Kirby’s Air Riders Utilizes Bandai Namco’s Advanced SOL-AVES Engine Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Kirby’s Air Riders is set to make a significant impact upon its worldwide debut for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, marking a fresh milestone for both the enduring Kirby series and its developer, Bandai Namco.

A key factor generating buzz within the gaming community is the game’s use of Bandai Namco’s latest proprietary SOL-AVES engine, a technological innovation now gaining wider usage within the studio’s portfolio. The Kirby franchise, one of Nintendo’s most beloved properties, has consistently pushed creative boundaries since its inception in 1992.

Helm developers HAL Laboratory and Bandai Namco have played central roles in keeping the experience fresh, and for Kirby’s Air Riders, Bandai Namco takes a technical leap by harnessing the power of SOL-AVES.

During recent Global Network Test sessions, observant fans and data miners noticed distinctive engine signatures pointing directly to SOL-AVES—a detail since confirmed through play sessions and backend data. Bandai Namco has been carefully developing the SOL-AVES engine as part of its pursuit to create seamless, visually rich, and scalable cross-platform experiences.

This engine has now entered active deployment, supporting several key titles within their extensive development pipeline.

Its premiere in Kirby’s Air Riders demonstrates Bandai Namco’s commitment to pushing technical boundaries and delivering high-quality performance, especially for next-generation hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2. A Bandai Namco spokesperson commented through company channels, emphasizing that the SOL-AVES engine represents "a new era of creativity and efficiency for our teams," reiterating the studio’s mission to blend cutting-edge technology with beloved game franchises.

In practical terms, the engine aids in crafting smoother gameplay, sharper visuals, and a more connected online experience for players, all while optimizing performance for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform. Kirby’s Air Riders will be available via the Nintendo eShop and at physical retailers globally, with a launch date set for November 20.

This installment introduces fresh features and enhanced multiplayer functions, aiming to capture both longstanding fans and new players. With Bandai Namco’s SOL-AVES engine providing the foundation for development, Kirby’s Air Riders is positioned to be one of the flagship releases for Nintendo’s next-generation console.

As anticipation builds across the industry, the collaboration between Nintendo and Bandai Namco signals a strong step forward in the evolution of both technology and iconic game properties.