Published on: October 23, 2025
Nintendo has unveiled a special event for its Nintendo Switch Online subscribers: the Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride.
Taking place over two weekends in November, this exclusive event offers players the chance to experience the highly anticipated Kirby Air Riders on the Nintendo Switch ahead of its full release.
Developed by Nintendo, the Kirby Air Riders series is well-known for its frenetic racing gameplay and unique features such as the City Trial mode, where players can compete and explore open environments.
The Global Test Ride is scheduled for November 8th-9th and November 15th-16th, with multiple online play windows to accommodate players across different time zones.
The event features three main gameplay experiences: Lessons, Air Ride, and the fan-favorite City Trial mode.
Nintendo has confirmed that the Global Test Ride software will be downloadable via the Nintendo eShop starting Friday, November 7th, ensuring players have ample time to prepare before the event begins.
Players who download the Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride can familiarize themselves with the game through the Lessons mode, which will remain accessible at all times.
This means subscribers can learn the basics of the game’s controls and mechanics while waiting for the scheduled online multiplayer sessions.
The detailed schedule for the Global Test Ride is as follows:
- November 8, 12:00 am – 6:00 am PT
- November 8, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm PT
- November 9, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm PT
- November 15, 12:00 am – 6:00 am PT
- November 15, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm PT
- November 16, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm PT
A Nintendo spokesperson highlighted that this global event provides both newcomers and longtime Kirby fans with a chance to experience the evolution of the racing series firsthand through multiplayer action and skill-building tutorials.
The event underscores Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to leveraging Nintendo Switch Online as a platform for community engagement and early access experiences.
To participate, Nintendo Switch Online membership is required, and the Global Test Ride software can be found for free on the Nintendo eShop.
By hosting this event across two weekends and spanning multiple time slots, Nintendo is ensuring that players worldwide can join the fun, test the game’s features, and provide valuable feedback before the official launch of Kirby Air Riders.
This initiative aligns with Nintendo’s history of interactive previews, building anticipation within its dedicated fanbase and further promoting the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
Players are encouraged to download the software ahead of time to make the most of the testing windows and enjoy a unique preview of one of Nintendo’s most iconic multiplayer experiences.
Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Switch Online Switch Online Switch Switch Online subscribers multiplayer Nintendo eShop Global Test Ride