After more than twenty years, Kirby’s dusting off his Warp Star for another spin around the track. Nintendo has officially revealed Kirby Air Riders, a long-awaited follow-up to the 2003 GameCube cult classic Kirby Air Ride. The new title, coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2, promises faster races, expanded mechanics, and a lineup packed with fan-favorite characters.
Two decades after his last high-speed adventure, Kirby is back — and fans couldn’t be happier. The original Kirby Air Ride became something of a hidden gem on the GameCube, remembered for its simple one-button controls and surprisingly competitive City Trial mode. Now, with Kirby Air Riders, Nintendo is giving that formula a modern glow-up.
Think of it as Mario Kart meets Dream Land. Players will get to choose from more than twenty characters, each bringing their own twist on Kirby’s trademark copy abilities — Meta Knight slicing through the air with precision or King Dedede turning his hammer into a weapon of speed and chaos.
The sequel isn’t just updating the visuals; it’s cranking up the intensity. Nintendo says City Trial mode — the chaotic open-world segment where players zoom around collecting power-ups before a final showdown — is returning with some big upgrades. Expect dynamic weather that can change the tone of a race in seconds, plus arenas that actually crumble and transform mid-game.
The trailer offers a glimpse of sprawling airways across Dream Land, glowing space circuits, and plenty of wild twists that could only exist in Kirby’s world. With the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, smoother frame rates, and enhanced graphics, the action looks faster and more fluid than ever.
Multiplayer gets a major boost, too. Fans can look forward to:
— features the original fans always wished for.
Kirby Air Riders hits store shelves this November — almost exactly twenty-two years after the GameCube original. It will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, making it one of the console’s early headliners. Nintendo hasn’t said whether the original Kirby Air Ride will get a re-release, but that would certainly make for a perfect warm-up lap.
For many fans, this sequel feels like more than a simple nostalgia trip — it’s a redemption of sorts. Kirby Air Ride was once considered a quirky experiment, a game that didn’t quite fit in with anything else Nintendo was doing. But over time, it gained a devoted following for its charm, creativity, and easy-to-learn chaos.
If Kirby Air Riders manages to capture that same spirit while adding modern flair, it could end up being the next great party racer.
So, after all these years, are you ready to hit warp speed with Kirby again?