Will Kirby Air Riders Be on Switch 1?
No, Kirby Air Ride is not available on Nintendo Switch 1 or confirmed for release there. However, a sequel titled Kirby Air Riders is set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. This resurgence in interest follows the official Nintendo Direct presentation on August 19, 2025, where Masahiro Sakurai announced the new game. Searches have spiked especially after the Switch 2's release earlier in June and the Direct reveal.
Kirby Air Riders Release Date
Kirby Air Riders is officially set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. This date was confirmed during several Nintendo Direct presentations, with preorders now live via Nintendo’s website and major retailers. The game launches alongside exclusive Kirby Air Riders amiibo and features fully developed online and local multiplayer, expanding the classic GameCube experience for a new generation. The official X @KirbyAirRiders revealed that Kirby Air Riders will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, November 20. The announcement was made during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation.
Could Kirby Air Ride Come to Switch 2?
Kirby Air Riders is itself the exclusive sequel launching on Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, supporting GameCube games in its online classics library, but no original Air Ride port. HAL Laboratory has expressed interest in remaking Kirby games only when they can add meaningful new gameplay. The Switch 2's technical capabilities, including backward compatibility and upgraded hardware, fit well for new Kirby titles like Kirby Air Riders but do not confirm an Air Ride port itself. Fan demand is noted but small compared to recent game steps from Nintendo.
Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) shared on X that teased fans with an exciting announcement, asking, "Are you ready to ride?" The highly anticipated Kirby Air Riders will launch on November 20 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby Air Riders is a fast-paced vehicular action sequel to the 2003 GameCube classic, coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. with longtime Kirby director Masahiro Sakurai at the helm, the game features expanded roster options (over 20 playable characters), three main gameplay modes—Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride—all with local and online multiplayer support.
Notable additions include a “Road Trip” story mode and collectible amiibo that unlock new machines and rider combinations. City Trial and large-scale online racing are back, with the Direct presentations offering deep dives into the features and the legacy of the original. It's a direct sequel—not a remaster or straight port.
Disclaimer:
Release dates and game features are subject to change by Nintendo without prior notice. Information provided is based on official Nintendo announcements and may be updated after publication
