Kirby Air Riders

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Not to be confused with Kirby Air Ride.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby—a round, pink character—rides his Warp Star—a yellow star-shaped aircraft—with electronic motors in front of a grass background and to the right of the game logo. Other characters are riding separate machines in the background.
Developers
PublisherNintendo
DirectorMasahiro Sakurai
ProducersShinya Saito
Makoto Okazaki
DesignersYuma Ishizuka
Takamitsu Ijima
Masashi Kubo
Takeshi Azuma
Takanori Ikezawa
ProgrammersTakashi Nakagawa
Masakazu Yorifuji
ArtistsTadashi Sato
Kota Ochiai
Masafumi Takagi
Composers
SeriesKirby
EngineSOL-AVES
PlatformNintendo Switch 2
ReleaseNovember 20, 2025[1]
GenreRacing
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Kirby Air Riders[a] is a 2025 racing video game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo. It is a spin-off of the Kirby series and a sequel to Kirby Air Ride (2003) for the GameCube. It is directed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai, who had not directed a Kirby game since leading development on its predecessor and leaving HAL Laboratory to create Sora Ltd., and his first game since Kid Icarus: Uprising (2012), not to be part of the Super Smash Bros. franchise.

Kirby Air Riders contains four game modes revolving around the use of vehicles for races, traversal, and combat. The gameplay from Kirby Air Ride is expanded, with all of the original game modes returning. Additional characters, machines, gameplay mechanics, and customization features were added to improve the title from its predecessor. It also introduces "Road Trip", a roguelike game featuring a story mode, as well as online multiplayer.

Initially revealed in April 2025, Kirby Air Riders was released for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. The game received generally positive reviews, with universal praise for its presentation and mixed opinions on its main modes.

Gameplay

[edit]
Further information: Gameplay in Kirby Air Ride
This screenshot shows the player character Kirby riding the Warp Star in the Air Ride mode, racing through a parted sea against multiple opponents. The game's interface displays the time, lap counter, minimap, placement, Special Gauge, and speedometer in kilometers per hour.
Gameplay screenshot of the "Air Ride" mode, featuring Kirby, Magolor, Gooey, Waddle Doo, and Knuckle Joe racing in the ocean-themed track "Waveflow Waters"

Kirby Air Riders, similar to its predecessor Kirby Air Ride, features simplified controls where players focus on steering, boosting, and utilizing the series' signature ability to absorb enemies' powers.[2][3][4] Unlike Air Ride, which only featured Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede as playable characters, Air Riders features 21 playable characters (Riders),[5][6][7] all of which can use Copy Abilities, and each rider has a unique "Special" ability. Kirby has four Special abilities, with the one used depending on the color of Kirby selected. In addition to choosing a character, Air Riders features 22 machines to choose from, each one having different stats.[8] The Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride modes from Air Ride return, all of which are expanded in both size and depth, and feature both online and local multiplayer.[6] Additionally, Air Ride adds a relay race allowing players to swap their vehicle after every lap, and City Trial allows players to partake in team battles.[9] Air Ride races can have up to 6 players, Top Ride supports up to 8 players, and City Trial allows up to 16 players simultaneously.[10][11][6]

Machines in the game move forward automatically without player input, with players simply steering and maintaining balance. Players can also brake, boost, and perform drift maneuvers with the B button and perform special moves and switch machines with the Y button. Moving the control stick side-to-side allows the player to perform a spin attack, which can damage their opponents.[12] By attacking other characters, players can fill up a "Special Gauge", which, when full, allows them to use their "Special" ability. New gameplay mechanics allow the player to increase their speed. Attacking enemies and performing perfect landings creates a speed boost, and following the trail of stars behind opponents can help the player catch up to them.[13] Air Ride mode is a racing game where players complete a set amount of laps and reach the end as fast as possible. Air Ride features 18 race tracks, including all 9 tracks from the previous game.[6] City Trial is set on a large map, Skyah, where players collect stats, obtain new machines, and battle opponents before they compete in a Stadium event to determine the winner. Skyah features many areas for players to explore, including secret floating islands away from the central map.[13][14] During City Trial matches, random field events can earn players power-ups based on their performance.[15] Four legendary machines can also be acquired by assembling all three of their parts, with the two new machines being Gigantes and Leo, which are unlocked after completing the story in Road Trip.[8] At the end of a City Trial game, players vote on one of four Stadium events to compete in.[16] All Stadium events return from Kirby Air Ride along with new events, including the Gourmet Race from Kirby Super Star (1996). In Stadium vs. boss events, all players attempt to defeat one of four bosses, either being Marx, Nightmare, Robo Dedede, or Zero Two. Road Trip is a mode exclusive to Kirby Air Riders, which features the game's story. To become one with their vehicles, the Riders play challenges or minigames relating to the existing game modes, and are assisted by characters from previous Kirby games to progress through different routes.[17] The player collects stats, machines, and Road Miles as currency to purchase more useful items. At the end of the mode, the player battles against Gigantes, and upon playing the mode in New Game+, battles against Galactic Nova as the true final boss.[18]

