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Kirby Air Riders was announced during Nintendo’s April 2, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct as a new console-exclusive vehicle-action game directed by Masahiro Sakurai. It launched on November 20, 2025. The April presentation established the game and its platform; Nintendo’s October follow-up Direct later detailed additional modes and features.
What Nintendo announced on April 2, 2025
Nintendo of America’s April 2 Direct introduced Kirby Air Riders as a brand-new game directed by Masahiro Sakurai and exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement also connected it to Kirby Air Ride, the earlier GameCube game released more than 20 years before. Nintendo’s Direct video
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The April reveal named the November 20, 2025 release date. That date has passed: Nintendo’s US product listing now marks the game “Available Now.” Nintendo’s US store listing
How the game works
Nintendo describes Kirby Air Riders as fast-paced vehicle action. Players choose riders and machines, then race or battle on the ground and in the air. The official overview shows Kirby drifting to charge a boost, collecting power-ups around the City Trial city, switching machines, using Copy Abilities, and entering Stadium events. Nintendo’s game overview
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Modes and features added in the October Direct
Nintendo’s October 23, 2025 follow-up presentation supplied more detail than the April announcement. It covered returning modes, a story-driven sequence, online gathering features, and course content. Nintendo’s October Direct recap
Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial
Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial offer different ways to compete. Top Ride is a top-down racing mode. Nintendo said it supports online races with up to eight players, or offline play with three other players and four CPUs. In City Trial, players gather power-ups and change machines before competing in Stadium events.
Road Trip
Road Trip is a story-driven single-player mode that combines challenges from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride in a sequence of events.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Paddock and Swap Relay
Paddock is an online gathering lobby where players can meet, set up matches, and choose modes. Swap Relay changes the machine used from lap to lap.
Returning courses
Nintendo said all nine Air Ride courses from the original game return, bringing the total to 18.
Player counts and online requirements
Nintendo’s US listing specifies these supported player counts:
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
| Play type | Players |
|---|---|
| One system | 1–4 |
| Local wireless | 2–8 |
| Online | 1–16 |
Online features require a Nintendo Account and paid Nintendo Switch Online membership according to Nintendo’s US listing. Nintendo notes that online service and membership availability are subject to regional limitations, so check the terms for your country. Nintendo’s US store listing
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Game editions
Nintendo lists both digital and physical purchase options for Nintendo Switch 2. The physical edition is for Switch 2, not the earlier GameCube console. Nintendo’s listing does not establish retailer stock or price, so availability and cost should be confirmed with the seller.
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Optional Kirby Air Riders amiibo
The game-specific amiibo are optional figures sold separately; they are not required to play. Nintendo describes the rider-and-machine figures as mix-and-matchable. Used as Figure Players, they can gain levels and machine proficiency. Scanning compatible amiibo can also award in-game rewards such as Miles; a Kirby Air Riders amiibo can update the Main Menu Figure and can be used in supported modes. Nintendo Support’s amiibo instructions
Quick Recap
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.
