Nintendo's high-flying racer Kirby Air Riders returns after more than two decades, landing exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20. The sequel revives the series' chaotic, arcade-style racing with expanded modes, a deep roster, new amiibo support and a pair of public demo weekends — and it arrives with a $69.99 price tag.
What’s new and when you can try it
Ahead of the full release, Nintendo ran two Global Test Ride weekends so players could sample the game. The publisher also hosted introductory lessons that remain available throughout each demo weekend and offered a small pre-order incentive: anyone who pre-orders the game on Nintendo eShop receives an in-game set of headwear that can be used during the second demo weekend. For full details and download links, Nintendo published the demo schedule and description on its website here.
Demo schedule (Pacific Time)
- Weekend 1: Nov. 8 — 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Nov. 9 — 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Weekend 2: Nov. 15 — 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Nov. 16 — 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- City Trial: A free-for-all online arena for up to 16 players (or fewer locally), where players explore a city called Skyah to collect parts and power-ups, trigger unpredictable Field Events (falling meteors, boss encounters) and then face off in one of several Stadium contests — everything from drag races to skydiving point challenges.
- Air Ride: Classic frantic races you can play offline against up to five other Riders; drafting and star-collecting grant speed boosts and tactical options.
- Road Trip: A single-player story/progression mode of linked challenges that gradually unfolds the game’s narrative and unlocks machines and content.
- Try the demo: The Global Test Ride gives a short window to sample core modes and judge the online feel for yourself.
- Pre-order perk: Early eShop pre-orders grant cosmetic headwear usable in the second demo weekend — a small bonus for committed fans.
- Platform: If you don’t own a Switch 2, this title is currently a Switch 2 exclusive, so factor hardware cost into your decision.
- Compare alternatives: If you prefer kart-style racing with heavy competitive support, long-running franchises like Mario Kart remain a benchmark; Kirby Air Riders leans more arcade-physics, arena chaos and character-driven spectacle.
Nintendo notes the basic lessons and an offline Air Ride mode do not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Online play and some online features may require a Nintendo Switch Online membership (or a free trial) and a Nintendo Account in certain regions.
Modes, roster and features
Kirby Air Riders modernizes the 2003 cult favorite while keeping the series’ trademark blend of speed, items and surreal set pieces. Key modes and features include:
The launch roster mixes franchise regulars and surprising returns. Playable characters confirmed include Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee and a wider cast pulled from across the Kirby catalogue — Daroach, Taranza, Rick, Marx, Lololo & Lalala, Rocky, Scarfy, Waddle Dee and others.
Hardware integration and customization have been expanded: multiple machine types, stat upgrades, collectible parts and in-game Figure Players that can be summoned and trained.
Amiibo, magazine coverage and post-demo fixes
Kirby Air Riders ships alongside new amiibo on November 20: Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star will be available at launch. Nintendo has also confirmed further amiibo (Meta Knight & Shadow Star, King Dedede & Tank Star, Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star) are planned for 2026. Amiibo functionality includes summoning Figure Players and swapping riders and machines directly.
In Japan, the December 4 issue of Weekly Famitsu (released Nov. 20) features Kirby Air Riders on its cover and carries a 40-page special feature plus a bonus illustration card for buyers — underscoring the marketing push in Nintendo’s home market.
Nintendo issued a Global Test Ride update (1.0.1) between demo weekends that patched several gameplay issues and improved online stability, responding to player feedback from the first wave of sessions.
Price, platform and the exclusivity question
Kirby Air Riders launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 for $69.99. The Switch 2 exclusivity is a clear choice by Nintendo to showcase the new hardware’s capabilities, but it will leave owners of the original Switch unable to play the title. That decision may matter to players who haven’t upgraded yet — the demo windows and online footage have helped some longtime fans decide whether the Switch 2 is worth the jump for this release alone.
Early reactions and community pulse
Hands-on reports from the demos describe the game as lively and chaotic in the best sense: frantic encounters in City Trial, satisfying bursts of speed in Air Ride, and a bigger-than-expected character list that excites longtime Kirby fans. Nintendo’s quick follow-up patch and stability work after the first demo weekend were widely welcomed by players testing multiplayer sessions.
Critics and players will likely focus on whether the online experience scales well at launch, how deep Road Trip proves to be, and whether the $69.99 price point feels fair compared with other party and racing games on the market.
Should you pre-order or wait?
Consider these points before buying:
If you’re a Kirby fan or you enjoy fast, less-serious racing with items, the demo is the best way to see whether the game’s blend of modes and characters clicks for you. For players who prioritize polished online matchmaking and long-term competitive play, waiting for post-launch reviews and early stability reports could be prudent.
Bottom line
Kirby Air Riders marks a major return for a niche but beloved Nintendo series, bringing expanded modes, a deep roster and new amiibo integration to the Switch 2. With demo weekends already in the books, a prompt patch addressing early issues, and a Nov. 20 launch date, Nintendo is banking on a strong showing — especially from fans eager for fresh first-party fare on the new hardware. Try the demo, weigh the Switch 2 exclusivity and the $69.99 price, and decide whether to pre-order for the small cosmetic bonus or wait for full reviews and post-launch updates.