Kirby Super Star

: Kirby: Canvas Curse (NTSC)/Kirby: Power Paintbrush (PAL)

Ice Kirby

Kirby when he copies an enemy with chilly abilities. Ice Kirby can blow an icy wind from his mouth and freeze enemies solid. These frozen enemies can then be knocked into other enemies as an additional means of attack. These blocks are not only effective against enemies but can also be used on terrains such as magma or water.

: Kirby Super Star

: Kirby: Canvas Curse (NTSC)/Kirby: Power Paintbrush (PAL)

Plasma Kirby

Kirby when he inhales Plasma Wisps, which glow with a neon green flame. Plasma Kirby can charge the plasma strength up to a maximum level of 5. In Kirby Super Star, your attack--be it a Plasma Laser or a Plasma Wave Cannon--varies with the length of time you charge it.

: Kirby Super Star

: Kirby Air Ride

Tornado Kirby

Kirby when he inhales enemies that fly around like twisters through the sky. When in tornado form, Kirby can spin freely through the air for short amounts of time, clearing out groups of enemies. Tornado Kirby will continue spinning and bouncing violently off of obstacles until he comes to a stop. One drawback of Tornado Kirby is the control difficulty.

: Kirby's Adventure

: Kirby Air Ride

• 

  Kirby trophy.

• 

  Beam Kirby trophy.

• 

  Needle Kirby trophy.

• 

  Sword Kirby trophy.

• 

  Sleep Kirby trophy.

• 

  Wing Kirby trophy.

• 

  Fighter Kirby trophy.

• 

  Fire Kirby trophy.

• 

  Ice Kirby trophy.

• 

  Plasma Kirby trophy.

• 

  Tornado Kirby trophy.

Stickers

Name	Game	Effect	Character(s)
Cupid Kirby	Kirby & The Amazing Mirror	SpecialCarryStarRodCarry Star Rod	All characters
King Dedede & Kirby	Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards	AttackSpecialsDirect+021 Attack +21	Kirby Meta Knight King Dedede
Kirby	Kirby & The Amazing Mirror	SpecialSwimTime+040 +40	All characters
Kirby	Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards	AttackBodySpin+022 Attack +22	Kirby Meta Knight King Dedede
Kirby	Kirby Air Ride	AttackArmLeg+017 Attack +17	Kirby Meta Knight King Dedede

Cupid Kirby (Kirby & The Amazing Mirror)

King Dedede & Kirby (Kirby 64)

Kirby (Kirby & The Amazing Mirror)

Kirby (Kirby 64)

Kirby (Kirby Air Ride)

In Super Smash Bros. 4

Kirby as he appears in Super Smash Bros. 4.

Kirby returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4. Kirby's Hammer attack has been replaced with a similar move called Hammer Flip, and his Final Smash was changed to Ultra Sword. Kirby does not have a new dash attack, unlike the last two games in the series.

At SSB4's initial release, Kirby had been nerfed since Brawl, with his overall range being reduced. However, Kirby benefits from general gameplay changes of SSB4, such as the changes to hitstun canceling, which allow him to perform combos more effectively. Kirby was also noticeably buffed courtesy of game updates to both versions of SSB4, improving his approach and KO power. The gameplay changes that the updates brought about have also improved him to the point that his status relative to Brawl is much more even. However, Kirby has below average tournament results, which has resulted in his tier position is worse than it was in Brawl. He is currently ranked 50th on the tier list, placing him in the F tier.

Trophies

Kirby

Round little Kirby lives on the peaceful Planet Popstar, in Dream Land. He can inhale things with his big mouth, either copying their abilities or spitting them out again. In Smash Bros., Kirby can inhale opponents and copy their standard specials. He gets launched easily but recovers well.

A roly-poly little fella from Dream Land on Planet Popstar. He can inhale pretty much anyone or anything with that big gob of his, then spit them out or copy their abilities. He can copy opponents' standard specials in this game, too! His lightweight means he gets launched easily, but with a series of mid-air jumps, recovering's not too tricky.

: Kirby's Dream Land (08/1992)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby (Alt.)

Holding the special button and left or right will charge up Kirby's Hammer Flip attack. Charging too long hurts Kirby! The hammer strikes twice in the air, but landing the single blow on the ground is more powerful. Kirby's up special Final Cutter slices up and down, firing a shockwave upon landing.

