Kirby Air Ride’s fan-favorite racer is a hilariously fast, oversized hamster named Rick who’s dominating beta lobbies — “Why is THIS the face of carnage and destruction?”

But one supporting character completely dominated the beta: Rick, the giant hamster. Since his first appearance in Kirby’s Dream Land 2, Rick has been a beloved presence, and Air Riders only cements his legend. The orange-and-white hamster boasts some of the highest speed stats in the game, and his Special — Rip-Roaring Rick — has him leap out of his vehicle to rocket forward on foot, bulldozing anyone who gets in his path.

LOOK AT HIM GO

— @ultimashadow.bsky.social (@ultimashadow.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-11-11T17:36:39.104Z

Rick’s meteoric popularity flooded social channels, with Automaton noting players’ delight with the absurdly fast hamster. One clip shows Rick breaking the sound barrier and launching off the City Trail sky island, and fans have been turning that energy into fanart celebrating his raw power.

kirby air riders is STUPID why can rick do this pic.twitter.com/z4a18VcdmBNovember 9, 2025

Not everyone finds Rick charming — some players are alarmed. One user posted an image and wrote that Rick looks like “a beast” and that his expression is oddly terrifying for something so small. Another asked, “kirby air riders is STUPID why can Rick do this,” sharing footage of the hamster hurtling through portals at near-light speeds.

Another fan highlighted delightful animation touches: Rick claps his tiny paws when he accelerates, scoops up foes with both hands during captures, often ends up riding on his belly because of his short limbs, and — adorably — his enormous hamster rear always faces the camera, making candid screenshots irresistibly cute.

“The years of direct competition are done”: Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé says the console wars are over, but “there’s always going to be a battle for attention.”