The lineup for the upcoming Switch 2 console is full of iconic Nintendo titles. Launching with Mario Kart World, players will also be treated to Donkey Kong Bananza just a month later. In addition to these, there's exciting news about another cherished character making his return: Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the beloved GameCube title Kirby Air Ride, both overseen by the renowned Masahiro Sakurai of Smash Bros. fame. While some may underestimate this Kirby spin-off, it's important to recognize its value. Here’s all the essential information you need about Kirby Air Riders.
Release Window
While a specific launch date for Kirby Air Riders hasn’t been announced, it is slated to arrive sometime in 2025. It’s likely to be released during the fall or winter months, but further confirmation will be awaited.
Platforms
Kirby Air Riders will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and will not be available on previous generations. To participate in the fun, players will need to upgrade to the new console.
Trailers
The teaser for Kirby Air Riders debuted during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, showcasing only a cinematic glimpse of the title. The trailer features Kirby attempting to catch a falling star, which enables him to pilot his way through a vibrant green landscape while racing against other Kirby variants before the game’s title appears.
Even though it's a follow-up, the original Kirby Air Ride was devoid of a narrative, and we don't anticipate this release having a story aspect either. As of now, no details or hints regarding a plot have been made public.
Gameplay
While no actual gameplay footage was shared in the initial teaser, we can draw some conclusions based on the original game design. The original Kirby Air Ride was innovative as a one-button racing game, allowing players to choose from a variety of Kirby characters and vehicles, each with unique stats. Players would automatically accelerate as they used a single button to brake, perform drifts, and activate special abilities.
The previous installment featured three primary game modes: a traditional racing mode, a unique top-down mode, and the City Trial mode, where players could explore an open city and collect vehicle upgrades before timed mini-games commenced.
So far, the only characters confirmed are Kirby and a few color variations. It’s safe to speculate that the final roster will likely include other iconic characters from the Kirby universe, like King Dedede and Waddle Dee.
Preorder
As we await a confirmed release date, preorder details for Kirby Air Riders are not yet available. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
