In the world of Nintendo, few franchises evoke as much nostalgia and debate as Kirby’s forays into racing. More than two decades after the original Kirby Air Ride split opinions on the GameCube, Nintendo has returned with Kirby Air Riders for the Switch 2. Released in November 2025, the game is both a sequel and a reboot, promising to recapture the magic for old fans and entice a new generation. But does it soar to new heights or just coast along on past glories?
For those who missed the original, Kirby Air Ride was a curious experiment in simplicity. According to CogConnected, the 2003 GameCube release was defined by its one-button controls and constant forward momentum—no accelerate button, just the B button to brake, boost, or drift, and a thumbstick to steer. The new Kirby Air Riders brings this streamlined philosophy back, but with several twists, including a second button for special abilities, expanded modes, and a vibrant, modern presentation.
Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary creator of Kirby and the public face of Super Smash Bros., returns as director. As Mashable notes, his involvement alone has generated excitement, with fans eager to see the series’ creator revisit his “baby” after more than twenty years. The result is a game that feels like a celebration of all things Kirby—packed with playable characters from across the franchise, a soundtrack that remixes classic tunes, and visuals that pop with color and detail. The game runs at a flawless 60 frames per second, making it a visual treat for Switch 2 owners.
But beneath the shiny exterior, how does the game play? The core mechanics are as simple as ever: acceleration is automatic, and players use just two buttons—one for braking (and boosting when released), and another to unleash each character’s special move once their meter is full. A spin attack, performed with a wiggle of the left stick, adds a bit of variety. This approach makes Kirby Air Riders incredibly easy to pick up, with tutorials ensuring even newcomers aren’t left behind. But as Mashable points out, this simplicity is a double-edged sword: “There’s ultimately almost no meat on the bone here.”
The game offers a buffet of modes. Air Ride is the bread-and-butter racing mode, viewed from the rider’s perspective, while Top Ride offers a top-down, almost toy-like experience. Both return from the GameCube original, joined by new tracks and machines. Yet, as Mashable observes, “Air Ride races aren’t terrible by any means, but they’re usually exceedingly short and insubstantial,” with little to keep players engaged over the long haul.
Where Kirby Air Riders truly shines is in City Trial, a mode that defined the original and is still the main draw. Up to 16 players (or 32 in some modes, thanks to Switch 2’s improved multiplayer capabilities) roam the city of Skyah for five minutes, hunting for power-ups, battling rivals, and occasionally facing off against random boss fights. The chaos and unpredictability of City Trial have always been its charm, and the sequel doubles down on this with more events and customization options. At the end of the five minutes, players compete in one of several Stadium mini-games, such as Target Flight or Kirby Melee, with the outcome often hinging on the upgrades collected during the city phase.
Yet, not all is perfect in Skyah. Both CogConnected and Mashable voice frustrations with the City Trial map, describing it as “a bit bland” and “stale” after repeated playthroughs. The randomization of key locations or more dynamic city layouts might have helped, but as it stands, the excitement can fade quickly for seasoned players. There’s also the issue of payoff: after five minutes of frantic collecting, the final Stadium event can be over in less than a minute, leaving some players wishing for a best-of-three format to make the buildup feel more rewarding.
For those seeking a more structured solo experience, Road Trip is the game’s new single-player mode. Divided into chapters, each taking around 10-15 minutes, Road Trip lets players choose their path through a series of races, events, and boss fights. There’s a “choose your own adventure” feel, with new machines and rivals encountered along the way. However, Mashable found this mode to be “immeasurably dull,” citing repetitive challenges and a lack of meaningful progression. While filling out achievement checklists and unlocking new characters can provide a fleeting sense of accomplishment, most rewards are cosmetic, and the grind quickly loses its appeal.
On the multiplayer front, Kirby Air Riders offers a robust suite of options. Paddock mode allows up to 32 players to hang out in a lobby, set up matches, show off custom rides, and chat via GameChat—features that make it a social hub for friends. CogConnected praises this as “a fun little hang out zone,” especially with the addition of a jukebox and the ability to spectate ongoing races. Whether you’re racing in Air Ride, strategizing in City Trial, or just goofing off in the Paddock, the game is clearly designed with community in mind.
Customization is another strong point. With a vast assortment of machines, each with unique abilities and suited for different events, players are encouraged to experiment and find their favorites. Unlockable parts, decals, and cosmetic items add further depth, even if the process of unlocking them can feel more like busywork than a true reward.
Despite its strengths, Kirby Air Riders isn’t without its critics. Mashable argues that, outside of City Trial, the content feels “woefully thin,” with little to keep non-diehards invested for long. The $69 price tag is a sticking point, especially when compared to the depth offered by other racing games on the market. CogConnected is more optimistic, highlighting the wealth of content, the learning curve, and the sheer fun of multiplayer sessions. Still, both reviews agree that the single-player experience falls short and that City Trial, while entertaining, could use more variety to stay fresh.
Ultimately, Kirby Air Riders is a game of contrasts. It’s a visually stunning, accessible racer packed with fan service and multiplayer fun, but it struggles to deliver lasting depth or a compelling solo campaign. For Kirby aficionados and party game enthusiasts, it’s a worthy addition to the Switch 2 library. For those seeking a meatier racing experience, it might not have enough under the hood. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Kirby’s return to the racetrack is sure to spark conversation for years to come.
