Kirby Air Riders: Everything We Know

If you’ve ever drifted around corners at lightning speed in Kirby Air Ride on the Nintendo GameCube, then buckle up because Kirby Air Riders is officially on the horizon! It’s been over two decades (yes, twenty years!) since the original blasted onto our screens, and fans have been holding their collective breath for a follow-up ever since. Now, dreams are coming true in Warp Star-sized fashion. The biggest cherry on top? Masahiro Sakurai, the mastermind behind Kirby Air Ride, is back in the director’s seat for the first time since Kirby & The Amazing Mirror. So, what’s in store for this high-speed, pink puff-powered comeback? Here’s everything we know so far and why you should be very excited.

What is Kirby Air Riders?

Kirby Air Riders is a spin-off game from the Kirby series. It’s a direct sequel to the 2003 Nintendo GameCube game Kirby Air Ride, which became a fan favorite thanks to its fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay. This new game will fully exploit the Nintendo Switch 2’s power. It will bring exciting new features and mechanics while staying true to the spirit of the original.

Story

At this point, details about the story are still pretty scarce. But, like most Kirby spin-offs, we can probably expect a lighthearted and fun narrative rather than anything too serious. From what we’ve seen so far, it seems like the plot will be all about the action. The trailers suggest that the game will center around a big racing event or friendly competition in Dream Land.

Though the story is mostly about fun, don’t be surprised if there’s a surprise villain lurking around. It wouldn’t be a Kirby game without one. Overall, it seems like the narrative will mainly be there to keep the races and action moving. It’s all about the fun and fast gameplay that fans know and love.

Gameplay

Kirby Air Riders is going to stick with the fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay that made the original Kirby Air Ride so popular. Players will race through the air using different Air Ride Machines, competing against each other or AI opponents. Additionally, players will get to use the special abilities of the Air Ride Machines to gain an edge.

One thing that made Kirby Air Ride so great was the variety of Air Ride Machines, each with its own unique traits. The good news is that some of those machines will return for Kirby Air Riders. We’ve already seen the Wagon Star, Warp Star, Wheelie Bike, and Winged Star in the trailers. Each of these will offer different playstyles, so players can mix things up depending on their preferences.

Another cool feature is the multiplayer mode. Just like in Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Air Riders will offer both single-player and multiplayer modes. You’ll be able to race against friends in either local or online multiplayer, making the experience even more fun and competitive. 

Development

The development of Kirby Air Riders is especially exciting because it marks the return of Masahiro Sakurai. He returns as the director of a Kirby game for the first time in over twenty years. In a video on his YouTube channel, Sakurai mentioned that he had been working on a new project, but couldn’t reveal what it was at the time. In 2021, he was approached by Nintendo to create a game proposal. After it was accepted, full production on Kirby Air Riders began in April 2022.

Sakurai has said that balancing work on his YouTube channel and the development of this game at the same time was a challenge. However, he’s passionate about the project, which shows in the details we’ve seen. This action racing game is being developed by Bandai Namco Studios, with whom Sakurai has worked on previous titles. HAL Laboratory, the creators of Kirby, is also involved, though their exact role isn’t clear. Still, with Sakurai leading the project, we can expect a game that’s full of fresh ideas and energy.

Trailer

The first trailer for Kirby Air Riders was revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2. The trailer shows off the stunning visuals and introduces both new and returning Air Ride Machines. It also teases some of the fun, creative courses players will race through. From what we can see, the game will really take advantage of the Switch 2’s graphics, making everything look vibrant and polished.

One of the highlights in the trailer is the return of the Wagon Star and Warp Star. For fans of the original game, these iconic machines will definitely bring back some nostalgic memories. We also get a glimpse of the gameplay, with Kirby and other characters zooming through the air. We see them collecting power-ups and racing through colorful courses. Surprisingly, there’s a course that looks similar to Fantasy Meadows from the original game. However, it’s unclear if it’s the same course or a new one inspired by it.

Additionally, the trailer’s upbeat and fast-paced soundtrack adds to the excitement. Notably, it gives us a taste of the game’s energetic experience. It also hints at the multiplayer modes, with shots showing players racing against each other in dynamic environments. If the trailer is any indication, we’re in for a thrilling ride when the game launches.

Release Date and Platforms

Kirby Air Riders is set to release in 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2. While we don’t have an exact release date yet, players can expect this racing game to launch worldwide simultaneously. This continues Nintendo’s trend of global releases for major titles, so fans worldwide will be able to enjoy the game on the same day.

Currently, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the only confirmed platform for Kirby Air Riders. This means that players must have a new console to experience the game. If you’re planning to pick up the Switch 2, this game will definitely be one to look forward to. The original Kirby Air Ride, which was released on the Nintendo GameCube, was a huge success. With Masahiro Sakurai back and the enhanced power of the Nintendo Switch 2, Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Kirby series.