Miles are a form of in-game currency that can be earned by playing the game and are spent in the shop. They can be used to unlock customization options such as cosmetics for their characters and vehicles. In the My Machines menu, vehicles can be fully customized with items purchased by the player, which can be listed online for sale on the Machine Market.[19][20] Gummies shaped after machines are supplementary collectables earned during general gameplay and have no monetary value, which can be viewed and interacted with in a dedicated menu.[6][9] While online, players can roam around the Paddock, a lobby where they can interact with other online users before matches. The player's performance in online matches determines their Global Win Power, a ranking system which is displayed on their license.[19] This license can be customized further with stickers and special effects.[21][22] Five Kirby Air Riders Amiibo figures can be scanned into the game and trained as a "Figure Player".[23] There are 150 challenges on the checklist to complete for each game mode, with 750 total achievements. These challenges can unlock many collectible items and reveal a large mural on a 10 by 15 grid, with the player able to attempt challenges right from the checklist menu.[24]

After a day one update, "Daily Air Ride" and "Limited Time Events" were added, allowing online players to race on a daily rotation of Air Ride courses and race under special rules during events respectively.[25] These events are planned to be hosted until one year after the release of the game.[26]

Plot

[edit]

Zorah, a sentient machine, crash lands on Planet Popstar, where it is stuck immobile for ages. Zorah's wish to be able to move is eventually picked up by the Fountain of Dreams and granted by the orbiting satellite Galactic Nova. Galactic Nova begins to create Air Ride machines based on Zorah's design, and deploys them to Popstar in dormant form. Individuals who could awaken and harness the machines by sharing their will become known as "riders", and machines eventually become fully integrated into society. Meanwhile, Galactic Nova transforms Zorah into the machine Gigantes, which, if activated by a strong-willed rider, will destroy the planet. Galactic Nova, through Gigantes, sends a signal to these strong-willed riders and their machines to start their journey to Gigantes. Noir Dedede, a sentient rider/machine duo formed from a piece of Zorah's will before being transformed, attempts to stop riders — and the player — from reaching Gigantes.[27]

The player manages to reach Gigantes, who activates after sensing their approach. The player manages to weaken Gigantes in the ensuing battle, before engaging in a final race with Noir Dedede to reach the machine's core.[28] If the player loses against Noir Dedede, it fuses with Zorah's core within Gigantes and self destructs. If the player wins against Noir Dedede, they pierce through Gigantes, neutralizing it. With its equivalent of a heart now gone, Noir Dedede withers, while Galactic Nova flies away from Planet Popstar.[29]

If all twenty machines in the game's Road Trip mode are collected in the game's New Game+ Mode, the true ending is initiated.[18] Gigantes attacks the player and absorbs all of their machines, upgrading itself into Hyper Gigantes. Noir Dedede summons the Legendary Machines Hydra and Dragoon to fight alongside the player. After the powered-up Gigantes is defeated, Noir Dedede then fuses itself with Zorah's core and takes control of Hyper Gigantes to create a road for the player to reach Galactic Nova. A third Legendary Machine, Leo, appears before the player to lead them to Galactic Nova.[30] The player defeats Galactic Nova, which explodes. With Zorah's original core still intact, the machines manage to reassemble Zorah's original form, now allowing it to freely depart into the cosmos.[31]

Development and promotion

[edit]
Kirby's creator and director of Kirby Air Ride, Masahiro Sakurai (pictured), returned for the sequel.

Kirby Air Riders was announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, 2025. Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the Kirby series, was revealed to be serving as director, with his team at Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. developing.[3] This was the first time Sakurai directed a title since Kirby Air Ride in 2003, with his last role in the series prior to Kirby Air Riders being a "Special Advisor" for Kirby & the Amazing Mirror in 2004.[32] According to Sakurai, pre-production started in 2021 when the idea was proposed by Nintendo EPD executive general manager Shinya Takahashi and HAL Laboratory president Satoshi Mitsuhara, with full production starting in April 2022.[33] It is the first game to be developed with the SOL-AVES engine created by Bandai Namco Studios,[34] which the studio first publicly disclosed its existence in 2022, the same year full production began.

