On August 19th, Nintendo released a 47-minute Direct going over the new Kirby Air Riders game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. This Direct took on a unique format with the project director, Masahiro Sakurai, of Super Smash Bros fame speaking to the camera in a manner similar to his YouTube videos. He introduces his return to the Kirby franchise by describing the ways in which Kirby Air Riders improves on the original game, Kirby Air Ride for the GameCube.

Taking a page from the Mario Kart series, the game has multiple playable characters that can be paired with various rides to change their stats during the race. As an interesting twist on the genre, the game’s characters also have abilities completely unique to them, allowing for more constant interaction between racers on the track. As a Kirby game, it also has a list of copy abilities that each racer can use.

Sakurai follows up a gameplay demonstration by announcing the return of a fan-favorite mode from the original game, City Trial. In it, players will traverse a sandbox area, collecting powerups and hopping between rides while opponents do the same. It is an evolution on the concept from the original game that takes the basics of racing and allows for greater player choice and interaction. The short round he played to demonstrate the returning mode showcased different events that affected the entire map or forced players to battle one another in an enclosed space. The second stage allows players to take the bonuses they have received and try to win challenges in various stadiums also shown off in the direct.

The direct ends with Sakurai addressing the camera again and explaining what excites him about the game, showing his passion and making the presentation more personal. It is finally revealed that the game is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20th, 2025.