Capcom surprised fans with an early reveal for Mai Shiranui in Street Fighter 6, skipping the fanfare of The Game Awards to tease this exciting update. Mai, a beloved character from SNK’s Fatal Fury series, is set to arrive as part of the Season 2 DLC lineup, following Terry Bogard’s addition in September 2024.
Mai Shiranui: The Next SNK Legend in SF6
Mai Shiranui’s inclusion marks a significant crossover for Street Fighter 6, making her the second SNK character to join the game. Her debut follows Terry Bogard, whose arrival in September delighted fans of both franchises.
In the brief reveal, Mai showcases her personality and fighting prowess in World Tour mode, effortlessly defeating ninjas and dazzling the player character. Though the trailer does not include gameplay footage—a typical approach for Capcom—Mai’s fiery entrance already has fans buzzing.
Street Fighter 6: Mai Shiranui Release Window
Capcom confirmed Mai Shiranui’s release is scheduled for early 2025, with an expected launch between January and March.
On the Season 2 DLC roadmap, Mai is labeled as a Winter 2025 release. Based on Capcom’s DLC history, her launch may fall into one of two likely scenarios:
- Pre-Capcom Cup Release: Early January or February to let players adapt before major tournaments.
- Post-Capcom Cup Launch: Following Capcom Cup 11 in Tokyo, which runs from March 5–8, 2025.
Mai’s arrival will precede the final DLC character, Elena, who is slated for Spring 2025, potentially around May during events like Evo Japan.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
While some fans commented on Mai’s visual model, similar concerns were voiced during Terry Bogard’s reveal but were largely addressed by the time of his release. Capcom’s focus on detailed gameplay reveals closer to a character’s release ensures players will see Mai in action soon.
Mai’s fiery personality and iconic moves are expected to blend seamlessly with Street Fighter 6’s mechanics, making her a highly anticipated addition to the roster.
Conclusion
Capcom’s decision to bring Mai Shiranui to Street Fighter 6 adds another layer of excitement for fans of both franchises. With her release set for early 2025, players won’t have to wait long to see her in action. Whether you’re a Fatal Fury fan or a long-time Street Fighter enthusiast, Mai’s arrival promises to deliver on all fronts.
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