Charge up Kirby's Hammer side special to unleash Hammer Flip, a move with serious launch power. Charge it too much, though, and you'll get hurt! The move hits twice in mid-air but does more damage on the ground. Final Cutter slices up and down before sending out an energy wave. Move Kirby mid-jump to change where he lands.

: Kirby's Dream Land (08/1992)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Plasma Kirby

What does the aurora borealis have in common with lightning? Plasma! And what does Plasma Kirby have in common with them? Hrm. Maybe that was too easy... Anyway, Plasma Kirby can build up plasma using the +Control Pad and fire it with the B Button. You can look up more about plasma if you want, but firing plasma is what's important here.

In the Kirby series, Plasma Kirby is Kirby, but with the ability to fire plasma, and mashing the +Control Pad charges him up! "But what exactly is plasma?" you ask. Well, that's a very good question. Maybe you should look it up yourself. Can't be giving you all the answers, you know.

Sword Kirby

That green cap sure does make Kirby look heroic, doesn't it? Maybe wearing it just inspires Kirby, but while he's wearing it, he gets all kinds of neat moves, like Spin Slash, Multiword Attack, and Sword Dive. He's even able to pull off these moves in the air, on the ground, or underwater!

Kirby looks like a pretty courageous hero in that green cap, doesn't he? Indeed, this Kirby is a master of sword-swishing, fending off enemies with the powerful Spin Slash, the rapid Multiword Attack, and the stylish Sword Dive. If that wasn't impressive enough, he can also use these moves on land, in mid-air AND underwater. Beautiful!

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Beam Kirby

Waddle Doo can fire beams from his eye. Does that make you green with envy? Then inhale him and copy that ability! You'll then be able to shoot beams from a wand, and the attack can even be charged up for greater effectiveness. You can also use a beam to push switches or to grab and toss your foes.

Ever felt jealous of a Waddle Doo's ability to fire beams from its eye? Well, if you're Kirby, there's really no need - swallow one and you, too, can swing energy beams to your heart's content! Charge them up to plow through multiple enemies at once, use them to grab and throw enemies, and even press switches through walls! Yeah!

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Fire Kirby

When Kirby first copied the Fire ability he was only able to breathe fire. Nowadays, he can do all sorts of neat things! For example, he can engulf himself in flames and roll forward, burning grass, lighting fuses, melting ice, and so on. What we'd really like him to do, though, is help us make the perfect s'more. Mmmmm.

Once upon a time, all Fire Kirby could do was shoot flames from his mouth, but he's come a long way since then. Now he can roll along the ground as a blazing fireball, burn up grass, light fuses, melt ice and so on. That's great and all, but what we really want to know is...can he help us get a barbecue going?

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Ice Kirby

The perfect ability to copy in the summer--Kirby gains freezing breath when he copies the Ice ability. Enemies frozen by his arctic blasts can be launched at other foes too. Perfect for a tough fight or when you need some ice for your iced coffee. Kirby isn't busy saving Dream Land or anything...

When Kirby has the Ice ability, he can blast enemies with glacial gales to freeze them. He can then kick them into other enemies to take them all out at once! It's the perfect ability for a tough fight...or for when you need some ice to keep a glass of fruit juice nicely chilled. Not everything has to be about saving Dream Land, you know!

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Needle Kirby

Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability!

Kirby's soft, fluffy and just...so huggable! Except when he's got the Needle ability, that is - then it's like there's a hug-free zone all around him. Being covered in spikes comes in handy, though, for rolling into enemies, and even shooting at them! However, whether that really makes up for his loss of huggableness is hard to say...

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Tornado Kirby

Who needs hats when you can have an actual tornado coming out of your head? That's our Kirby - always the trendsetter. And with the Tornado ability, he can go one step further, turning his whole body into a cyclone to go on a wild rampage. His rapid spinning isn't exactly easy to control, but that's all part of the fun!

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Mike Kirby

Curious what Kirby's singing voice sounds like? Then track down and inhale Mr. Tick-Tock or a Walky! Kirby can copy the Mike ability and then use a mike or megaphone to really let 'er rip. Sometimes he sounds as cute as he looks, but he can also hit those low notes when he wants to rock.

Kirby isn't much of a talker, but if you ever do want to hear his voice, here's a simple solution: swallow a Walky or Mr. Tick-Tock, and you'll be rewarded with an ability called Mike! Watch in awe as Kirby pulls out a microphone (or a megaphone) and shakes your soul with his dulcet tones. For some reason, his enemies can't stand the sound!

