Kirby’s Racing Comeback Is Bigger and Bolder Than We Ever Imagined
For years, it’s been a cult classic, a game whispered about in nostalgic corners of the internet. But the wait is finally over. Kirby Air Riders is making its grand return on the Nintendo Switch 2, and after today’s hour-long Direct presentation, it’s clear that this isn’t just a simple remake. Game director Masahiro Sakurai himself walked us through a staggering amount of new and returning content, proving that this sequel is a massive, feature-rich love letter to the original GameCube gem.
From a full-blown story mode to the glorious return of City Trial, the Direct was packed with surprises. If you were worried this sequel wouldn’t live up to the legacy of the original, you can put those fears to rest. Let’s dive into all the incredible details that were just revealed.
Take a ‘Road Trip’ in a Brand-New Story Mode
The biggest and most unexpected reveal was ‘Road Trip,’ a brand new, story-driven campaign mode. This isn’t just a series of races; it’s a cross-country adventure across the world of Kirby Air Riders. The story kicks off when the game’s iconic Air Ride Machines, which have fallen from the sky, begin to act strangely. It’s up to Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee, and other familiar faces to embark on a journey to figure out what’s going on.
During your trip, you’ll choose your path by navigating different lanes, leading to a variety of challenges like timed races, minigames, and even boss battles. The mode will introduce new characters to the world, like Magman and Elline, who can uniquely alter your journey. It’s a massive addition that gives the game a whole new dimension, offering a deep single-player experience alongside its beloved multiplayer modes.
City Trial and Top Ride Are Back and Better Than Ever
Let’s be real, for many fans, this is the main event. Sakurai confirmed that the fan-favorite ‘City Trial’ mode is returning, and it looks better than ever. The core loop of exploring a city, grabbing upgrades, and powering up your machine for a final stadium battle is fully intact. The Direct also showcased Team Battles within City Trial, adding a new layer of strategy to the chaotic fun. New field events and stadiums are also being added to keep things fresh.
But that’s not all. ‘Top Ride,’ the classic isometric racing mode, is also making a comeback. Sakurai explained that this mode has been heavily expanded for the sequel. It’s no longer just a simple minigame; it now incorporates all the items and abilities from the main Air Ride mode, making these short, sweet races more dynamic and unpredictable than ever before.
A Universe of Customization and Content
If the new and returning modes weren’t enough, the Direct spent a huge amount of time showcasing the sheer volume of other content packed into the game. Customization is a huge focus, with players able to create their own machine, buy new parts in the ‘Machine Market,’ and even unlock different headwear for their riders. The level of detail here is incredible, promising a deep and rewarding progression system.
Here’s a quick rundown of just some of the other features revealed:
| Category | Features Revealed |
|---|---|
| Game Modes | Air Ride, City Trial, Top Ride, Road Trip, Time Attack, Free Run, Boss Battles, Swap Relay, Stadium Events |
| Riders & Machines | Large roster of riders including Kirby, King Dedede, and Waddle Dee. Return of legendary machines and the new ‘Transform Star’. |
| Customization | ‘My Machine’ creation, Machine Market for parts, unlockable Headwear, and a Garage to store your creations. |
| Collectibles & Progression | Checklists to complete, Miles and Gummies to collect for unlocks, and a full music player with ‘My Music’ playlists. |
| Technical & Hardware | Full online play, amiibo support with new Kirby Air Riders figures, and detailed visual effect options. |
The presentation made it clear that this game is a complete package at launch, which is set for November 20, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s not just a sequel; it’s the ultimate version of Kirby Air Riders that fans have been dreaming of for over two decades.
Conclusion
Today’s Kirby Air Riders Direct was a masterclass in how to build hype. Masahiro Sakurai and his team have clearly listened to what fans loved about the original while adding an incredible amount of new content that modernizes the experience for a new generation. With a full story mode, an expanded City Trial, and near-endless customization, this isn’t just a must-play for Kirby fans; it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest and best exclusives for the Nintendo Switch 2. The race is about to begin, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new modes were announced for Kirby Air Riders?
The biggest new mode is ‘Road Trip,’ a story-driven campaign. The Direct also confirmed the return of ‘Top Ride’ and ‘City Trial,’ both of which have been expanded with new features.
Is there a story mode in the new Kirby Air Riders?
Yes, the brand-new ‘Road Trip’ mode is a full single-player campaign where you travel the world, complete challenges, and uncover a mystery involving the Air Ride Machines.
When does Kirby Air Riders release?
The game is scheduled to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025.
Is the original City Trial mode returning?
Yes, City Trial is back and looks better than ever. The Direct confirmed it will include Team Battles and new stadium events for the final showdown.
Will the game have online multiplayer?
Yes, the Kirby Air Riders Direct confirmed that the game will feature full online play.
Who is directing the game?
The game is being directed by Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Kirby and the director of the original Kirby Air Ride on the GameCube.