Kirby Air Riders Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 in Major Direct Showcase

In a highly anticipated Nintendo Direct dedicated to Kirby Air Riders, renowned developer Masahiro Sakurai delivered the news fans have been eager to hear: Kirby Air Riders will officially launch on November 20th.

The announcement positions the game as one of the first major holiday releases for the Nintendo Switch 2, underscoring Nintendo's strategy to energize the platform’s debut year with flagship titles. Kirby Air Riders marks the beloved pink puffball's return to fast-paced, multiplayer-focused racing after years of fan requests for a sequel to Nintendo’s cult classic, Kirby Air Ride, originally released for the GameCube in 2003.

Developed internally at Nintendo under Sakurai's guidance, the new title aims to blend the series' accessible racing mechanics with inventive transformations and vibrant course design, all while taking advantage of the upgraded hardware of the Switch 2. "We know fans have been waiting for this moment," Sakurai said during the Direct, reiterating the team’s excitement for players to experience Kirby Air Riders this November.

He emphasized that the release would give players a thrilling, action-packed experience to look forward to as the year comes to a close. Kirby Air Riders’ release date comes amid a busy schedule for Nintendo, with Pokémon Legends: Z-A scheduled for October and questions still lingering around the launch window for Metroid Prime 4.

While the rest of the 2025 release calendar remains uncertain, the placement of Kirby Air Riders as a November launch highlights Nintendo’s commitment to packed first-party support for Switch 2 in its first holiday season. The momentum behind the Kirby franchise continues to build.

Recent successes include "Kirby and the Forgotten Land," which enjoyed robust sales and critical acclaim on the original Switch, as well as a steady drumbeat of new content such as music tracks arriving on Nintendo Music and technical upgrades planned for Switch 2, promising enhanced visuals and new gameplay features. Kirby Air Riders will be available both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop, with pre-orders expected to open in the coming weeks.

As Nintendo fans celebrate the character’s 33rd anniversary, the arrival of Kirby Air Riders is set to cap off a landmark year for both the franchise and the Switch 2.

Stay tuned for further updates on gameplay details, new features, and additional announcements as the release date approaches.

Nintendo Switch 2 Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Direct Kirby Air Riders Switch 2 Switch Masahiro Sakurai Pokémon Legends: Z-A Metroid Prime 4