Sakurai teased the game in October 2024 on his YouTube channel, Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games, as a top secret project that he had been developing after the completion of said YouTube series and development of downloadable content for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.[35][33] A 45-minute long Nintendo Direct hosted by Sakurai about Kirby Air Riders aired on August 19, 2025.[36] It revealed the first gameplay footage, new playable characters, and ended by announcing the game's release date. Seven music tracks from the game were added to the Nintendo Music app the same day.[10][11] A second, hour-long Nintendo Direct about the game aired on October 23, 2025, with Sakurai once again hosting.[37] It revealed online features, additional new playable characters, returning race tracks, other new modes and features, vehicle customizations, a music player, a story mode, and ended by announcing a live demo.[6] Additional tracks from the game were added to the Nintendo Music app the same day.[21] At the end of the Direct, Sakurai stated that he does not plan to add any DLC or create a follow-up to Kirby Air Riders. He claimed that "the passionate support from fans was a big reason why this game was made", and has no plans for the series after its release since he's "thrown everything [he has] into this game from the start".[38] The "Global Test Ride" was a live demo held between November 8–9 and 15–16, respectively, for Nintendo Switch Online members to test the game before the final release.[39] It featured the Lessons, Air Ride, and City Trial modes, with each of the two weeks containing a different selection of riders and machines.[40]

Amiibo figures containing one character and machine bundled together are set to be released over time, with two of them releasing alongside the game.[41] They have swappable bases, allowing riders to be removed from their machines and swapped onto another figure. Once scanned into the game, the rider and corresponding machine can be trained as a "Figure Player".[23] The figures are the most expensive amiibo Nintendo has released to date.[42]

Advertising for the game was featured on trams by Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia starting November 5, 2025.[43][44] Readers of Famitsu magazine ranked it as their most anticipated game the week of its release,[45] and Kirby Air Riders was featured on the cover of the Weekly Famitsu the day of its release.[46] Prior to its release, an advertisement for the game titled "What's that? Huh?" received mixed reception. Critics have compared it both favorably and unfavorably to the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64, with Metro's Adam Starkey claiming it to be "the worst song in the company’s history" and "fascinatingly bad".[47][48] Scott McCrae of GameRadar+ described it as "cheesy", "bizarre", and "hilariously unfitting to Kirby Air Riders' vibe", but claimed to enjoy it regardless.[49]

Increased moderation on the Machine Marketplace occurred as soon as the game released, caused by multiple custom vehicles depicting the character Chef Kawasaki in a micro bikini, which subsequently became the most popular and expensive items in the online shop.[50][51][52] This was a reference to a meme in the Japanese Kirby fandom, and similar to a fan-made card game that was based on this concept, these machines were also taken down by Nintendo.[53]

Music

[edit]

The soundtrack was composed by Shogo Sakai [ja] and Noriyuki Iwadare.[21] Iwadare also worked on the Super Smash Bros. series and Kid Icarus: Uprising (2012), while Sakai was the co-composer of Kirby Air Ride.[21] Music from the previous game and additional songs from the Super Smash Bros. series are also included, with the "My Music" feature returning as it appears in the series.[17] The main theme for Kirby Air Riders, "Starlit Journey", was composed by Noriyuki Iwadare. The Japanese vocals was performed by YuReeNa,[54] and the English vocals were performed by MJ Cube.[55]

Reception

[edit]

Pre-release

[edit]

On August 19, 2025, a media-exclusive demo was available at Gamescom, in which the media outlets were shown the Nintendo Direct as it aired the same day and granted early access to the game.[12] A preview event was also hosted in New York City on the same day.[56] After playing the demo, Nintendo Life author Felix Sanchez believed that "Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be really great", but he "worried that City Trial will get old".[12] After playing the same demo, Leanne Butkovic of IGN heavily praised the game, stating "[t]he maximalism of Kirby Air Riders is its core charm; it feels brewed from impish, chaotic-neutral alchemy."[57] Other media outlets complimented the Air Ride and City Trial modes,[58][56][59][60] while Video Games Chronicle writer Chris Scullion felt he needed more time to determine whether City Trial becomes repetitive.[61]

