Masahiro Sakurai’s second Kirby Air Riders Direct has delivered a wealth of new details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, confirming new modes, customization options, and clarifying the future of the game.
The presentation, which lasted a full hour, was the second showcase dedicated entirely to Kirby Air Riders. Sakurai explained that the game still had much more to reveal after the first Direct earlier this year. This sequel to the cult-classic Kirby Air Ride from the GameCube era is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s flagship titles for the Switch 2, with a release date set for November 20.
One of the most notable announcements was the return of Top Ride, the bird’s-eye-view racing mode originally featured in Kirby Air Ride. This mode offers short, chaotic races with a top-down perspective, allowing players to see the entire track at once. Sakurai confirmed that these courses are inspired by the original game but enhanced with new mechanics, items, and up to eight-player multiplayer support. The inclusion of Top Ride is a clear nod to long-time fans who cherished the variety of modes in the GameCube classic.
Another major reveal was the introduction of the Road Trip mode, a story-driven campaign that expands the scope of the game beyond simple racing. This mode will allow players to explore different regions, face unique challenges, and unlock new customization options for their machines. Sakurai emphasized that this mode is designed to give players a sense of progression and narrative, something the original game lacked.
Customization was also a central theme of the Direct. Players will be able to modify their machines with different parts, colors, and decals, tailoring their rides to both performance and style. Legendary machines from the original game, such as the Dragoon and Hydra, are making a comeback, alongside a larger roster of riders that expands beyond Kirby himself.
Sakurai also announced a Global Test Ride scheduled for November, giving players a chance to try the game before launch. This online event will serve as both a stress test for servers and an opportunity for fans to experience the new mechanics firsthand.
Interestingly, despite the wealth of content shown, Sakurai made it clear that there are no plans for post-launch downloadable content or a sequel. He explained that the team’s goal is to deliver a complete package at release, ensuring that all players have access to the full experience from day one.
The Direct closed with a reminder of the game’s release date and a montage of new tracks, characters, and machines. The presentation reinforced the idea that Kirby Air Riders is fully modernized racing game with Sakurai's personal flavour, designed to stand alongside Nintendo’s biggest franchises.