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Sleep Kirby

You don't get to see sleeping heroes very often. They're so busy rescuing princesses or saving the world, they just don't have time for a little nap. Not so with Kirby! The moment he inhales the snooze-prone enemy Noddy, he pops on his sleeping cap and dozes right off. Ah, Kirby, what dreams might you be having today?

: Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Bomb Kirby

When he copies the Bomb ability, Kirby gets to don a stylish hat just like Poppy Bros. Jr. The hat's appearance varies a little from game to game, but the ability itself is always pretty much the same: pull out a bomb, throw it, BOOM! Careful, though--if you hang on to the bomb for too long, you'll go BOOM yourself!

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

: Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Fighter Kirby

"Show me your moves!" Wait-that's not Kirby's line! Regardless, he's really fired up and ready to become a fighting machine with that red headband. He knows the basics, like kicking and tossing, but he can also muster his fighting spirit to blast distant foes.

With his red headband and fierce attitude, Fighter Kirby is ready to take on anything. Like a real martial artist, he can kick and throw his foes into submission. And like an a...not-so-real martial artist, he can fire his fighting spirit as an energy blast to hit faraway enemies. The only weapon this Kirby needs is his burning heart!

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

: Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Wing Kirby

Kirby doesn't need to copy abilities to bop through the air, but actually having wings gives his aerial skills a definite boost. They even let him use some extra attacks, like the acrobatic Shuttle Loop and the mighty Condor Head. He can also fire at foes with his Feather Gun! Thought Kirby was just a squishy puffball? Surprise!

Kirby doesn't need to copy abilities to bop through the air, but actually having wings gives his aerial skills a definite boost. They even let him use some extra attacks, like the acrobatic Shuttle Loop and the mighty Condor Head. He can also fire at foes with his Feather Gun! Thought Kirby was just a squishy puffball? Think again!

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

: Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Ninja Kirby

Making his debut in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, the Moonja enemy looks about as ninja as you can get. If you copy its ability, Kirby can become a master of the ninja arts! With a variety of useful skills like Knife Throw and Blossom Storm, you might want to remain a ninja forever!

Making its debut in Kirby's Adventure Wii, the Moonja enemy looks about as ninja as you can get. Swallow one, and Kirby will become a master of the ninja arts too! Knife Throw, Wall Cling, Smoke Screen and Blossom Storm - with such a variety of useful skills, you might never want to let this Copy Ability go!

: Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

: Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

• 

  Classic (3DS)

• 

  Classic (Wii U)

• 

  Alt. (3DS)

• 

  Alt. (Wii U)

• 

  Plasma Kirby

• 

  Sword Kirby

• 

  Beam Kirby

• 

  Fire Kirby

• 

  Ice Kirby

• 

  Needle Kirby

• 

  Tornado Kirby

• 

  Mike Kirby

• 

  Sleep Kirby

• 

  Bomb Kirby

• 

  Fighter Kirby

• 

  Wing Kirby

• 

  Ninja Kirby

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Kirby as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

As a playable character

Kirby reappears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a playable fighter.

Trivia

• All of Kirby's victory poses are variations of the victory dances he performs upon completing a level or defeating a boss in his home series.
  • Additionally, within his series, Kirby always finishes the dance at the end of the song; this carries over into Smash Bros., as he always finishes at the end of his victory theme (itself is a remix of the level clear theme from the Kirby series).
• Kirby uses a different dash attack in each of the first three Super Smash Bros. games. In Super Smash Bros., he performs a sliding tackle. In Melee and Ultimate, he performs the Burning ability's attack. In Brawl and Super Smash Bros. 4, he performs the Yo-yo ability's Break Spin from Kirby Super Star.
• Kirby's dark blue palette swap in SSB4 and Ultimate is meant to resemble Meta Knight without his mask and another regalia, giving Kirby dark purple skin, purple feet, and entirely yellow eyes while also removing his cheek blush. Prior to this pallete, Meta Knight was actually depicted as having silver eyes behind his mask (which gave them a yellow tint) and pink cheeks, but all Kirby titles following the release of Super Smash Bros. 4 depict maskless Meta Knight with yellow eyes and no cheek blush.
• Despite being able to inhale projectiles in his home series, Kirby is unable to do so in any Super Smash Bros. game prior to Ultimate. However, he can do so if he copies Wario's Chomp or King Dedede's Inhale.
• Kirby is the only Kirby character to be a starter character in every Super Smash Bros. game.