Kirby Air Riders launches November 20, bringing back the fast-paced action first seen in Kirby Air Ride on the Nintendo GameCube. This new entry stays true to the original while adding expanded mechanics, a bigger roster of characters, and more ways to race and battle. Sakurai explained that the new title “Kirby Air Riders” reflects the fact that you can now choose from multiple riders, rather than only Kirby as in the 2003 release. He also noted that while it may look like a Mario Kart-style racer, the real focus of the game goes beyond just racing.
Riders, Machines, and the Flow of the Race
Kirby Air Riders builds on the foundation of Kirby Air Ride while giving you more control over how each race plays out. Every machine in the game moves forward automatically, so there is no need to hold the stick or a button to accelerate. Instead, you steer using the left stick and manage your momentum through Boost Charges. Pressing the B Button slows your machine and charges a boost. Releasing it launches you forward, and if you hold the button while steering through corners, you can drift for even greater speed.
Special moves add another layer to the action. The Y Button triggers each rider’s Special, which can turn the tide of a race. Attacking rivals fills your Special Gauge, and once it is full, you can unleash a powerful move. Kirby is unique, offering four Specials depending on which color version of him you choose. Throw in quick spins or copied abilities, and things get chaotic fast.
Unique Riders and Copy Abilities
Your choice of rider is just as important as the machine you pick. Characters like Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee each have distinct traits that affect how they handle. Even enemies from the Kirby series join the roster, giving you plenty of variety. On top of that, machines have their own quirks, from gliding off ramps to grinding rails or sustaining more damage. Not every machine runs the same way. For example, the Heavy Star burns through stored charge to keep moving.
Kirby Air Riders also keeps one of the franchise’s most recognizable features intact. Inhaling enemies to copy their abilities is available to everyone, not just Kirby. Kirby uses inhaling, while other riders use a Capture move to grab enemies. Chef Kawasaki even has a capture move of his own. If you catch an opponent without an ability, you launch them as a star shot instead. This means your machine can gain extra powers during a match, whether that is a speed boost or another way to strike your opponents.
City Trial, Stadiums, and More Ways to Play
Kirby Air Riders does not follow a traditional storyline, but its game modes provide structure and variety. The centerpiece is City Trial, which Sakurai described as the “main event.” This returning mode takes place on a massive floating island called Skyah. Here, you start with a weak machine and spend five minutes exploring, collecting power-ups, battling rivals, and even swapping to stronger machines. Everyone begins on a Light Star, a small and easy-to-handle machine, but you’ll want to find something more powerful as quickly as possible. You can now swap directly into empty machines with the Special button instead of dismounting first, and even steal a damaged opponent’s ride.
Random events pop up around the map, such as short races or battles like Dustup Derby, where knocking out opponents nets you more upgrades. Familiar Kirby bosses, including Kracko and Dyna Blade, may also appear, adding to the chaos.
Once the City Trial phase ends, you head into a Stadium event. These challenges vary depending on the stats of your machine, ranging from races to combat-focused objectives. Now you pick from four Stadiums, letting you match your choice to how you upgraded.
Air Ride and Lessons
Air Ride Mode offers a more straightforward racing option. Up to six riders compete to cross the finish line first, but this is not a simple dash. Attacking opponents leaves trails of stars that increase your speed, and following closely behind another racer gives you a boost. It turns a traditional race into a mix of combat and positioning. There’s even a new option to adjust game speed, making the action slower for newcomers if the pace feels too fast. You can even set the rules so machines can be destroyed, something you couldn’t do before.
For those who want practice, Lessons mode provides a space to learn the controls and techniques. With drifting, gliding, and Specials all in play, this mode helps you get comfortable before heading into larger matches. Once you’ve tried the different modes, the real fun comes in competing with others through local and online multiplayer. Items also work differently now, since you can store one in a slot to use later. Copy Abilities remain one-use only, but stored items return even if partially used.
Racing Together, Online or Side by Side
Kirby Air Riders is built with both local and online competition in mind. If you are gathering with friends in the same space, the game supports up to eight riders through local wireless play. Online matches expand that number to sixteen, doubling the chaos and opening the door for larger battles. CPU opponents can also be added to fill slots, letting you practice or test setups even if you’re not in a full lobby.
Nintendo has also added GameChat, keeping things social whether you’re teaming up in City Trial or battling in Stadium matches.
These options help make the experience flexible. You can practice in Lessons mode, play casually on the couch, or take on full lobbies online. Combined with the wide selection of riders, machines, and stages, the multiplayer setup ensures that no two matches will play out the same way. Sakurai also confirmed that if you finish early in an online match, you don’t have to wait for others. The game will quickly move you into the next session.
Launch Date, Soundtrack, and Early Demo
Kirby Air Riders is set to launch on November 20 for Nintendo Switch 2. To mark the occasion, Nintendo is rolling out extra content ahead of release. Seven tracks from the game’s soundtrack, including the main theme with English vocals, are now available through the Nintendo Music app for anyone with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Fans will also have a chance to try Kirby Air Riders before launch at PAX West 2025. The game will be playable at Nintendo’s booth from August 29 to September 1.
Kirby Air Riders Races Onto Nintendo Switch 2 This November
The Kirby Air Riders Direct gave fans a detailed look at how Sakurai and the team are shaping the game for Nintendo Switch 2. With City Trial back, more riders and machines, plus local and online multiplayer, there is plenty to dive into this November. Sakurai also underlined that the heart of Kirby Air Riders is not simply racing. The game’s unique mix of action, power-ups, and rider strategy sets it apart.
I have a soft spot for City Trial from the GameCube days, so seeing it return in a bigger and better form is a real highlight for me. Kirby Air Riders launches November 20 on Nintendo Switch 2. Which mode are you most looking forward to trying: City Trial, Air Ride, or Stadium battles?
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