Kirby Air Riders Hands-On: How Nintendo’s New Racer Sets Itself Apart on Switch

Kirby Air Riders Hands-On: How Nintendo’s New Racer Sets Itself Apart on Switch Nintendo made headlines during the April Nintendo Direct with the surprise reveal of Kirby Air Riders, a long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2003 GameCube game.

It also marks the return of Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary creator behind Super Smash Bros., at the helm as director.

With Sakurai’s reputation for innovation and polished gameplay, anticipation for Kirby Air Riders has reached new heights among fans and industry observers alike. Kirby Air Riders is scheduled to launch on November 20 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

Ahead of its release, the game was a major attraction at PAX Aus 2025, where attendees could experience hands-on gameplay well before it reaches the Nintendo eShop.

The popularity of the game was undeniable, with lengthy lines forming across the entire weekend.

Organizers implemented a smart system, periodically closing and reopening the demo area to manage wait times, ensuring no one spent more than about an hour in line. Nintendo set up 10 large screens to immerse groups of players simultaneously in Kirby’s high-speed, action-packed racing world.

This setup not only accelerated the pace for demo players but also drew crowds of spectators eager to witness the fast-paced battles in real time. Notably, the Kirby Air Riders demo at PAX Aus 2025 offered participants a more substantial play session than most other game previews at the event.

The extended demo gave players ample opportunity to explore the intricacies of the game’s distinctive mechanics, which set it apart from traditional racing titles like Mario Kart.

Unlike other racers, Kirby’s vehicles move forward automatically.

To decelerate, players must hold the B button—charging a power meter—and then release it for a sudden speed boost.

This innovative system requires a blend of strategic braking and timing, adding a unique twist to the genre.

As one attendee explained, this dynamic feels reminiscent of the unconventional tactics seen in classic racing scenes, such as the famous "turn right to go left" maneuver. The demo began with essential tutorials, introducing players to the unique controls and drift mechanics.

Unlike Mario Kart, where aggressive joystick movements can aid turning, Kirby Air Riders demands a more measured approach: press and release the B button to powerslide through corners.

Once acclimated, players chose between multiple tracks—each lasting about two minutes.

The visually stunning water stage, praised by many for its breathtaking layered visuals, maintained sharp clarity even at high speeds. Completing two races unlocked the game's City Trials mode—a five-minute challenge set in a sprawling urban environment where players collect power-ups, switch vehicles, and clash with rivals.

The chaos and variety of City Trials reinforced Kirby Air Riders’ identity as more than just a racing game, instead offering a blend of exploration, competition, and rapid-fire mini objectives.

Power-ups gathered during City Trials directly influenced performance in subsequent rounds, rewarding skillful navigation and collection. The local multiplayer segment wrapped up the demo.

Here, four quick-fire minigames were available, with players voting on which to play based on the power-ups accumulated in City Trials.

In the showcased melee mode, competitors rammed into each other in a compact arena, scrambling for points in a brief, frenetic showdown.

The emphasis on fun, unpredictability, and skill echoed Sakurai’s signature approach, drawing favorable comparisons to the frantic, all-out battles of Smash Bros.—but on wheels. Kirby Air Riders stands out as an inventive, accessible, and visually impressive addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

With its unique mechanics and multi-layered gameplay modes, it promises to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers.

As Nintendo prepares for the game's November 20 release, Kirby’s latest racing adventure looks poised to become a highlight of the Switch lineup, continuing the legacy of innovative experiences that Masahiro Sakurai is renowned for.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Kirby Air Riders Masahiro Sakurai Switch PAX Sakurai PAX Aus PAX Aus 2025 GameCube Super Smash Bros.