Kirby Air Riders gets a release date

Nintendo announces Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2 with a November 20 2025 release and a new, expanded feature set.

Kirby Air Riders Release Date Revealed Creator Explains Motivation

Nintendo unveiled Kirby Air Riders during the Switch 2 reveal, confirming a November 20, 2025 launch for the new title. The game builds on the 2003 GameCube classic by moving beyond a simple one-button race and adding a boost drift system along with character-specific power-ups. The roster now spans familiar Kirby figures like Kirby, Meta Knight, Magalor, and Banana Waddle Dee, each with their own stats, and every character can ride machines. City Trial returns as a core mode, supporting up to 15 players online or locally, with a range of mini-games that test speed, combat, and strategy. The price is set at £58.99 in the UK, and the release could position Kirby Air Riders as Nintendo’s holiday title for Switch 2.

Sakurai’s involvement signals more than a cameo. He says the project grew from a push by Nintendo staff and HAL Laboratory leaders, and he managed to draft a proposal quickly while finishing other Smash Bros. work. The Direct hints there are features not yet shown, suggesting ongoing development and a deliberate, iterative rollout. The shift from a single-button gimmick to a more complex system mirrors trends in modern racers, combining precise driving with tactical power-ups. Yet the game faces the usual questions: can it stand out against longstanding rivals and a crowded holiday lineup, and will nostalgia alone sustain long-term appeal?

Highlights

Nintendo tests nostalgia with a modern, multiplayer-focused remix that could redefine a beloved spin on racing.