Kirby Air Riders brings the beloved pink puffball back into the driver's seat for a new generation. Launching on November 20, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, this title marks the long-awaited return of Masahiro Sakurai's iconic racing spin-off, inspired by the 2003 GameCube classic, Kirby Air Ride. Fans have been eager to see whether the series' chaotic, lighthearted racing formula can thrive on Nintendo's next-generation console.
The revival, announced during the Nintendo Direct Switch 2 showcase, instantly became one of the event's biggest surprises. With Sakurai back at the helm, expectations soared for a modern, vibrant reimagining that would blend nostalgia with the technical capabilities of the new hardware. We tested the game during Paris Games Week 2025 -- and here's what we found.
Kirby Air Riders stands out from traditional racing games. Unlike Mario Kart or F-Zero, vehicles in this title move automatically. The player's focus is on steering, drifting, hovering, and attacking rivals. This control style gives the game a rhythmic, almost hypnotic pace that can feel both liberating and disorienting for first-time players.
The game offers two main modes: Classic Race and City Trial. Classic Race is familiar territory -- a colorful competition across imaginative interstellar tracks filled with power-ups and environmental hazards. City Trial, on the other hand, is a free-form battle mode where players gather items and power-ups before facing off in a chaotic final showdown. While this mode brings back fond memories for longtime fans, newcomers might find its structure confusing at first.
Each Kirby can pilot different "Air Machines," each with unique handling, acceleration, and attack stats. The physics are smooth, with tight drift mechanics and a satisfying learning curve. The graphics shine on Switch 2, with dynamic lighting and vivid colors that make every race feel like a living painting. Nintendo's playful design philosophy is present in every detail, from sound effects to particle trails.
On the Nintendo Switch 2, Kirby Air Riders benefits from significantly improved frame rates and resolution compared to past Kirby spin-offs. The aesthetic remains true to its roots -- bright, whimsical, and slightly chaotic. The soundtrack, composed by long-time Kirby collaborators, reinforces the nostalgic yet modern vibe. Each circuit bursts with life, from floating space stations to candy-colored asteroid belts.
That said, the game's sheer speed and sensitivity can overwhelm casual players. Some may find themselves losing control mid-race, while others will relish the frantic unpredictability. It's a design choice that perfectly captures the "joyful chaos" fans remember from the GameCube era. Kirby Air Riders doesn't reinvent racing -- it redefines fun through simplicity and flair.
Kirby Air Riders is both a love letter to old-school Nintendo fans and a bold experiment for a new generation. Its auto-acceleration system, zany City Trial mode, and visually dazzling tracks make it one of the most unique racing titles in years. While not as polished or structured as Mario Kart 9, it thrives on personality, nostalgia, and energy.