The game is set to launch on November 20, 2025, and the developers have revealed almost everything. Masahiro Sakurai has shared details about gameplay and the content that will be available at release.
Owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 who enjoy character-focused racing games were treated to an extensive presentation — this title is the successor to a project from two decades ago.
Special attention was given to the game modes returning from the original Kirby Air Ride (2003). At launch, players will be able to experience:
- Top Ride: classic top-down racing with tracks from the Air Ride mode, selectable characters and vehicles, Quick Spins, Boost Charges, Copy Abilities, and exclusive items (Kaboomb, Drift Flames, Drill Driver). Supports online races for up to 8 players or offline play with 3 players on one console plus 4 CPU opponents.
- Road Trip: mission-based courses that incorporate Air Ride, City Trial and Top Ride elements, vehicle and item collection, and a story-driven campaign featuring Kirby, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, Starman and other characters.
- Paddock: a social lobby for choosing modes, interacting with friends, adjusting music, using emojis and poses, and organizing matches.
- Swap Relay: a new relay-style race where players switch vehicles after each lap — a local pass-the-baton format for competing with nearby players.
- Transform Star: a new transforming vehicle that shifts between star and bike forms, offering different handling and abilities.
- Checklist: a goals system with five tabs (Air Ride, Top Ride, City Trial, Road Trip, Online) that unlocks additional content and characters as objectives are completed.
The game will include the original nine tracks expanded to 18, introduce a new power-up called the Mega Cannon, offer stadium modes, boss encounters such as Robo Dedede, and support both local and online multiplayer.
Global Win Power will display color-coded online rank classifications. Licenses are customizable, and Team Battles will allow up to 16 players split into teams. Additional features include Time Attack, Free Run, music and garage customization, vehicle personalization, commentators in multiple languages, and a configurable menu.
Source: iXBT.games