Nintendo has revealed a wave of new details for Kirby Air Riders, launching November 20 on the Nintendo Switch 2. In a new Kirby Air Riders Direct, director Masahiro Sakurai showcased fresh gameplay modes, online features, and returning favourites from the 2003 GameCube original.
The biggest reveal is Road Trip, a new story-driven mode combining races, battles, and events from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride. Players collect machines and items between challenges while following Kirby, King Dedede, and friends on a mysterious journey.
Another returning mode is Top Ride, the top-down racing feature from the original game. It now supports up to eight players online and includes new abilities like Flash, which zaps nearby rivals, and items such as Drift Flames and Drill Driver.
Sakurai also introduced new gameplay mechanics like Swap Relay, where players switch machines each lap, and the Transform Star, a vehicle that shifts between flying and driving forms mid-race. Players can customize rides through the new Miles Shop, earn collectibles called Gummies, and build personalized garages to show off their creations.
Online play includes a social lobby called the Paddock, 16-player City Trial sessions, and a new ranking system called Global Win Power. Each player gets a customizable profile card called a License that tracks wins and shows cosmetic flair.
Nintendo also confirmed new oversized amiibo sets, returning tracks like Fantasy Meadows and Nebula Belt, and boss fights featuring a transforming Robo Dedede.
Loyal Kirby fans may notice that City Trial’s classic music cues and sound effects make a comeback in Air Riders, just as they did on the GameCube.
A free Global Test Ride demo runs November 8–9 and November 15–16, letting Nintendo Switch Online members try modes like Air Ride and City Trial before launch.
Kirby Air Riders arrives worldwide on November 20 for Nintendo Switch 2. You can pre-order the game here on Amazon Canada for $99.96 (and save 3 cents).
Check out a replay of the Nintendo Direct presentation from today, below (who’s excited?):
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