The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Kirby Air Riders brings back City Trial, the free-roaming mode where players spend five minutes improving their machines before competing in a Stadium event. This time, the exploration takes place on Skyah, a floating island Nintendo identifies as the mode’s setting. Nintendo’s materials establish the mode and its new setting, but do not quantify the headline’s description of City Trial as “popular.”
What is City Trial in Kirby Air Riders?
City Trial is a prepare-then-compete mode. Players roam Skyah for five minutes, collecting power-ups and improving machine stats before the game selects a Stadium contest. Field Events and rival players can also affect what happens during the exploration phase, so the goal is to build a machine suited to the contest that follows—not simply to travel as far as possible.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Kirby Air Riders - Nintendo Switch 2 | $48.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Kirby Air Riders Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412VOa-X12L._SL160_.jpg)
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Kirby Air Riders Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code] | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Kirby Star Allies - Nintendo Switch | $52.89 | Buy on Amazon |
Nintendo’s official City Trial overview describes this loop and the range of Stadium challenges. The listed examples show how much the final event can change what counts as useful preparation:
- Kirby Melee: defeat opponents.
- Air Glider: fly as far as possible.
- Drag Race: ride straight ahead as quickly as possible.
- Target Flight: hit scoring panels.
What is the new City Trial map?
The setting is Skyah, a floating island. Nintendo’s City Trial page confirms the location; it does not provide a map size or a detailed list of landmarks in the material cited here. The useful distinction is that Skyah is the place to explore and tune a machine, while the Stadium is where the selected contest takes place.
#1 Best Overall
- Ready, set, battle! Charge, boost, and spin to attack your rivals in Kirby Air Riders, a fast-paced vehicle action featuring Kirby and crew – only on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Riders at the ready! Pick your rider, pick your machine, and mount up for competition! Take on your rivals in frantic arena battles or fast-paced races on the ground and in the air. Use the Boost Charge button to brake and control your turns as your machine automatically fights for top speed. Fill your Boost Charge gauge as you drift around the bend and release it to trigger an explosive dash!
- Ready, set, battle! Charge, boost, and spin to attack your rivals in Kirby Air Riders, a fast-paced vehicle action featuring Kirby and crew – only on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Roam around Skyah to find machines, collect power-ups, and survive through unpredictable Field Events ranging from falling meteors to powerful boss battles. After five minutes of powering up, you and your rivals will compete in one of a whole host of different Stadium contests, each with its own objective. These include drag races, battle arenas, skydiving for points and more, so it helps to be ready for anything!
- Race to the finish in Air Ride If straightforward racing is more your speed, check out Air Ride: a frantic dash where you can race against five other riders, or compete online or via local wireless. Attack opposing riders, or trail close behind their wake, to gather up stars – and use the speed boost they provide to beat your rivals to the finish line!
How many players can play City Trial?
Nintendo Support lists City Trial for up to 16 players online and up to 16 players over a local network (LAN). On one system, local play supports up to four participants. Nintendo also lists Trial, Stadium, and Free Run as City Trial choices in local play. Online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership, according to Nintendo’s multiplayer instructions.
Local network play requirements
For LAN play, Nintendo’s instructions list the following equipment for each participant, along with a shared wired router:
Rank #2
- Charge, boost, and spin to attack your rivals in this vehicle action game featuring Kirby and crew
- Use the Boost Charge button to brake and control your turns as your machine fights for top speed
- Fill up your Boost Charge Gauge and then release to trigger an explosive dash
- Choose from a variety of riders like Kirby and Meta Knight, each with their own stats and Specials
- Zip around Skyah in City Trial: a free-for-all battle for 16 players online or 8 players via local wireless
- A Nintendo Switch 2 system and dock
- A copy of the game
- An Ethernet cable
- A display
How City Trial fits alongside the other modes
City Trial centers on free exploration and machine preparation before a Stadium contest. Nintendo described Road Trip as a story-driven mode combining challenges from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride in its October 23, 2025 announcement. That makes Road Trip the more structured, story-led option, while City Trial’s defining loop is roaming Skyah and adapting to the eventual event.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release and update context
Nintendo announced Kirby Air Riders for release on November 20, 2025, and the game is now in post-launch support. Nintendo Support records a June 2, 2026 update that includes online stability and checklist fixes, as well as other adjustments affecting City Trial. The Nintendo update page provides the update information.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Use friend hearts to charm enemies and they'll fight alongside you! drop-in/drop-out co-op: up to three other players can take control of Kirby's new friends
- Play through the entire game with up to four players or with CPU friends Kirby and his friends have fresh moves thanks to new and expanded Copy abilities
- Combine abilities with elements such as wind and water to create new friend abilities some bosses and enemies are weak to certain elemental attacks, so remember to Strategize
- Battery: no battery used;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Cartoon violence
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