Many critics compared the gameplay to Mario Kart World, a launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2 that shared the racing game genre. Alex Perry of Mashable claimed the game "makes Mario Kart World look sedate by comparison".[62] James Daly of GamesRadar+ suggested the title is more of an alternative to the Mario Kart series for players who desire something "far more chaotic".[60] Rhys Wood of TechRadar similarly claimed the game is a "casual-friendly alternative" to Mario Kart World, with the assumption that they may prefer Kirby Air Riders for being a more "refreshing" experience.[59] Polygon writer Giovanni Colantonio noted that the cult following Kirby Air Ride gained over the years propelled the popularity and anticipation for its sequel, but was unsure if the game would stand out compared to Mario Kart World, since Kirby Air Ride was "critically panned" and overshadowed by both F-Zero GX and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! in 2003.[56][63]

During the Global Test Ride, Rick—a hamster-like character that debuted in Kirby's Dream Land 2 (1995)—became popular among fans of the game for his surprising top speed and humorous special ability "Rip-Roaring Rick".[64][65][66] Carlos Zotomayor of Automaton West claimed that Rick flooded online lobbies of the game for "his adorable design and animations make him appealing to more casual players", comparing him favorably to the Cows in the Mario Kart series.[67] Patricia Hernandez of Polygon compared Rick's speed to the fast-paced hectic gameplay in City Trial stating "it could be coming from the perspective of a hyperactive hamster", and how this likely caused the character to become a meme among the Kirby fandom.[68] During the second weekend of the Global Test Ride, players felt that the game's pace was slower than during the first one.[69]

Critical reception

[edit]

Kirby Air Riders received generally favorable reviews according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.[70] Review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received a strong approval rating from critics.[71] The presentation of Kirby Air Riders received universal praise, particularly for its music,[13][78] visuals,[20][16] and breadth of content for both the variety of unlockables and customization features.[75] It is often considered more than just a racing game, combining multiple different genres such as fighting games, party games, and roguelikes.[79][72][78] In their summary, Harry Padoan of TechRadar described Kirby Air Riders as "a combination of Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. at their most chaotic".[75]

The game is considered an overall improvement from its predecessor for refining old game modes and introducing new mechanics, with many components of Kirby Air Ride returning.[13][74] GameSpot writer Jake Dekker described it as the initial concept from the first game "taken as far as it could possibly go",[24] with Siliconera writer Jenni Lada considering it "a perfect follow-up to the GameCube original".[16] Jeuxvideo.com writer Charlan stated that, despite being an improvement, the game has not fundamentally changed much from the original.[78] Conversely, Logan Plant of IGN called it "a significant leap forward", as if Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 was followed by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.[13]

Many critics stated that while the gameplay is seemingly simple since it primarily uses one button, it also has significant depth to it.[79][24][74][75][73] Controls were regarded as extremely simple and easy to learn, but mastery of the game proved to be difficult for some.[75] PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life informed players of a potential learning curve for the game,[20] while DocSavage of Gamekult cited specific mechanics such as perfect landings requiring precise timing and practice.[77] Along with mastering the game, other outlets believed the gameplay can be initially confusing for newcomers, as it plays distinctly differently from other racing video games.[13][20][81] Alex Donaldson of Eurogamer thought the single-button controls "can be a little baffling", expecting some new players to not like the game as much initially.[79] Despite praising the mechanical depth, some critics desired another button input, believing the control scheme was needlessly restrictive.[24] IGN’s Logan Plant wrote that the controls are "sometimes too simplistic for its own good", with the game running into problems caused by "its own self-imposed limitations".[13] Some reviewers were divided on the speed of Kirby Air Riders. Jake Dekker of GameSpot stated how it "border[s] on being overstimulating", forcing the player to frequently make quick decisions and making the Air Ride mode "deeply satisfying".[24] In contrast, DocSavage of Gamekult claimed one of the main problems is the speed disrupting the visual clarity, stating how the player will almost certainly crash repeatedly if they don’t memorize the tracks.[77] Overall, the fast, frantic gameplay has been described to provide a rush of dopamine to the player.[79][77][16] Critics appreciated the variety of unique machines to select from.[20][73] DocSavage described how they "drastically change the approach to each race" allowing for "a fun and varied experience".[77] Dekker claimed "those stark differences give so much character to the vehicle lineup",[24] with Plant adding that the machines "all still seem viable in some way".[13] The addition of more playable characters with unique special moves was similarly complimented for introducing variety to the roster.[16][74][13] Harry Padoan of TechRadar stated the roster contained a "fun set of riders from right across the series' rich history", including color variations, despite the "limitations of a Kirby-only cast".[75] Chris Scullion of Video Games Chronicle wrote that the characters were "somewhat less diverse in terms of stats", but still offered differences with their special moves.[73]

