The next big Switch 2 exclusive is almost here, as Kirby Air Riders launches for the Nintendo system on November 20. Ahead of its release, game director Masahiro Sakurai hosted a lengthy livestream, revealing new details on the game and breaking down its various systems in exhaustive detail. The Nintendo veteran had lots to say in the hour-long presentation–ranging from how Kirby Air Riders won’t have DLC to confirming that a new Global Test Ride has been scheduled for next month. In case you missed it–and the first informative livestream for it–here’s a quick look at the biggest reveals from today’s Kirby Air Riders livestream.
Top Ride makes its adorable return
Kicking things off was confirmation that Top Ride mode from Kirby Air Ride will return in Kirby Air Riders. This allows users to view and play the game from a top-down perspective and offers various options for each session. You can also use Quick Spins and Boost Charges in this mode–plus Copy Abilities such as Flash–and take advantage of unique items to give you an edge in each race. It can be played online with up to eight players, or offline with three players and four CPUs on a single system.
Road Trip is full of challenges
A new activity called Road Trip will see players take on various challenges across the Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride modes. There’s even a story behind this mode to explain why Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and everyone else is taking part, but Sakurai wasn’t ready to spill the beans on it yet.
The Paddock looks like a cute social space
A new social space for friends in Kirby Air Riders, the Paddock acts as a lobby for players to explore and interact with. You’ll be able to change the music, send emotes, and work on character poses while races are being organized.
Swap Relay requires you to think two laps ahead
Air Ride mode introduces a new type of race called Swap Relay. You’ll select a machine for an individual lap and automatically swap it out for another as you complete laps.
The Transform Star looks like the ultimate vehicle
A Swiss-Army Knife of a machine, the Transform Star can change into various types of vehicles with the flick of a joystick.
The Checklist is also back to help you keep track of things
For players who like to keep things organized, the Checklist from Kirby Air Ride is making a return. Like the original system, Checklist tabs will keep track of your progress and completing objectives through them will unlock more content in the game.
Are these the best Amiibo figures yet?
As you might have noticed, the Kirby Air Riders Amiibo are bigger than your typical Nintendo figures. That’s because they feature their respective rider and their machine, as well as an added twist: You can swap them out. Since they’re magnetically attached, you can swap them out with other Kirby Air Riders Amiibo to create new combos, as well as train up your amiibo Figure player and increase their experience levels.
Sakurai showed off several new Amiibo–Meta Knight on the Shadow Star, King Dedede on the Tank Star, and Chef Kawasaki on the Hop Star–and these will arrive in 2026.
Kirby Air Riders has 18 courses
From Fantasy Meadows to Nebula Belt, Kirby Air Riders will have an impressive selection of courses to race in. This includes all nine tracks from the original game, bringing the total up to 18.
License to thrill
For a touch of reality, players will get to flex their driver’s license in multiplayer. This status card is used to identify you when playing online and can be viewed when competing against other players. As you’d expect, you can even customize it with stickers and effects.
New faces join the roster
A few more chaarcters were revealed for the Kirby Air Riders roster: Taranza the cunning arachnid and the mischievous duo of Lololo and Lalala.
Don’t forget to customize your ride
Customization will be a big part of the Kirby Air Riders experience, as players can kit out their machines and garages with all manner of kit. Miles can be used to acquire customizable accessories, your machines can be equipped with new decorative parts that you acquire at the Miles Shop, and machine-shaped Gummies collectibles can be earned by defeating rivals.
Pump up the jam, pump it up
Sakurai praised game composers Shogo Sakai and Noriyuki Iwadare, and he added that Kirby Air Riders will have a My Music option that allows you to select tracks while playing in City Trial mode or exploring Skyah.
Another Kirby Air Riders global test is on the way
If you’re keen to try out the game–and you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership–you can join the global test for Kirby Air Riders at the following times in November:
November 8
- 12 AM – 6 AM PT / 3 AM ET – 9 AM ET
- 4 PM – 10 PM PT / 7 PM ET – 1 AM ET (November 9)
November 9
- 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM ET – 4 PM ET
November 15
- 12 AM – 6 AM PT / 3 AM ET – 9 AM ET
- 4 PM – 10 PM PT / 7 PM ET – 1 AM ET (November 9)
November 16
- 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM ET – 4 PM ET
Don’t expect any DLC for Kirby Air Riders
Sakurai added that there are no post-launch DLC plans for the game. “I have thrown everything I have into this game from the start. So I hope you don’t miss this opportunity.” Sakurai said.