Kirby Air Riders Roster Expands: Character List, Release Date, and What to Expect

The much-anticipated "Kirby Air Riders" is set to bring one of Nintendo’s most legendary franchises back to the spotlight, following a packed 45-minute Nintendo Direct that delivered a trove of new details and a confirmed release date of November 20 for the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by HAL Laboratory and overseen by renowned director Masahiro Sakurai, this latest Kirby racing title aims to expand on the innovative mechanics and beloved characters that the series is celebrated for. Since its inception, the Kirby series has delighted players with its colorful worlds and unique ability-based gameplay.

With "Kirby Air Riders," Nintendo is reviving the thrill of high-speed competition that first captured fans on the Nintendo GameCube in 2003’s "Kirby Air Ride." This time, players can look forward to a greatly expanded roster and mechanics designed for both multiplayer and solo racing on the Nintendo Switch. During the Nintendo Direct, Masahiro Sakurai explained the game’s core innovation: "The name ‘Air Riders’ was chosen because this time, you can select from multiple riders—not just Kirby, or unlockables like King Dedede and Meta Knight, as in the original." This expansion allows for a more diverse selection of playable characters, appealing to both series veterans and newcomers alike. As of now, the confirmed "Kirby Air Riders" character roster is already impressively varied: Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, Bandana Waddle Dee, Chef Kawasaki, Cappy, Magolor, Gooey, Waddle Doo, Knuckle Joe, Susie, and Starman make up the core lineup. Sakurai also noted that "additional information about the playable roster" will be revealed before the November launch.

While the current roster encompasses many fan favorites, the possibility of unlockable or hidden characters remains open, keeping excitement high as theorizing continues within the Kirby community. Many are hoping for yet more familiar faces, such as Taranza (introduced in "Kirby Triple Deluxe"), Marx (a boss from "Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate" and the Kirby series), and Elfilin (from "Kirby and the Forgotten Land").

To date, only Magolor and Susie—originating from "Kirby’s Return to Dream Land" and "Kirby: Planet Robobot," respectively—have been officially confirmed beyond the core trio. Enemy characters are also making a mark.

While Knuckle Joe and Starman have been announced as playable, others such as Blade Knight, Sir Kibble, and Walky appear in-game as sources for copy abilities—though their playability has not been detailed.

Longtime fans speculate about potential additions such as Blipper, Poppy Bros.

Jr., Chilly, and even newer foes like Awoofy or Driblee from more recent games. There is also an appetite for deep cuts and obscure characters.

Series regulars like Adeleine, Ribbon, Daroach, and the Three Mage-Sisters could potentially appear, enriching the nostalgic appeal.

Moreover, Sakurai’s history of including surprising character choices in "Super Smash Bros."—like Mr.

Game & Watch or R.O.B.—has led speculation further, with names such as Escargoon, NME Salesman, Yin-Yarn, Prince Fluff, and others from the Kirby lore surfacing among fan requests. Despite this abundance of speculation, official information remains rooted in the roster showcased during the Nintendo Direct, and Nintendo has made no indication that crossover characters from other franchises will dilute the focus on Kirby and his world. As "Kirby Air Riders" speeds toward its November 20 release on Nintendo Switch, both competitive and casual players can look forward to a robust roster and signature Kirby gameplay, amplified by Sakurai’s directorial experience and HAL Laboratory’s development expertise.

Stay tuned to the eShop and future Nintendo Direct presentations for the latest official character reveals and game updates.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Kirby Air Riders Masahiro Sakurai Switch Sakurai King Dedede Meta Knight Bandana Waddle Dee Chef Kawasaki Cappy Magolor Gooey Waddle Doo Knuckle Joe Susie Starman Blade Knight Sir Kibble Walky Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby Triple Deluxe Kirby and the Forgotten Land