Kirby Air Riders Speeds Toward Nintendo Switch 2 with New Modes, Customization, Online Features, and a Global Test Ride

The pink puffball is back and more turbo-charged than ever.

In the latest Kirby Air Riders Direct presentation, legendary game director Masahiro Sakurai returned to reveal everything fans can expect when Kirby Air Riders launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. Nearly 20 years after the cult-classic Kirby Air Ride for GameCube, this new installment isn’t just a remake – it’s a bold evolution of Kirby's high-speed legacy, offering new game modes, deep customization, online features, collectibles, and even amiibo integration.

Let’s break down everything announced during the presentation and why Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Nintendo titles of the year.

Return of Top Ride and Debut of Road Trip Mode

The presentation opened with a crowd-pleaser: the return of Top Ride, the fast-paced, top-down racing mode originally introduced in the 2003 GameCube title. Now playable online with up to eight racers, Top Ride features new items like Kaboomb and Drill Driver, and lets you combine machines and riders separately for a new layer of strategy.

More intriguing, however, was the debut of Road Trip Mode, a brand-new single-player and co-op adventure that spans the gameplay styles of Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride. Players will face races, battles, and Field Events while collecting machines and items to use between challenges. And there’s a narrative here too, hinting at a journey filled with discovery for Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and others.

Online Play Gets a Massive Upgrade

Kirby Air Riders is going big on online multiplayer, introducing several new features:

• The Paddock: A social hub where players can walk around, set up matches, use emotes, and even pose their characters.
• Swap Relay: A fresh racing twist where each lap has you swap machines. You can also swap with a local co-op partner by passing the controller like a relay baton.
• Global Win Power & Class Ranking: A new ranked system that matches players by skill using rainbow-colored class ranks. Global Win Power tracks your total wins in each multiplayer mode.
• Team Battles: City Trial can now host 16-player matches split into 2 teams. Legendary machine parts are shareable among teammates, creating more strategic depth.
• Licenses: Your online ID includes custom glitter effects, stickers, and a two-part Street Name. Think "Star Flier" or "Turbo Puff."

Machines, Customization, and Collectibles

One of the most surprising reveals was the depth of customization:

• My Machine & Garage: Earn in-game currency called Miles to customize your machines with decals, effects, and accessories. You can even design a custom garage and sell your creations on the Machine Market.
• Gummies: Defeat rival machines to earn a collectible Gummy version. Inhale them, fire them, show them off – it's the new badge of honour.
• Checklist Returns: Complete objectives across modes to unlock content. New this time: Online has its own tab, but no riders or machines are locked behind it.

Legendary Machines, New Characters, and the Return of the Dragoon

The fan-favourite legendary machines Dragoon and Hydra are back – and rebuildable through gameplay.

A new machine, the Transform Star, can switch between flight and ground modes on the fly. Rapidly moving the control stick changes its form, allowing tactical responses mid-race.

New playable characters were also confirmed, including:

• Taranza, the clever spider from Kirby: Triple Deluxe
• Lololo & Lalala, the mischievous twins

All characters and machines can be mixed and matched for unique playstyles.

amiibo Integration and Figure Training

Three massive amiibo figure packs are coming:

• Meta Knight & Shadow Star (March 5, 2026)
• King Dedede & Tank Star (2026)
• Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star (2026)

These magnetized figures let you swap riders and machines. You can also train up your amiibo as a Figure Player, similar to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

More Music, Modes, and Replay Value

• My Music: Inspired by Super Smash Bros., select your favorite Kirby tracks to play during City Trial. Composers Shogo Sakai and Noriyuki Iwadare are back with new and classic tracks.
• New Copy Abilities: Like "Flash," which lets you surge forward and shock enemies.
• Stadium Bosses: Including Robo Dedede, who shifts between robot and car form.
• Voice Customization: Choose announcer voices in different languages and styles.

You can also hone your skills in Time Attack or Free Run, or just explore Skyah at your own pace.

Try Before You Buy: Kirby Air Riders Global Test Ride

Nintendo Switch 2 owners will get an early taste of the action with a free online demo:

Global Test Ride Dates:

• Nov. 8: 12am-6am PT & 4pm-10pm PT
• Nov. 9: 7am-1pm PT
• Nov. 15: 12am-6am PT & 4pm-10pm PT
• Nov. 16: 7am-1pm PT

Available modes include Lessons, Air Ride (Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, Mount Amberfalls), and City Trial. Up to 16 players can race and play online in the demo, with up to 32 supported in the full version.

Players who preorder the digital version from Nintendo eShop will receive an exclusive in-game hat to wear during the Global Test Ride. The hat will not carry over to the full game.

Final Thoughts: Is Kirby Air Riders the Most Feature-Rich Nintendo Racer Yet?

From social lobbies to machine customization, collectible Gummies to the return of classic Air Ride maps, Kirby Air Riders is doing more than just bringing back an old favourite – it's redefining what a Kirby racer can be.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the GameCube classic or a newcomer curious about this unique racing platformer, the upcoming Global Test Ride is the perfect chance to experience what’s shaping up to be one of the most creative Nintendo releases of 2025.

Let us know in the comments or on social media how you plan to ride into the skies when Kirby Air Riders drops on November 20!