Kirby’s Racing Comeback Hits Switch 2
After years of fan speculation and nostalgia-fueled wishlists, Nintendo has finally delivered:
Kirby Air Riders launched this week for the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the pink puffball’s return to high-speed, chaotic racing for the first time since the GameCube era. The new title is both a sequel and a reboot, aiming to capture the magic of the 2003 cult classic
Kirby Air Ride while turbocharging it for a new generation of players.
New Modes, Classic Courses, and a Story-Driven Twist
Nintendo’s recent Direct presentations have revealed a treasure trove of features.
All nine original Air Ride courses return—think Fantasy Meadows and Nebula Belt—now joined by nine new tracks, bringing the total to 18. The beloved
City Trial mode is back and bigger than ever, letting up to 32 players roam, collect power-ups, and face off in wild Stadium events.
But the real headline is the
Road Trip mode: a story-driven campaign where Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and others embark on a mysterious journey, blending races, battles, and field events with narrative twists. For those craving variety,
Top Ride offers a top-down, arcade-style experience, while new machines and legendary rides like Dragoon and Hydra add depth and nostalgia.
Multiplayer Mayhem and Customization Galore
Online play is a major focus. The new
Paddock lobby lets up to 32 players gather, chat, spectate, and show off custom rides—turning the game into a social hub. Ranked matches, casual races, and even a Machine Market for trading custom vehicles ensure there’s always something to do.
Customization is front and center: players can deck out their machines with accessories, decals, and effects, and even trade them using in-game currency earned through challenges. The day-one update added new features like Team Battle in City Trial, video replay exports, and crucial bug fixes to smooth out the launch.
Mixed Reviews: Fun, Fast, and Sometimes Frustrating
Early reviews are a mixed bag. Critics praise the game’s
vibrant visuals, robust multiplayer, and sheer variety of modes. The streamlined controls—just two buttons for racing and special moves—make it accessible, but some reviewers find the core Air Ride races “exceedingly short and insubstantial,” wishing for more depth in single-player content.
Still, the chaos and unpredictability of City Trial, the social features of the Paddock, and the nostalgia factor are winning over many fans. One reviewer even claims, “I like Kirby Air Riders more than Mario Kart World,” citing the game’s creativity and replay value.
The Most Expensive Amiibo Ever?
In a surprise twist, Nintendo is releasing a
Kirby Air Riders amiibo with a swappable base—reportedly the company’s most expensive amiibo to date, retailing at
$50 USD. The figure is already generating buzz (and some sticker shock) among collectors.
What’s Next for Kirby’s Racing Future?
With a strong launch, a packed feature set, and a focus on community,
Kirby Air Riders looks poised to become a staple for party gaming and online competition on Switch 2. Nintendo’s willingness to revisit and reinvent a cult favorite shows the company is listening to its fans—and not afraid to take risks.
Whether you’re a longtime Kirby devotee or a newcomer looking for a wild ride, this is one Nintendo revival that’s hard to ignore.
Sources
1. A second Kirby Air Riders Direct presentation shares more ...
2. Kirby™ Air Riders for Nintendo Switch 2
3. Kirby Air Riders Returns With Mixed Reviews In 2025
4. New Kirby amiibo Will Apparently Be Nintendo's "Most ...
5. Kirby Air Riders gets a big day one update (patch notes)
6. Kirby Air Riders Looks To Be Powered By Bandai Namco's ...
7. Kirby Air Riders' Day One Update Has Arrived, Here Are ...
8. Kirby Star Allies
9. Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts ...
10. List of misconceptions - WiKirby: it's a wiki, about Kirby!
11. Kirby Air Riders gets big day one 1.1.1 update, patch notes
12. Upcoming Switch 2 games for 2025 and beyond
13. Review: I Like Kirby Air Riders More Than Mario Kart World
14. Kirby Air Riders Review - Ter-Rick-fic
