Kirby Air Riders Direct Sets Stage for Switch 2

The Direct reveals Skyah City Trial on a floating island with fast rides, power-ups, and a November 20 launch window.

Kirby Air Riders Direct highlights wild vehicular action on Nintendo Switch 2

The showcase frames Kirby inside Skyah City Trial, a large floating island where players drive freely in customizable machines. They collect power-ups, attack rivals to damage or steal their machines, and swap to stronger rides to upgrade. The first phase lasts five minutes, offering intense vehicle action and quick decisions.

Field events pop up across the map, including Short Race and Dustup Derby, pushing players to act fast and adapt on the fly. Familiar Kirby bosses like Kracko and Dyna Blade appear, linking this spin of City Trial to the franchise’s history. After the initial sprint, the action moves into a second phase, hinting at deeper progression and more surprises to come.

The idea of a floating map and vehicle combat signals a deliberate push toward chaotic yet accessible multiplayer. It keeps Kirby playful while inviting players to master speed, map control, and quick risk-reward choices. The design leans into party-friendly play without sacrificing the thrill of competition.

At the same time, questions linger about balance and pacing. Can the pace stay sharp as players swap machines and chase power-ups? Will the game scale well on Switch 2 for audiences who want couch co-op as well as online matches? The presentation suggests Nintendo is betting big on multiplayer spectacle that complements the series’ quieter sides.

Highlights

The next updates will show how players respond to this new tempo and scope.