Nintendo has officially confirmed that Kirby Air Riders will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. The announcement came during a dedicated Kirby Air Riders Direct, which revealed over 45 minutes of gameplay footage, characters, and new features for this long-awaited sequel.
A Cult Classic Returns
Originally released as Kirby Air Ride on the Nintendo GameCube, the game earned mixed reviews but has since become a cult classic among Nintendo fans. Few expected a sequel, making the reveal of Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2 one of the year’s biggest surprises. Developed as a joint project between Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco, the game preserves the core racing mechanics while expanding nearly every feature.
Playable Characters
The Direct confirmed 12 playable characters, each with unique stats and abilities. The roster includes both fan favorites and deep cuts from the Kirby universe:
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Bandana Waddle Dee
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Cappy
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Chef Kawasaki
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Gooey
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Knuckle Joe
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Magolor
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Kirby
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King Dedede
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Meta Knight
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Starman
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Susie
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Waddle Doo
At the end of the presentation, Nintendo teased the inclusion of Dark Matter, suggesting more unlockable characters will be revealed closer to launch.
Every rider can use all Air Ride machines and tap into copy abilities, keeping gameplay balanced. Confirmed abilities include Plasma, Sword, Bomb, Wheel, Mike, Cutter, Jet, and Steel Ball — some boosting speed, others offering offensive edge.
Game Modes
Three game modes were revealed:
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Air Ride — Classic racing with up to 6 players online.
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City Trial — The fan-favorite mode returns, set on the floating island of Skyah. Up to 16 online players (or 8 locally) can explore, gather power-ups, and compete in a Stadium event once time runs out. Random dynamic events keep matches unpredictable.
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Lessons Mode — A tutorial system to teach new players driving techniques, abilities, and strategies.
Unlike traditional racers, Kirby Air Riders does not use an acceleration button. Instead, players rely on a Boost button and a new Special button that unleashes devastating Final Smash-style attacks.
Confirmed Courses
Nintendo confirmed five race courses so far:
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Cavernous Corners — A winding cave system in the jungle.
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Cyberion Highway — A neon cyberspace-inspired digital track.
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Floria Fields — Bright meadows filled with blooming flowers.
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Mount Amberfalls — A sunset descent down a rugged mountain.
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Waveflow Waters — Ocean-themed racing across waves and waterfalls.
It’s unclear if more tracks will be added, but fans can likely expect additional reveals closer to release.
Multiplayer & Connectivity
Kirby Air Riders supports up to 16 players online and 8 players locally on multiple Switch 2 consoles. Split-screen support has yet to be confirmed, but the game promises chaotic, fast-paced fun with friends.
With its November 20, 2025 launch date locked in, Kirby Air Riders looks like one of the Switch 2’s most exciting exclusives. Packed with 12 (and counting) playable characters, new copy abilities, expanded City Trial, and creative courses, the game is set to deliver both nostalgia and fresh excitement for Kirby fans worldwide.