In a surprise announcement that delighted long-time Nintendo fans, Kirby Air Riders is officially returning with a brand-new installment for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Slated for release on November 20, 2025, this modern revival of the cult-classic 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride promises to combine the chaotic fun of the original with next-gen enhancements, expansive multiplayer, and a fresh design philosophy led by legendary game designer Masahiro Sakurai.
Unlike most modern racing games, Kirby Air Riders is not about technical perfection or traditional controls. It embraces an accessible, one-button control system that favors creativity, chaos, and adaptability—a design choice that made the original beloved among casual and hardcore fans alike. In this new version, players once again take control of Kirby and other familiar faces from Dream Land as they ride across vibrant, ever-changing tracks on an array of floating vehicles.
At the heart of the experience is the return of City Trial, the fan-favorite mode that combines exploration, upgrades, and random events into a timed scramble through an open-world city. Players collect power-ups, customize their vehicles, and prepare for a final challenge that could be anything from a traditional race to a survival battle. In this new version, City Trial has been vastly expanded, featuring procedurally generated districts, destructible environments, and dynamic weather systems that influence how each match plays out.
The game will support up to 16 players, both online and via local wireless play. This marks a significant leap from the original’s 4-player cap and reflects Nintendo’s new focus on social gaming with the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2. Players can join ranked races, casual lobbies, or rotating seasonal events where the game introduces new challenges and modifiers to keep gameplay fresh.
In terms of content, Kirby Air Riders features a wide range of rideable machines—some returning classics like the Warp Star and Winged Star, alongside brand-new creations that emphasize speed, durability, or trick performance. Each machine offers a unique feel and encourages players to adapt their strategy in both exploration and competition. Additionally, players can customize their Kirbys with cosmetic unlocks, alternate color palettes, and emotes earned through gameplay.
Masahiro Sakurai’s involvement has added a layer of excitement, as the original Air Ride was one of his earlier forays into experimental game design. His return suggests a balance of nostalgic reverence and modern ambition. During the reveal, Sakurai noted his intention to “keep it simple, make it deep,” a design mantra that aligns with the series’ charm and replayability.
Graphically, the game uses the full power of the Switch 2 hardware to deliver stunning environments with fluid motion and quick load times. Early footage shows dazzling particle effects, seamless transitions between city zones, and expressive character animations that bring Dream Land’s inhabitants to life like never before.
Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be more than just a remake—it’s a reinvention. With deep customization, wild multiplayer action, and the return of City Trial in its most ambitious form yet, the pink puffball’s return to the race track could be one of the standout titles of the holiday season.