The main four game modes received mixed opinions. Air Ride was generally complimented, with Gamekult writer DocSavage describing it as the most satisfying and enduring mode in the game.[77] Logan Plant of IGN claimed it had "incredible track design", complimented by the game’s presentation,[13] while PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life summarized it as "manic in all the right ways".[20] In comparison, Harry Padoan of TechRadar described Air Ride as a "visual spectacle", but desired a slightly larger course selection.[75] Plant also appreciated the returning tracks from the first game, but noted their simplicity in comparison to the newer courses.[13] City Trial received generally mixed reviews, with Chris Scullion of Video Games Chronicle describing City Trial as "more of an acquired taste".[73] In their summary of City Trial, GameSpot's Jake Dekker claimed it to be unique, random, somewhat unbalanced, and "chaotic in the best way possible".[24] Eurogamer, Gamekult, and IGN claimed the mode to be enjoyable,[79][77] with Plant considering it a highlight of the package.[13] Conversely, Donovan Erskine of Shacknews stated City Trial lacks the excitement of other modes and "gets old pretty fast", stating it is a "weak link".[74] Charlan of Jeuxvideo.com claimed the gameplay loop is not varied enough,[78] while Padoan claimed their character can quickly become "totally out of control", being a mode best enjoyed in bursts.[75] Plant shares this opinion, stating while it is a fun party mode, the game can sometimes become "too hectic" and "overwhelming".[13] DocSavage also described the mode as repetitive due to the lack of variety in the final challenges and the lack of additional maps.[77] Many critics disliked the Stadium events, claiming them to be an anticlimactic end to the mode.[79][75][73][74] Top Ride received similarly mixed reviews, with Eurogamer and Gamekult comparing the mode to the likes of Micro Machines.[79][77] Alex Donaldson of Eurogamer loved the mode for its "nostalgic-tickling mechanical purity",[79] O'Reilly claimed Top Ride to be "addictive as all hell",[20] and Dekker called the mode a fun yet straightforward distraction.[24] In contrast, DocSavage described Top Ride as an afterthought, providing an "unengaging challenge" with "sometimes unstable controls",[77] while Plant considered it the weakest part of the game.[13] Road Trip was met with somewhat positive reviews, with critics considering its story reminiscent of the Subspace Emissary campaign in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.[79][75][16] In summary, DocSavage described Road Trip as "a kind of melting pot of everything the game has to offer". Some compared the mode to Out Run,[79][73] with O'Reilly considering it as the main big addition to the game.[20] Siliconera’s Jenni Lada, Gamekult’s DocSavage, and Nintendo Life’s PJ O'Reilly claimed the mode is a great starting point for newcomers due to the mode’s difficulty progression.[16][77][20] Dekker described how the mode has a "satisfying sense of progression" to it, offering "a lot of replay value".[24] The main critique of Road Trip was its length, either being too long to be replayable or too short to qualify as a story mode.[16][24][78] Plant claimed the mode "stretch[ed] this control scheme past its limitations" with a heavy focus on combat challenges, which Plant believed was one of the weakest part of the controls.[13] Critics complimented the story itself, with Plant describing it as "surprisingly epic",[13] and Rollin Bishop of GamesRadar+ considering it to be "absolutely wild".[72]

Although the game modes received various mixed opinions, the multiplayer was cited as a strength for many reviewers.[72][13] Alex Donaldson of Eurogamer described Kirby Air Riders as a staple for "quick multiplayer shenanigans with friends",[79] with Jake Dekker of GameSpot claiming it to be "Nintendo's slickest implementation of multiplayer to date" aside from Splatoon 3.[24] In regard to City Trial, Jeuxvideo.com writer Charlan detailed how it is "very multiplayer-focused and will only truly shine when played with friends".[78] PJ O'Reilly of Nintendo Life "couldn't be happier with the performance" when playing the online multiplayer, claiming their matches were "buttery smooth" for all modes.[20]

