Kirby Air Riders City Trial returns on Switch 2

Masahiro Sakurai reveals the City Trial revival in Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2, featuring a larger Skyah hub and fast, chaotic races.

Kirby Air Riders City Trial Returns on Switch 2 with Skyah Hub

Masahiro Sakurai's detailed rundown confirms City Trial returns in Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2. The new hub Skyah is a larger sandbox where players speed around to collect parts and build the best machine. The world includes zones such as caves, volcanoes and oceans, expanding the play area beyond the GameCube original. After building within a five-minute window, players head to Stadium events that test agility and long jumps, among other challenges, mirroring the original mode.

Fans who loved the GameCube classic will find the reboot keeps the same core thrill while offering more space and variety. The look and structure hint at a blend of nostalgia with modern hardware, inviting players to explore how the new scale and features affect pacing and competition.

The revival shows how Nintendo leans on beloved modes to anchor new hardware. City Trial’s sandbox design invites creativity, so a bigger Skyah could amplify both chaos and strategy. But there is risk: if players feel the balance is off or the extra space slows down the action, the mode may lose its bite. The preview suggests Nintendo is testing a careful balance between memory and innovation, aiming to attract old fans and new players at once.

In a broader sense, this move signals a trend where retro modes become essential launch content. The Switch 2 era could hinge on how well these reimagined classics adapt to newer tech and online play, potentially setting a template for future revivals.

Highlights

Fans will watch for how City Trial evolves on Switch 2.