Nintendo has officially pulled back the curtain on one of the most anticipated titles for the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2: Kirby Air Riders.
Longtime fans of the beloved pink hero and his high-speed escapades have plenty to celebrate with this upcoming release, which not only reintroduces the arcade racing action of the classic but brings a game-changing update to a core feature of the Kirby franchise. For the first time in series history, Copy Abilities are no longer exclusive to Kirby.
In a recent announcement, series creator Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that, for the sake of balanced gameplay, all racers—including fan-favorite characters such as Waddle Dee, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Cappy—will be able to inhale enemies scattered across the courses and acquire their powers.
This significant update is designed to make competition "fairer" and offer fresh strategic depth to every race. "It was important to ensure all characters could compete on equal footing, both for fun and fairness," Sakurai explained in his message.
By extending Copy Abilities beyond Kirby, the game aims to support a diverse range of playstyles and heightened replayability. Gameplay footage showcased an expanded suite of Copy Abilities available in Kirby Air Riders, including Fire, Sword, Bomb, Wheel, Mike, Cutter, Jet, Steel Ball, and Plasma.
These powers, true to the franchise roots, can either be used to attack rivals or provide bursts of speed through the creatively designed tracks.
New and returning abilities are expected to be unveiled as the release approaches, adding intrigue for both newcomers and longtime fans. In addition to the headline features, players were treated to a glimpse of the dramatically enhanced City Trial mode.
This fan-favorite mode now boasts a larger city, more interactive elements, and a robust cast of playable characters.
The official roster includes many iconic faces from across Kirby’s legacy, promising a variety of strategies and dynamic competition on the track. Nintendo set the official Kirby Air Riders release date for November 20, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Anticipation is building steadily, with the game primed to launch both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
Given the franchise’s legacy and these innovative gameplay changes, Kirby Air Riders is positioned to be a flagship title for Nintendo's new generation hardware. With these updates, Nintendo continues to showcase its commitment to both innovation and honoring its classic franchises.
As more details surface in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, fans can look forward to mastering Copy Abilities no matter their character of choice, further redefining the fast-paced fun Kirby Air Riders is known for.
Longtime fans of the beloved pink hero and his high-speed escapades have plenty to celebrate with this upcoming release, which not only reintroduces the arcade racing action of the classic but brings a game-changing update to a core feature of the Kirby franchise. For the first time in series history, Copy Abilities are no longer exclusive to Kirby.
In a recent announcement, series creator Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that, for the sake of balanced gameplay, all racers—including fan-favorite characters such as Waddle Dee, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Cappy—will be able to inhale enemies scattered across the courses and acquire their powers.
This significant update is designed to make competition "fairer" and offer fresh strategic depth to every race. "It was important to ensure all characters could compete on equal footing, both for fun and fairness," Sakurai explained in his message.
By extending Copy Abilities beyond Kirby, the game aims to support a diverse range of playstyles and heightened replayability. Gameplay footage showcased an expanded suite of Copy Abilities available in Kirby Air Riders, including Fire, Sword, Bomb, Wheel, Mike, Cutter, Jet, Steel Ball, and Plasma.
These powers, true to the franchise roots, can either be used to attack rivals or provide bursts of speed through the creatively designed tracks.
New and returning abilities are expected to be unveiled as the release approaches, adding intrigue for both newcomers and longtime fans. In addition to the headline features, players were treated to a glimpse of the dramatically enhanced City Trial mode.
This fan-favorite mode now boasts a larger city, more interactive elements, and a robust cast of playable characters.
The official roster includes many iconic faces from across Kirby’s legacy, promising a variety of strategies and dynamic competition on the track. Nintendo set the official Kirby Air Riders release date for November 20, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Anticipation is building steadily, with the game primed to launch both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
Given the franchise’s legacy and these innovative gameplay changes, Kirby Air Riders is positioned to be a flagship title for Nintendo's new generation hardware. With these updates, Nintendo continues to showcase its commitment to both innovation and honoring its classic franchises.
As more details surface in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, fans can look forward to mastering Copy Abilities no matter their character of choice, further redefining the fast-paced fun Kirby Air Riders is known for.
