Air Riders Review

Air Riders is an exciting new racing game that launched on November 20, 2025, as a highly anticipated successor to the cult-classic *Kirby Air Ride*. Developed for Nintendo Switch 2 and directed by Masahiro Sakurai—the original creator of the franchise—the game blends high-speed racing with chaotic multiplayer action and strategic power-ups. It’s one of the standout titles of the year, earning generally favorable reviews from both critics and players who enjoy inventive racing and multiplayer competition.

A Racing Experience With a Twist

Unlike traditional kart racers, *Air Riders* features simplified controls where vehicles automatically accelerate. You focus on steering, boosting, drifting, and using each character’s unique special abilities to gain an edge over opponents. Characters like Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and more each bring distinct playstyles and abilities inspired by classic Kirby mechanics.

What sets *Air Riders* apart is how it mixes pure racing with combat and exploration. Attacking other racers fills a special gauge that you can spend on powerful moves, and mastering the right timing for boosts and aerial maneuvers adds another layer of depth.

Modes That Offer Variety

The game includes several engaging play modes. The core **Air Ride mode** is about traditional racing with up to six characters per match on diverse tracks. **City Trial mode** returns from the original title and expands on it—players explore a large floating island called Skyah, collecting power-ups and swapping machines before heading into short, randomized Stadium challenges against up to 16 players online. Other modes include relays and team battles, keeping multiplayer sessions unpredictable and fun.

Visuals and Performance

Visually, *Air Riders* leverages the Switch 2 hardware to deliver bright, colorful graphics and smooth performance. The game generally runs at a solid 60 fps in most modes, with resolution scaling depending on whether you’re docked or in handheld play. Environments are vibrant, and character animations stay true to Kirby’s whimsical aesthetic, though some lighting effects like HDR implementation could feel inconsistent at times.

Multiplayer and Community

Multiplayer is a major draw, with online matchmaking allowing up to 16 players in modes like City Trial. Some players praise the multiplayer experience for its accessibility and fun chaos, while others note occasional empty lobbies or bots filling slots, especially during off-peak hours. Player feedback also highlights a steep learning curve for newcomers and mixed opinions on track design and pacing.

Reception and Impact

Critically, *Air Riders* has been well-received, holding a generally favorable score and high user rating on aggregator sites. Reviewers often point to its joyful chaos, deep mechanics, and nostalgic appeal as strong positives, while noting that its unique style might not click immediately with players used to more traditional racers.

How to download and install Air Riders

Air Riders is available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, where it launched globally on November 20, 2025. It can be purchased digitally from the Nintendo eShop or as a physical cartridge at most retailers. The game generally requires a one-time purchase; there is no current free-to-play tier or subscription requirement beyond the cost of the game itself.

Players can start by downloading the title from the eShop or inserting the cartridge and following on-screen instructions. Once installed, updates and patches may download automatically if connected online. There is no official mobile or PC version at this time, and any third-party downloads should be avoided for security reasons.

Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership for matchmaking and voice chat features. In restricted networks like school or work, unblocked access can be limited; using home networks or VPN services (where legally permitted) may help maintain connectivity. The game supports both local and online multiplayer, with options for casual play or competitive sessions.