Kirby fans have been waiting years for this moment, and it’s finally happening. The sequel to the classic Kirby Air Ride is in the works, and the development team for Kirby Air Riders has just been confirmed. Set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, this game is already generating some major buzz.
What Is Kirby Air Riders?
Kirby Air Riders is a new racing game that picks up where the 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride left off. Back then, players loved racing on Air Ride Machines, like the Warp Star, in fun and chaotic multiplayer modes. This time, the game is being built for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s expected to bring fresh features to the table. The original had a unique battle royale-style mode where Kirbys raced to outlast each other. If Kirby Air Riders keeps that spirit, we might see some high-speed action with a modern twist, maybe even online multiplayer. Details are still light, but fans are already guessing about new tracks or surprise characters.
Who’s Behind the Game?
The developers for Kirby Air Riders are a dream team: HAL Laboratory, Sora Ltd., and Bandai Namco Studios. HAL Laboratory created Kirby way back, so they know the character inside and out. Sora Ltd. is run by Masahiro Sakurai, the guy who first dreamed up Kirby and later directed Super Smash Bros.. His return to a Kirby project is his first since Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, and it feels like a big deal. Then there’s Bandai Namco Studios, who’ve worked on hits like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With their skills, some folks are wondering if we’ll see crossover elements in Kirby Air Riders. It’s a solid lineup that’s got everyone talking.
Announcement Breakdown
The game got its big reveal during a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025. A trailer was dropped, showing off bright visuals and Kirby zooming around on sleek vehicles. You can watch it yourself on YouTube. No gameplay yet, but the vibe feels nostalgic yet new. IGN covered the announcement, while Gamerant confirmed the developers. Sakurai even popped up on Twitter to share a few thoughts, and Nintendo Life gave an update on the project’s progress. It’s all lining up for something big.
Wrapping Up
With 2025 on the way, Kirby Air Riders is shaping up to be a highlight for Nintendo fans. The developers alone make it worth watching, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. For the latest on this and other games, keep an eye on Total Apex Gaming’s news section.
