Kirby Air Riders Unveils Road Trip Mode, Expanded Features, and Global Test Ride Event for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo's iconic pink hero takes to the skies and streets once again in Kirby Air Riders, launching November 20 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

During the latest Kirby Air Riders Direct, game director Masahiro Sakurai showcased an extensive array of new and returning features poised to deliver a fresh, frenetic racing experience for fans of the storied franchise and newcomers alike. Developed by HAL Laboratory and following in the footsteps of 2003's fan-favorite Kirby Air Ride for GameCube, Kirby Air Riders brings several key innovations to Nintendo Switch 2, along with robust online integration, new multiplayer options, fresh game modes, and comprehensive customization tools.

Mr.

Sakurai described these updates as significant evolutions of the classic formula, designed to maximize the Switch 2's capabilities. **New and Returning Game Modes** A headline addition is the story-driven Road Trip mode, where players will join Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and more familiar faces as they complete challenges spanning Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride—including races and various field events.

Road Trip mode adds narrative depth to the high-speed action, inviting players to uncover the reasons behind this adventurous journey. Top Ride, a mode first introduced in Kirby Air Ride on Nintendo GameCube, returns with fully reimagined tracks and competitive options.

Players can race from a top-down perspective and select from a broad roster of riders and machines with strategic boosts, special moves, and exclusive power-ups like Kaboomb and Drill Driver.

Online play supports up to eight participants, while local multiplayer allows for up to four riders per system. **Feature-Rich Gameplay and Customization** New gameplay mechanics include Swap Relay, a race format where players swap machines on each lap, encouraging strategic experimentation.

The Transform Star, a new machine, allows rapid transitions between flying and driving by quickly shifting the left stick.

The returning Checklist feature, expanded from the original Kirby Air Ride, lets players unlock content through achievement-based objectives spread across five tabs: Air Ride, Top Ride, City Trial, Road Trip, and Online.

Importantly, no riders or machines are locked solely behind online requirements. Amiibo support has also been significantly enhanced.

The new Kirby Air Riders amiibo figures, such as Meta Knight & Shadow Star, King Dedede & Tank Star, and Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star, are larger than standard amiibo.

Each figure leverages magnetic attachments between rider and machine, enabling custom pairings to appear in-game.

These amiibo launch beginning March 5, 2026, with subsequent releases throughout the year. The game will feature all nine original Air Ride courses, as well as nine new tracks, dual-language announcer commentary, and an array of returning copy abilities.

Boss battles return, and new threats like Robo Dedede, a transforming boss exclusive to Kirby Air Riders, were teased in the presentation. **Online Play and Competitive Features** Kirby Air Riders leverages Nintendo Switch 2's enhanced online capabilities, supporting large multiplayer races and team battles for up to 16 players in City Trial mode (32 in the retail version).

The new Class system ranks players by color, with Global Win Power metrics tracking wins for matchmaking.

Each player creates a custom License featuring stickers, glitter effects, and street names.

A unified Paddock lobby structure lets players gather, chat, and initiate game modes seamlessly. Additional options, such as the in-game currency Miles, allow players to unlock machines, music, and decorative items through the Miles Shop.

The My Machine feature lets players customize and trade their creations with the community, while collectible Gummies act as trophies for surpassing other competitors. Music aficionados can enjoy My Music options, letting them tailor City Trial's soundtrack with tracks composed by industry veterans Shogo Sakai and Noriyuki Iwadare, as well as unlockable tracks across the Kirby series.

Advanced accessibility settings, button mapping, and visual options round out the feature set. **Global Test Ride Event and Demo Details** Eager fans can jump into the action ahead of launch with the Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride, an online demo event exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.

The event runs on November 8–9 and 15–16 with multiple session times.

Demo content includes Lessons, Air Ride, and City Trial, with paddocks for multiplayer lobbies supporting up to 16 players (the full game will support up to 32).

The Global Test Ride software can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop beginning November 7, and select demo content can be accessed without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Early adopters who preorder digitally via Nintendo eShop will unlock a special in-game hat for use during the demo, though it won’t transfer to the retail release. With its release on November 20, Kirby Air Riders is set to deliver one of the deepest, most customizable and community-focused racing experiences ever brought to Nintendo hardware.

For more information or to watch the full Kirby Air Riders Direct presentation, visit Nintendo’s official site.

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