He Writes In Pink

Nintendo surprised fans this year by reviving a cult classic: Kirby Air Ride. The upcoming Kirby Air Riders, developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco Studios with Masahiro Sakurai directing, promises to deliver a modern take on Kirby’s unique racing universe. Launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025, the game blends nostalgia with fresh mechanics, aiming to stand tall next to heavyweights like Mario Kart.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything we know about Kirby Air Riders, from release details and price to modes, characters, and gameplay innovations.

Kirby Air Riders Release Date & Price

• Release Date: November 20, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
• Price: $70 USD for the standard edition

Fans can expect preorders to open shortly after the dedicated Nintendo Direct presentations finish rolling out.

Gameplay Mechanics

Kirby Air Riders keeps the automatic forward motion of the original Kirby Air Ride, where players focus on steering, boosting, and timing. This time, however, there are major updates:

• New Special Moves: Each rider has unique abilities to mix up racing strategy.
• Air Ride Machines: Vehicles now vary more significantly, with distinct handling, speed, and durability.
• Expanded City Trial Mode: Players can collect power-ups, upgrade machines, and battle in chaotic environments with more verticality and surprises.
• Multiplayer Options: Supports local split-screen and online play for up to 16 players in certain modes.

These changes are designed to make the game approachable for newcomers while adding depth for competitive players.

Playable Characters & Roster

While Kirby takes center stage, fans can expect a larger roster of playable characters, including:

• Meta Knight
• King Dedede
• Waddle Dee variations
• Additional surprise riders teased for upcoming Nintendo Directs

Each rider is expected to feature unique special moves and vehicle synergies, adding variety beyond cosmetic differences.

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Game Modes

• Air Ride Mode: Classic races across a wide selection of tracks.
• City Trial Mode: The fan-favorite returns, now with larger arenas, online support, and new mechanics.
• Battle Modes: Nintendo has hinted at additional formats blending racing with combat challenges.

Expect details on secondary modes in the upcoming Kirby Air Riders Direct presentations.

Visuals & Performance

Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2, Kirby Air Riders showcases:

• Bright, colorful graphics with smoother framerates than the GameCube original.
• Larger environments with more interactive elements.
• Enhanced lighting and particle effects to highlight Kirby’s whimsical aesthetic.

Why Kirby Air Riders Matters

Fans have been asking for a sequel to Kirby Air Ride for over 20 years. With Sakurai’s involvement, Kirby Air Riders isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a chance for Nintendo to expand the racing genre beyond Mario Kart, offering something both familiar and refreshingly different.

With its November 2025 release, revamped mechanics, and expanded modes, Kirby Air Riders looks set to be one of Nintendo’s biggest Switch 2 titles. Whether you’re a veteran of the 2003 GameCube original or a new fan curious about Kirby’s quirky racing legacy, this game is shaping up to be a must-play.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nintendo reveals additional details in future Directs.