Hold onto your controllers, folks! The Kirby Air Riders Direct presentation has just dropped some jaw-dropping news that you won’t want to miss. Game director Masahiro Sakurai himself took center stage to unveil the latest features of this high-octane vehicle action game launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. If you’ve ever dreamt of zipping through the skies or racing on land with your favorite pink puffball, your dreams are about to come true!

Kirby Air Riders takes the thrilling chaos of Kirby Air Ride, which debuted on the Nintendo GameCube in 2003, and cranks it up to eleven. Imagine driving, soaring, and gliding through vibrant landscapes while controlling Kirby and an impressive roster of riders, each with unique abilities and characteristics. It’s a wild ride that promises to keep you on your toes!

So, what can we expect from this exciting new title? Let’s dive into the details! First up, we have the riding techniques. Each Air Ride machine, or as we like to call them, “machines,” is designed to hover above the ground and move forward automatically. That’s right—no need to mash buttons just to get moving! You’ll use the left stick to tilt and change direction, making it easy to navigate through the chaos.

Want to ramp up the speed? Just press the B Button to initiate a Boost Charge, which will have you zooming ahead in no time. But here’s the kicker: by holding the button through sharp turns, you can master drift maneuvers that give you a serious edge over your competition. It’s not just about speed; it’s about strategy!

But wait, there’s more! Each rider has a unique Special move activated by the Y Button. By attacking rival riders, you can fill up your Special Gauge and unleash an epic move when it’s full. Kirby, being the versatile hero he is, has four different Specials to choose from, one for each color of Kirby you can play as. Talk about variety!

Now, let’s chat about the riders themselves. Kirby Air Riders adds a layer of strategy to the mayhem with a variety of characters to choose from. Each rider comes with unique traits that can influence their machine’s performance. From weight and durability to close-range attacks, your choice of rider can make all the difference in the heat of battle. You’ll want to select your course wisely before picking your rider and machine to maximize your chances of victory.

Among the familiar faces joining Kirby are Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee, along with some notorious enemies like Cappy and Chef Kawasaki. The best part? You can mix and match riders and machines to create your ultimate combo!

Speaking of machines, let’s not forget how they elevate the gameplay. Each machine is built for more than just speed; they can sustain varying amounts of damage and even glide through the air when you jump off ramps. Control your ascent and descent by tilting the stick, and if you land perfectly, you’ll be rewarded with even more speed. And don’t forget to show off your skills with rail grinds and drifts!

But how do you level the playing field? Kirby Air Riders lets all riders inhale or capture to copy enemy abilities, giving you extra ways to attack or boost your speed. This adds a fun twist to the gameplay, making it even more unpredictable and exciting.

Now, let’s talk about the returning game modes that players can’t wait to experience. The beloved City Trial mode is making a comeback, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Set on a massive floating island called Skyah, players will have the chance to freely drive around, collect power-ups, and attack opponents to steal their machines. Your journey starts with a small, weak machine, but as you gather power-ups and engage in battles, you can upgrade your ride significantly. Plus, random field events like Dustup Derby and Short Race will keep you on your toes!

Once the power-up phase is over, it’s time to take your newly upgraded machine to the Stadiums, where you’ll compete in various challenges. Choose wisely based on your gathered power-ups, and get ready to battle it out with friends locally or online!

And if you’re feeling a bit lost with all these new mechanics, fear not! The Lessons mode is here to guide you through the basics and beyond, ensuring you’re ready for the high-speed action ahead. Plus, for all the music lovers out there, be sure to check out the Kirby Air Riders soundtrack launching on the Nintendo Music app later today, exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members!

As if all of that wasn’t enough excitement, attendees at the upcoming PAX West 2025 event in Seattle from August 29 to September 1 will have the chance to get hands-on with Kirby Air Riders at Nintendo booth

1923. Just remember to grab a Warp Pipe Pass reservation starting August 21—these slots will fill up fast!

With parental controls ensuring a safe gaming environment for younger players, there’s something for everyone in Kirby Air Riders. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, buckle up for an exhilarating ride! Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the launch of this thrilling new adventure!