Kirby Air Riders Introduces Road Trip Story Mode and Classic Kirby Cameos on Nintendo Switch

Kirby Air Riders, the highly anticipated sequel to the classic Kirby Air Ride, is set to launch on November 20th for the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by the renowned HAL Laboratory, this new entry in the beloved Kirby series promises to deliver both the fast-paced racing action fans adore and something that was previously missing—a robust story-driven experience, courtesy of the all-new Road Trip mode. Unlike its 2003 predecessor, which featured a collection of gameplay modes but lacked a unifying narrative, Kirby Air Riders aims to captivate longtime fans invested in Kirby lore.

Road Trip mode serves as a connective thread, tying together Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial, while introducing exclusive Road Trip challenges for a truly comprehensive experience.

Players can expect a variety of race types, stadium trials, and special events unique to this mode. What sets Road Trip apart is its progression system, built around in-game currency and collectible Air Ride machines.

Throughout your run, you’ll accumulate cash by completing challenges and can use those funds to acquire helpful items or even new machines, which function as extra lives.

If you lose all your machines, your journey ends—adding a strategic layer to each decision you make as you explore this story-driven campaign. A standout feature of Road Trip is the inclusion of collectible items and characters from across the Kirby franchise.

Players may encounter objects like the Friend Heart from Kirby Star Allies or characters such as Poppy Bros.

Jr., which can then trigger interactive sequences with iconic series bosses and allies.

For instance, choosing a Friend Heart might be the key to befriending Whispy Woods, while a Poppy Bros.

bomb could lead to a different outcome, determining your path forward in the branching storyline. Dedicated fans will appreciate the game’s deep roster of callbacks, as Road Trip includes appearances from classic characters such as Kirby 64’s Magman and Mr.

Bright, as well as unexpected matchups like a showdown with the Computer Virus from Kirby Super Star.

Even the mysterious new rider, originally teased at the conclusion of the initial Kirby Air Ride Direct presentation, will make an impactful appearance in this mode, keeping players on their toes throughout their adventure. HAL Laboratory has also incorporated a full story mode cutscene, shown during the most recent Nintendo Direct, suggesting significant narrative developments—including the involvement of legendary Kirby artifacts like the Star Rod and the cosmic entity Nova.

These elements connect Kirby Air Riders directly with pivotal moments from Kirby’s Adventure and Kirby Super Star, offering fans an exciting convergence of gameplay innovation and nostalgic storytelling. As excitement builds for its release, players can pre-order Kirby Air Riders on Amazon and look forward to further reveals, including a Global Test Ride demo event scheduled for November.

With a return of every track from the original game, additional classic character inclusions, and a compelling roadmap for new and returning players alike, Kirby Air Riders stands poised to become a highlight of Nintendo Switch’s holiday lineup.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Switch HAL Laboratory Kirby Air Ride Amazon Kirby 64 Kirby Super Star Star Rod Nova Mr. Bright Poppy Bros. Jr. Whispy Woods Magman Friend Heart Zorah