Nintendo just dropped a huge presentation for Kirby Air Riders, and it's speeding onto the Nintendo Switch 2 this November 20.
Game Director Masahiro Sakurai gave a deep dive with plenty of surprises about this upcoming racing title. Air Riders is packed with new modes, wild online features, and a completely new take on amiibo.
Let's break down the coolest stuff you need to know about this upcoming game which will be exclusive to Switch 2 owners.
There's A New Story Mode
The biggest new thing is a story-driven mode called "Road Trip." It sounds like a grand adventure where you complete different challenges from all the other game modes (Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride).
You'll collect machines and items as you go, and there's apparently a whole story behind why Kirby, King Dedede, and other riders are on this journey.
Top Ride is Back!
If you played the original on GameCube, you'll be happy to hear "Top Ride" is returning. This is the mode where you race from a top-down view. You can use special items only found in this mode, like the "Kaboomb" and "Drill Driver," to mess with your opponents. It supports up to eight players online, which sounds like pure chaos in the best way.
Online Enhancements
The online experience sounds like it's going to be a key part of the game. Instead of just a regular menu or online portal, you'll join a "Paddock." This is a lobby area where you can physically run around as your rider, set up matches, and just hang out with friends. You can send emotes, practice poses, and change the music to you're tastes.
They're also adding:
Team Battles: City Trial can now be a 16-player event, split into two teams of eight! You can even share parts for the legendary machines (like Dragoon and Hydra) with your teammates.
Swap Relay: This is a new race type where you pick a different machine for each lap. You'll automatically swap as you finish a lap, so you'll have to get creative with your strategy.
Amiibo Are Coming And They're BIG!
Get ready for some new amiibo, and they're... different.
First, they are "significantly larger" than the ones you have now. The presentation showed off new sets like Meta Knight & Shadow Star and King Dedede & Tank Star.
Something very cool about these new Amiibo designs: the riders are attached to their machines with magnets. T
his means you can physically pop Kirby off his star, take King Dedede off his tank, and swap them! That new combination will then show up right in your game. You'll also be able to train them up, just like in Super Smash Bros.
How To Play Kirby Air Riders Early (And For Free)
The game comes out on November 20th. But you'll actually have a chance to play it sooner. Nintendo is holding a "Global Test Ride" event, which is basically an online demo. Here's what you'll need to know if you want to play the game early.
- Who: You need to be a Nintendo Switch Online member.
- When: It runs on two weekends: November 8-9 and November 15-16.
- What You Can Play: You can try out Lessons, Air Ride (on three courses), and the chaotic City Trial mode. You can even access the Paddock lobby.
- How: You can download the demo software from the eShop starting November 7.
As a little bonus, if you've pre-ordered the digital version, you'll get a special in-game hat to wear during the demo (though it won't transfer to the final game).
Are You Ready For Air Riders?
After it was revealed during the Switch 2 direct earlier this summer that Kirby Air Riders waws coming back, it's interesting to see how they're adapting this slightly more obscure Kirby series for gamers.
First, all the original courses are going to be part of the new game. So they're taking care of the original fanbase.
For those old fans and the new fans it really sounds like there's going to be a lot to do in this game. Between the existing tracks, the Amiibo combinations, and the online play, this is going to be a title that will keep you busy for as many hours as you want to be.
There's even more stuff, like a new "Transform Star" machine that swaps between a bike and a flyer, tons of customization, and a "My Music" mode just like Smash Bros. Ultimate. It looks like Nintendo is pulling out all the stops for this one.
What are you most excited to try? Are you going to jump into the Global Test Ride? Let me know your thoughts! You can leave a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram (@drewkozub).
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