Nintendo fans, mark your calendars — the next Nintendo Direct is officially set for October 23, 2025. However, before you get too excited about surprise reveals or new Switch 2 announcements, there’s a twist: this presentation will focus entirely on Kirby Air Riders.
According to Nintendo, the upcoming Direct will run for a full 60 minutes and be hosted by Masahiro Sakurai, the creative force behind Super Smash Bros. and the original Kirby Air Ride for GameCube. Scheduled for 9 AM ET (2 PM UK), this presentation promises deep insights into gameplay, character lineup, and new features ahead of the game’s release on November 20, 2025.
The catch? Don’t expect updates on other Nintendo titles or Switch 2 surprises — this Direct is dedicated solely to Kirby Air Riders, the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 classic.
The Return of a Cult Classic
Co-developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd., Kirby Air Riders revives the racing-battle gameplay that earned its predecessor a cult following. Despite its mixed reception back in 2003, Kirby Air Ride found a lasting fan base thanks to its fast-paced action and charm — and this new entry looks set to expand on that legacy.
Sakurai has teased that the project has been in development since 2021, describing it as “shaping up to be something great.” With that much time behind the wheel, expectations are high.
Inside Kirby Air Riders: Gameplay, Characters, and Amiibos
Kirby Air Riders will feature at least 12 playable characters, including favorites like Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, and even Chef Kawasaki. Each racer brings distinct stats and abilities, creating varied playstyles and strategies.
Races will support up to 16 players, suggesting an expanded online or local multiplayer mode that could make this one of the biggest competitive titles on Switch 2 yet.
And yes — new amiibo figures are coming too. Nintendo confirmed two launch figures:
- Kirby on a Warp Star
- Bandana Waddle Dee on a Winged Star
These are expected to unlock in-game bonuses and exclusive cosmetics.
See also: How to Watch the Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct on Nintendo Switch 2
While it might disappoint fans hoping for news on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, this Direct signals how Nintendo is positioning Kirby Air Riders as a flagship Switch 2 release. With the console’s hybrid 1080p handheld and 4K docked output, the racing visuals and effects should see a major boost over previous Kirby titles. Pre-order Now!
