Kirby Air Riders Announced for Nintendo Switch: Masahiro Sakurai Returns with New Features

Nintendo has officially announced Kirby Air Riders for the Nintendo Switch, with renowned game designer Masahiro Sakurai at the helm.

This latest entry in the beloved Kirby franchise marks Sakurai’s much-anticipated return to the series, following his previous successes with Kirby Air Ride and the Super Smash Bros.

series.

The announcement was made during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, generating widespread excitement among long-time fans and Nintendo Switch owners alike. Kirby Air Riders expands upon the classic racing and action formula established in Kirby Air Ride, introducing a wide range of playable characters, each with their own unique copy abilities.

Players can choose their favorite inhabitants from Dream Land and take to the skies or streets using a diverse selection of vehicles.

These vehicles not only vary in speed and handling but also interact differently with character abilities, providing an extra layer of strategy and replay value. Masahiro Sakurai, known for elevating simple gameplay concepts into engaging multiplayer experiences, shared his enthusiasm for returning to the Kirby series.

In his statement, Sakurai expressed confidence that "fans will appreciate the many new features and the distinct racing style the game offers on the Nintendo Switch." He also highlighted the team’s commitment to delivering a product that is both accessible to new players and rewarding for series veterans. While a specific release date for Kirby Air Riders has yet to be confirmed, anticipation is building as fans eagerly await more details from Nintendo.

Given the franchise's longstanding popularity—Kirby titles have collectively sold over 40 million units worldwide—and the Switch's position as one of Nintendo’s most successful platforms, expectations for the new entry are high. Kirby Air Riders is expected to leverage the Nintendo Switch’s hardware capabilities, supporting both local and online multiplayer modes, as well as new control options adapted for the hybrid console.

The game is also slated to feature enhanced visuals and expanded content, making it one of the most comprehensive Kirby racing experiences to date. Players should keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop and official Nintendo channels for future updates, including the unveiling of the release date and additional gameplay footage.

With Masahiro Sakurai’s creative vision and Nintendo’s commitment to quality, Kirby Air Riders is poised to become a standout addition to the Kirby series and a must-play title for Nintendo Switch owners.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Masahiro Sakurai Switch Sakurai