Kirby Air Riders Adds New amiibo and Exciting Modes Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo’s highly anticipated Kirby Air Riders is on track to become one of the standout releases for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct dedicated exclusively to the game.

Developed as a spiritual successor to 2003’s Kirby Air Ride, this newest entry promises a wealth of features and content that builds on the legacy of the original title.

The highlight of the broadcast was the introduction of three additional amiibo figures, joining the initial pair unveiled earlier this year.

Nintendo officially revealed figures for Meta Knight & Shadow Star, King Dedede & Tank Star, and Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star.

These collector’s items are notable for their increased size and a premium price tag of $49.99 each – a decision likely tied to their enhanced design and functionality within Kirby Air Riders.

Collectors and fans can look forward to staggered release dates: Meta Knight & Shadow Star launch on March 5, 2026, followed by the other two sets later that year. While the amiibo reveal captured the attention of longstanding Nintendo fans, the broadcast delivered much more.

Several key gameplay features and modes were showcased: - Top Ride: A returning fan-favorite mode offering top-down racing for accessible, arcade-style competition. - Road Trip: Brand new for Kirby Air Riders, this mode introduces players to a suite of challenges drawn from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride, including classic races, chaotic battles, and special Field Events.

It also features the game’s central story content. - Paddock: Serving as an interactive lobby, the Paddock allows players to move freely as their chosen rider, arrange custom matches, socialize with others, and select their favorite music tracks. - Swap Relay: This innovative race mode lets players pre-select a different machine for each lap, automatically swapping vehicles to test adaptability and strategy throughout the course. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that all original tracks from Kirby Air Ride will be fully remastered and included in Kirby Air Riders, ensuring that longtime fans can revisit their favorite courses while enjoying a slew of new content.

In a statement summarizing the Direct’s highlights, Nintendo noted that these features will be available at launch, underlining their commitment to bringing the most content-packed Kirby racing experience to date. Kirby Air Riders is scheduled for release on November 20, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

With innovative new modes, substantial amiibo support, and a definitive return of classic content, the game is poised to be a must-own title as Nintendo ushers in the next generation of its gaming hardware.

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