Critics widely praised the amount of content, unlockables, collectables, and customization options,[13][20][74][16] with the checklist providing substantial replay value.[77][75][73] Alex Donaldson of Eurogamer described it as "an absolutely enormous abundance of challenges",[79] with GameSpot writer Jake Dekker appreciating how they make every race feel worthwhile.[24] The My Machines customization was regarded as "surprisingly in-depth",[13] providing plenty of tools for players to create their own machines and display them online.[20] The presentation was compared positively to the Super Smash Bros. series, with the menus, visual style, and unrivaled attention to detail demonstrating Masahiro Sakurai’s design style.[79][13][78] Many critics complimented the design of the user interface designed by Michiko Sakurai.[72] TechRadar claimed the game was a "visual treat" with some excellent accessibility features providing a better user experience.[75] Scott McCrae of GamesRadar+ praised the menu and UI, putting it as "a contender for the greatest menu of all time".[82] A few days after release, IGN's Logan Plant ranked Kirby Air Riders among the top ten best Kirby games.[83]

Sales

[edit]

On November 16, 2025, it was reported that Kirby Air Riders pre-orders topped sales charts on the Nintendo eShop the week before its launch,[84] and it debuted at the twelfth position on the physical UK sales charts.[85] The game sold 195,594 physical copies and debuted No. 1 in the game sales charts in Japan during its first week according to Famitsu.[86]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Known in Japan as Kirby's Air Rider (カービィのエアライダー, Kābī no Ea Raidā)
  2. ^ Score based on 90 reviews
  3. ^ Score based on 68 reviews

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Norman, Jim (April 2, 2025). "Sakurai's Kirby Air Riders Is Speeding Onto Switch 2". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on April 2, 2025. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
  2. ^ Miller, Matt (April 2, 2025). "New Sakurai-Directed Kirby Air Riders Announced". Game Informer. Archived from the original on September 24, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Cripe, Michael (April 2, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders Revealed During Nintendo Switch 2 Direct". IGN. Archived from the original on April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  4. ^ Lee, Julia (April 2, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2 is the sequel we've been waiting for". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 18, 2025. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
  5. ^ Givens, Billy (August 22, 2025). "All Characters In Kirby Air Riders". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 3, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Green, Jake (October 23, 2025). "Everything announced at the Kirby Air Riders Direct – including the online demo event start date, and an immense amount of info about the game's features that we could barely keep up with". TechRadar. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  7. ^ Lee, Julia (November 19, 2025). "How to unlock every character in Kirby Air Riders". Polygon. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Lee, Julia (November 20, 2025). "How to unlock all machines in Kirby Air Riders". Polygon. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Norman, Jim (October 23, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders Direct #2: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate it?". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  10. ^ a b McWhertor, Michael (August 19, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders comes to Switch 2 in November, brings back City Trial". Polygon. Archived from the original on August 27, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Cripe, Michael (August 19, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on August 27, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c Sanchez, Felix (August 20, 2025). "Preview: Sakurai's Kirby Air Riders Is A Kaleidoscopic Adrenaline Rush". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on September 7, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
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  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lada, Jenni (November 19, 2025). "Review: I Like Kirby Air Riders More Than Mario Kart World". Siliconera. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
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  18. ^ a b Escribano, Javier (November 21, 2025). "How to see the true ending and secret boss in Kirby Air Riders and what do you unlock". Gamereactor UK. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  19. ^ a b Karunakar, Varun (November 14, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders – 15 Things To Know Before You Decide If It's For You". GamingBolt. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m O'Reilly, PJ (November 19, 2025). "Review: Kirby Air Riders (Switch 2) - Incredibly Chaotic, But Satisfyingly Deep & Rewarding Racing". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  21. ^ a b c d LeBlanc, Wesley (October 23, 2025). "Everything We Learned About Kirby Air Riders In Today's Nintendo Direct". Game Informer. Archived from the original on November 6, 2025. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  22. ^ Bonthuys, Darryn (October 23, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders: 14 New Things We Just Learned About The Game". GameSpot. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Petite, Steven (September 12, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders Amiibo Figure Sets Cost $50, Up For Preorder Now". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 11, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Dekker, Jake (November 19, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders Review - Ter-Rick-fic". GameSpot. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  25. ^ Norman, Jim (November 19, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders' Day One Update Has Arrived, Here Are The Full Patch Notes". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  26. ^ "【ソフト＆ハード週間販売数】19万本を売り上げ『カービィのエアライダー』が好スタート！『ポケモンレジェンズ Z-A』『桃太郎電鉄2』など、Switch2タイトルも続々トップ10入り【11/17～11/23】". Famitsu (in Japanese). November 28, 2025. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  27. ^ O'Reilly, PJ (November 20, 2025). "Kirby Air Riders: Lore Explained - Who Are Zorah And Noir Dedede?". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
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