Kirby Air Riders Leads as First Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive with Music Streaming Debut

Kirby Air Riders Sets Milestone as First Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive on Nintendo Music Streaming Kirby Air Riders, the anticipated new entry in the beloved Kirby franchise, has marked an industry first by becoming the inaugural Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive title to debut its soundtrack on Nintendo’s music streaming app.

The announcement came after an unintentional early reveal, which was subsequently confirmed during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation. Kirby Air Riders’ soundtrack is now available as an early preview on Nintendo Music, featuring seven tracks selected to highlight the experience awaiting fans when the racing title launches on November 20th, 2024.

Among these tracks are both Japanese and English vocal renditions of the main theme, “Starlit Journey.” The game's musical direction has drawn comparisons to composer and director Masahiro Sakurai’s previous work on Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, where the vocal track "Lifelight" took center stage.

Reflecting on this legacy, the recent Direct event for Kirby Air Riders even opened with the triumphant “Starlit Journey.” Additional soundtrack highlights include musical themes for four of the game's showcased racing stages: Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, Steamgust Forge, and Mount Amberfalls.

These compositions provide fans with a glimpse of the diverse in-game environments and Kirby’s latest high-speed adventures.

Notably, an enigmatic "Bonus Track"—a 25-second instrumental piece—rings familiar.

The snippet was originally heard in the debut teaser during the first Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and is now revealed to be an instrumental preview of the full "Starlit Journey" theme. During the Direct, other classic Kirby melodies surfaced, suggesting that longtime fans can expect even more beloved tunes once the full game lands on Nintendo Switch 2.

Kirby Air Riders is poised to stand out in the racing genre, not just for its soundtrack but also through its gameplay innovations.

The game introduces a lineup of new and returning rideable Machines, giving it a unique identity among racing games launched on Nintendo hardware. Kirby's friends and rivals are also set to join the race, with a confirmed roster including King Dedede, Meta Knight, Susie, Gooey, and Starman.

Each character brings their unique flair, enhancing the competitive spirit among fans of the franchise. Set for release on November 20, 2024, Kirby Air Riders is gearing up to be a flagship title for Nintendo Switch 2, appealing both to longtime Kirby enthusiasts and new players drawn in by its expansive music and engaging gameplay.

With its early and innovative leap into Nintendo’s music streaming ecosystem, Kirby Air Riders is making history ahead of its much-anticipated launch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Music Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Switch 2 Switch Masahiro Sakurai Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Direct King Dedede Meta Knight Susie Gooey Starman