Kirby Air Riders Confirms Splitscreen Multiplayer and Robust Online Support for Nintendo Switch 2

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Published on: August 22, 2025

Description

Kirby Air Riders, a highly anticipated title for the Nintendo Switch 2, has officially confirmed support for local splitscreen multiplayer.

The news comes after weeks of community speculation regarding the game's multiplayer capabilities, particularly following its debut during a recent Nintendo Direct which left splitscreen details unaddressed.

Developed by H.A.L.

Laboratory, Kirby Air Riders is set to deliver a robust suite of multiplayer features upon its November 20, 2025 release. Multiplayer Support Confirmed in Screenshots Fans' concerns over the omission of splitscreen multiplayer were alleviated when official screenshots surfaced on social media, clearly showing up to four players competing simultaneously.

These images provide the first clear evidence that local multiplayer—long a staple of the series—remains central to the Kirby Air Riders experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. A representative for HAL Laboratory clarified that Kirby Air Riders will support both two-player and four-player splitscreen modes.

Players using two controllers can opt for either vertical or horizontal screen splitting, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort depending on their preferred play style and home setup. Expanded Local and Online Multiplayer Options Beyond traditional couch co-op, Kirby Air Riders brings a wide range of multiplayer options to the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

With local wireless play, up to eight players can join matches together, harnessing the hybrid console's connectivity for group sessions without the need for internet access. The online multiplayer suite, meanwhile, raises the bar by enabling up to sixteen players to race and battle in real-time.

Online play further integrates GameChat, Nintendo's latest voice and video chat system, which comes as standard in Nintendo Switch 2 titles.

This means that players can coordinate strategies, share reactions, or simply have fun socializing with friends from across the globe during their sessions. Release Date and Additional Details Kirby Air Riders will be available on the Nintendo eShop and at retail for Nintendo Switch 2 beginning November 20, 2025.

The game carries forward H.A.L.

Laboratory's legacy of polished, accessible multiplayer experiences, and is positioned to capture the same broad appeal as previous Kirby franchise entries.

With its robust suite of local and online multiplayer options, Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be a marquee release for Nintendo's next-generation hardware. Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth coverage on Kirby Air Riders, as well as more announcements from Nintendo Direct events.

Nintendo Switch 2 Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Kirby Air Riders Switch 2 Switch Multiplayer H.A.L. Laboratory GameChat

Kirby Air Riders confirms splitscreen multiplayer