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A classic returns with speed, chaos, and a modern twist
Kirby fans have been waiting years for this, and now it’s official: Kirby Air Riders is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025, and it looks bigger and better than ever.
This isn’t just a remaster, it’s a full return of the wild, chaotic racing game that first appeared on the GameCube. Nintendo has brought back Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros. and the original Air Ride, to lead the project. That detail alone has fans buzzing.
What’s New This Time
The basics are still familiar. You don’t need to hold down an accelerator, your ride moves on its own. You steer with the stick, charge a boost with the B button, and unleash powerful specials with the Y button. Kirby even has unique moves depending on his colour skin.
But the new version adds much more. There’s a roster of 16 characters, including King Dedede, Meta Knight, Waddle Dee, Knuckle Joe, and more. The popular City Trial mode is back too, only this time it’s larger, faster, and supports 16-player online races. You explore a floating hub, collect upgrades, and then battle it out in Stadium events that are as unpredictable as ever.
The Look and Feel
The Switch 2 gives the game a fresh coat of paint. Races are packed with flashing colours, flying debris, and random events like meteor showers that shake things up. Early previews describe it as a “kaleidoscopic adrenaline rush.” It’s not just racing, it’s chaos with style.
Why Fans Are Hyped
There’s a lot of nostalgia here, but it’s not stuck in the past. With smoother controls, more characters, and online play, Kirby Air Riders feels like the perfect mix of old-school fun and modern design. Sakurai’s return also reassures players that Nintendo is taking this one seriously.
And the best part: players don’t have to wait too long. A hands-on demo will be available at PAX West at the end of August, giving fans their first chance to try the game before its holiday release.
Bottom Line
Kirby Air Riders on Switch 2 is shaping up to be more than just another racer. It’s a nostalgic comeback polished with new features, bigger battles, and enough mayhem to make it stand out even in Nintendo’s crowded lineup. For anyone who grew up with the original or just loves chaotic multiplayer games, this one is a must-watch.
