In today’s Kirby Air Riders Direct, Masahiro Sakurai took fans on a high-speed tour through the game’s wild new features, confirming that Kirby Air Riders will hit Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20.

The presentation introduced new modes, online features, and even collectible amiibo — all designed to expand the chaotic fun of Kirby’s classic racing formula.

Top Ride Returns and Road Trip Debuts

The beloved Top Ride mode is back, letting up to eight players race from a top-down view across courses inspired by the original Kirby Air Ride. Players can mix and match riders and machines, unleash Copy Abilities like Flash, and grab unique items such as Kaboomb and Drill Driver to stay ahead of rivals.

Brand new to the series is Road Trip, a story-driven mode that combines challenges from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride. Players race, battle, and collect items while uncovering a narrative featuring Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and more.

Play Together in the Paddock

Online play takes a big step forward with the new Paddock, a social hub where players can move freely, chat, emote, and jump into different matches — all within one shared space. Several matches can even run simultaneously in a single paddock.

For local multiplayer, Swap Relay mode adds a twist to traditional races, allowing players to swap machines between laps or even pass the controller for real-world relay play.

Legendary Machines, New Collectibles

Kirby Air Riders reintroduces classic machines like the Dragoon and Hydra, while adding newcomers such as the Transform Star, which can switch between flight and ground modes mid-race.

Players can customise rides in My Machine, apply decals and accessories, and list creations in the Machine Market for others to buy — without losing the original. Earn in-game currency called Miles to unlock decorations, tracks, and even Headwear for your riders.

amiibo and Expanding the Roster

Three large Kirby Air Riders amiibo packs were revealed:

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

Each figure connects magnetically, allowing riders and machines to be swapped, reflecting in-game instantly.

The playable roster is also expanding, featuring Taranza, Lololo & Lalala, and other returning faces from Kirby’s universe.

Online Play, Global Rankings, and Team Battles

Online racers will have access to a Class system based on colours instead of ranks, plus a Global Win Power score tracking total victories. Players can customise Licenses with stickers, effects, and “Street Names” for unique online identities.

In City Trial, up to 16 players can join massive Team Battles, where teams of eight compete to collect machine parts and take down bosses — including the newly revealed Robo Dedede, a transforming mechanical version of the king himself.

Try It Early: Global Test Ride Demo

Before launch, players can test the game during the Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride event — running November 8–10 and November 15–17 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

The demo includes Air Ride, City Trial, and Lessons modes, with Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, and Mount Amberfalls available to race. Online paddocks will support up to 16 players during the demo and 32 in the full game.

Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most ambitious multiplayer titles — blending nostalgic racing chaos with new online and customisation systems.