Everything You Should Know about Kirby Air Riders

Nintendo has officially confirmed Kirby Air Riders, a new racing game for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

The title revives the unique gameplay of 2003's Kirby Air Ride, directed once again by series creator Masahiro Sakurai.


(Credit: Nintendo)

Release is now officially set for November 20, 2025, making it one of the most anticipated titles on Nintendo's new hardware this holiday season.

Background

Kirby Air Riders was first revealed during the April 2025 Nintendo Direct that introduced the Switch 2.


(Credit: Nintendo)

Pre-production began in 2021, with full development starting in 2022 under the collaboration of Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd., and Nintendo.

Sakurai teased the project in 2024 through his YouTube channel, marking his return to Kirby after more than two decades.

The original Kirby Air Ride gained a loyal fanbase for its simple yet inventive mechanics and lovely design.

Its three core modes—Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial—stood out from other racing games, despite receiving mixed critical reception.

The sequel looks to expand on these ideas with updated visuals, new content, and broader appeal.

Release Information

Announced on April 2, 2025, during a Nintendo Direct unveiling the Switch 2, the game is exclusive to this new console.

Following the Kirby Air Riders Direct on August 19, 2025 (6 a.m. PT), Nintendo confirmed a November 20, 2025 worldwide launch.


(Credit: Nintendo)

Pre-Order & Platforms

Pre-orders are now live on the Nintendo eShop and at major retailers (e.g., GameStop).

The standard edition is priced at US$69.99.

The current eShop listing shows an estimated file size of ~25 GB, supported languages include English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.

As a Switch 2 title, it leverages the console's power for smoother performance and vibrant HDR-capable visuals.

Supported play modes include TV, Tabletop, and Handheld.

Gameplay

Much like its predecessor, the game emphasizes streamlined controls designed for accessibility.

Vehicles move automatically, while players focus on steering, boosting, and using character-specific specials alongside Kirby's signature copy abilities.

Absorbing enemy powers mid-race can provide strategic advantages, such as speed bursts or attacks against rivals.


(Credit: Nintendo)

Multiplayer now supports up to 4 players on a single system, 2–8 via local wireless, and 1–16 online.

Online play includes GameChat features for voice/video with friends, plus new online matchmaking and leaderboards.

Confirmed Modes & Features

(Credit: Nintendo)

City Trial (Expanded)

Explore a massive floating island hub (internally nicknamed Skyah) to collect power-ups, steal machines, and trigger dynamic Field Events before heading into randomized Stadium finals.

Air Ride

Course-first selection with draft mechanics (Star Slide) and attack-driven speed boosts, emphasizing drift mastery and boost-charge timing.

Lessons

A robust practice suite to learn advanced techniques, rider matchups, and machine handling.

Riders & Machines

Fan-favorites like Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee and classic foes (Starman, Cappy, Chef Kawasaki) join the roster.

Each character has unique weight, durability, melee options, and a distinct Special (Kirby has four, mapped by color).

Mix-and-match riders with different machines to change handling and strategy.

Copy Abilities & Specials

All riders can capture enemy abilities to temporarily augment offense or speed; a dedicated Special button introduces deeper tactical play beyond the original's one-button design.

Online & Music

Up to 16-player online support, with Nintendo Music offering several Kirby Air Riders soundtrack tracks for Switch Online members ahead of launch.

Hands-on Demo

A playable demo will appear at select events (including PAX West 2025), with Warp Pipe Pass reservations required at the Nintendo booth.

Editor's Comments

As a fan of the Kirby series, it's refreshing to see Sakurai return to his roots after years on Smash Bros.

This sequel could shine by blending nostalgia with fresh twists, like enhanced copy abilities and rider-specific Specials that deepen race strategy.

Compared to rivals like Mario Kart, Kirby Air Riders stands out with its absorption mechanic and City Trial's build-then-battle pacing—it's a different flavor of chaos that rewards planning as much as reflexes.

With a clear holiday date, broad online support, and strong family appeal, expect it to perform well if Nintendo sustains marketing momentum.

I'm especially curious about long-term support: seasonal events, new Stadium challenges, or time-limited playlists could keep the meta fresh without fragmenting the player base.

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