Kirby Air Riders: Release Date Trailers Gameplay and More

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The lineup of upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles is brimming with some of the company’s most iconic franchises. The console first launched with Mario Kart World, and just a month later, we saw the release of Donkey Kong Bananza. However, there’s one more highly anticipated mascot coming this year. Kirby Air Riders serves as a sequel to the beloved GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride, both directed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai, famous for his work on Super Smash Bros..

Since this will likely be most players’ first experience with this Kirby spin-off, some might dismiss it as just a fun racing game from Nintendo. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s everything you need to know about Kirby Air Riders.

Release Date

Kirby Air Riders is set to launch on November 20, 2025.

Platforms

This game will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. It won’t be a cross-generational release, meaning you’ll need the latest hardware to play it. If you’re eager to experience the game, you’ll need to upgrade to the Switch 2.

Visuals and Teaser Trailer

The brief teaser shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase didn’t reveal actual gameplay but instead offered a cinematic glimpse into the game’s vibe. It starts with Kirby trying to catch a falling star, powering up to pilot a racing machine. Kirby then drops onto a lush green track, racing against various other Kirby characters before the game’s title appears. The visuals promise fast-paced, colorful racing action that stays true to Kirby’s whimsical style.

Gameplay Overview

The reveal during the Kirby Air Riders Direct showcased the character roster, a first for the series. Players will be able to select from a diverse lineup, including:

Kirby
King Dee Dee Dee
Meta Knight
Bandana Waddle Dee
Chef Kawasaki
Cappy
Magolor
Gooey
Waddle Doo
Knuckle Joe
Susie
Starman

Similar to Mario Kart, each character has unique stats and abilities, but with a larger roster, all characters can use the copy ability to maintain balance. There will also be different vehicle types, each with unique attributes and ways to trigger speed boosts.

From early gameplay footage, the racing looks faster, more vibrant, and more exhilarating than before, all while maintaining the core feel of the original. Players will choose both their machine and rider for each race, with automatic acceleration. The key mechanic is the Boost Charge button, which can be held to build up a speed boost that helps you drift around corners efficiently.

A new feature is the Special move, activated by a character-specific gauge that charges over time. Once filled, pressing the Special button unleashes a move unique to each Kirby rider. This gauge can also be used to swap machines in City Trails mode.

Gliding remains a part of the gameplay but is less prominent than in previous titles. It activates mainly after hitting ramps, adding another layer of speed and style.

Air Riders features classic racing modes, with up to six racers competing in single or multi-lap races. Players can customize the race speed to suit their experience level.

Track environments shown include:

Floria Fields
Cavernous Corners
Cyberion Highway
Mount Amberfalls

The fan-favorite City Trial mode makes a return, now set on Skyah — a floating island with sprawling, varied environments. The mode involves driving around, collecting power-ups, and switching machines until the timer runs out. A Stadium Event then determines the winner. While the original could host four players locally, the new version supports up to 16 players online or eight locally, making it a much more intense multiplayer experience.

Preordering

Players can preorder Kirby Air Riders now through the official Nintendo website. The game will retail for $70, consistent with recent Nintendo releases. To secure your copy ahead of the November release, visit the Nintendo store.

Despite being a sequel, Kirby Air Riders doesn’t seem to follow a story-driven approach. The original film had no storyline, and there’s no indication that this one will, either — at least for now.

Gameplay Details

The series introduces its first confirmed roster of playable characters, including:

Kirby
King Dee Dee Dee
Meta Knight
Bandana Waddle Dee
Chef Kawasaki
Cappy
Magolor
Gooey
Waddle Doo
Knuckle Joe
Susie
Starman

Each character boasts distinct abilities and stats, but the enlarged cast means every racer can now use the copy ability to stay balanced. The game features several vehicle types with different attributes and boost mechanics.

From the footage released, the gameplay sticks to the original’s core but amps up the speed, colorfulness, and thrill factor. You pick your vehicle and character for each race, with automatic acceleration allowing players to focus on maneuvering and timing boosts.

The Boost Charge button is crucial; holding it temporarily builds up a speed burst, which can be used to drift at tight corners. A new addition is the Special button—charged via a gauge—that unleashes a character-specific move, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement.

Gliding through the air is a feature, mainly used after jumps, providing opportunities for stylish moves and extra speed.

Race Modes and Tracks

The main race mode, Air Ride, supports up to six players in single or multiple laps. Race speed can be adjusted to accommodate newcomers or those seeking a challenge.

Owned tracks include:

Floria Fields
Cavernous Corners
Cyberion Highway
Mount Amberfalls

City Trial mode has been reinvented for Riders, set on Skyah, a floating island teeming with environments to explore. In this mode, players run around collecting items, changing vehicles, and preparing for the final Stadium Event. The mode now supports up to 16 players online and eight players locally, delivering chaotic fun for groups.

Overall, Kirby Air Riders promises a fast, vibrant, and engaging racing experience that fans of the series—and newcomers alike—will enjoy when it hits shelves this November.