Nintendo’s new Kirby Air Riders Direct confirms the return of a much-loved game mode
If there’s one game I’ve been looking forward to since April, it’s Kirby Air Riders. It’s the highly anticipated sequel to Kirby Air Ride, one of the best games to ever grace the GameCube. Things appear to be ramping up to 11 with this next entry, and as there was a dedicated Kirby Air Riders Direct today, showing off game modes and boosts in the game.
I’m somewhat surprised about the next Nintendo Direct, given Kirby’s racing game got its own showcase earlier this year, with the first Kirby Air Riders Direct displaying various features, including the fact that you can play as other characters besides Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede, along with the return of City Trial.
The first Direct lasted for 45 minutes, but this time around, it went for an hour. I’m not complaining, it’s great that there’s so much to the new Kirby game, but one hour and 45 minutes means this game is getting more showcase time than Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
What was in the Kirby Air Riders Direct?
We got a look at most aspects of the game, including courses, a trailer showing the story premise, new game modes, vehicles, and playable characters. For instance, City Trial, a mode announced in the first presentation, got some more airtime, getting our engines revved up and ready for release. It turns out that City Trial has a free roam mode, letting you take Kirby for a day out at your own leisure.
The big news is that Sakurai announced the return of Top Down, a mode where you, uh, view the race from above, and can see the whole track at once. There are plenty of items to use as you zoom around, from the Chickie bird to Drift Flames for some added spice. The available game modes also include Road Trip, where you can take on challenges from different courses and use different machines.
The Direct let us see plenty of stages coming to the game, including the creative Crystalline Fissure, the metallic Steamgust Forge, and some mystery levels which are yet to be named. We also see the Stadium, where even more mini-games await, including Vs battles against other players and bosses like Robo Dedede.
More characters got an introduction, including Taranza, Lololo & Lalala, and Daroach. They’ll be joining the roster, bringing different abilities to the game. Sakurai promises more riders will come, but we need to wait for more information.
Along with all of this, three new amiibo figures were announced, including King Dedede. That makes five, all of which are bigger than usual amiibo, plus you can swap the bases around and even change certain pieces on each figure.
There is tons in this direct, but what we’re most excited about is the customizable machine. Called My Machine, you can decorate your very own vehicle with different colors, accessories, and decals. You can also buy other players’ designs from the online market, which is neat.
The Direct wrapped up with a look at what resembles a redesigned Star Dream Soul OS hanging out in space, and then by announcing a Global Test Ride, coming in November. Between November 8-9 and then 15-16, there will be online demo events taking place.
When was the October 2025 Kirby Air Riders Direct?
The Kirby Air Riders Direct aired on October 23, 2025, at 6am PT / 2pm BST, and you can watch it on YouTube or via the Nintendo Today! App.
Nintendo’s on a roll so far this year, with the release of Pokémon Z-A Legends proving popular, Mario Kart World taking the series in a new direction, and Donkey Kong Bananza straight up being a serious Game of the Year contender. I’m not joking, Connor Christie gave it full marks with a 10/10 in his Donkey Kong Bananza review.
Can Kirby Air Riders achieve those same heights? I’m optimistic about the new Switch game, and I can’t wait to learn more about it ahead of its release.
