Kirby Air Riders Hands On A Chaotic and Wholesome Racing Sequel
Kirby is known for being a wholesome Nintendo character, but his games often have a quirky, mean streak. This is especially true for the long-awaited sequel, Kirby Air Riders. As a follow-up to the GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride, it is a fast-paced racing game that stands out as one of the most chaotic racing experiences in recent memory.
During a hands-on session at PAX West 2025, I spent an hour with Kirby Air Riders. It was a chance to reacquaint myself with the deceptively simple yet deep mechanics that made the 2003 original a cult favorite. It is interesting to see director Masuhiro Sakurai follow up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with this project, and it carries the same go-for-broke energy that defines his previous work.
The game features an expanded roster of Kirby characters, including Meta Knight and King Dedede, each with their own unique stats and skills. You race through vibrant tracks inspired by the series, but Air Riders also includes free-for-all action stages and mini-games that test your drifting, gliding, and signature copy abilities.
Kirby Air Riders doubles down on what made the original so unique, resulting in a bizarre and wonderful take on the racing genre. It does for racing what Smash Bros did for fighting games, injecting unconventional systems that feel fresh and exciting.
However, the game has a learning curve, largely due to its minimalist control scheme. Acceleration is automatic, leaving you to focus on managing momentum with the control stick and a single button for boosts. The nuance comes from mastering drifts and spin attacks to overcome rivals. Being aggressive is key, as successfully landing attacks on enemies grants you speed boosts. I often played as Magolor, who can sprout ground spikes after a jump. A new special ability button allows for character-specific attacks once a meter is filled.
I was taken aback by how fast and chaotic the races become. Rivals are diabolical, unleashing attacks and snatching victory at the last second. I lost two races in a row by coming in second place because King Dedede activated a boost right at the finish line. It takes time to adjust to the rapid pace and how quickly fortune can change.
This chaos is amplified in the returning City Trial mode. This is the game’s take on a battle mode, reminiscent of Mario Kart 64 or Twisted Metal. Players dash around a large open area to collect power-ups and upgrade their vehicles, which culminates in a themed mini-game to decide the ultimate winner. It felt like being swept into a colorful mosh pit where other players can steal your ride. Dynamic events, like bombs raining from the sky, create truly bizarre and hectic scenarios. City Trial is a fun mini-open world packed with secrets to discover.
It took me some time, including twenty minutes with the generous tutorials, to find my groove in Kirby Air Riders’ ruthless approach to action-racing. But once I did, the sheer spectacle of it all came into focus. I grew to appreciate its over-the-top nature, which sets it apart from other kart racers like Mario Kart. There are aspects I still don’t fully understand, and I am perfectly okay with that because the fun is in going with the flow and embracing the beautiful chaos.
Kirby Air Riders will be released on November 20, 2025 on the Nintendo Switch 2.
