Nintendo’s upcoming Kirby Air Riders feels more like F-Zero than Mario Kart, surprising longtime fans who expected a more lighthearted racer. This Switch 2-exclusive sequel pushes speed and chaos to new levels, leaving little room for casual play.
When most players think of Kirby, they imagine relaxing platformers or cheerful party-style spin-offs. But Kirby Air Riders breaks the mold. It’s fast, punishing, and rewards aggressive combat more than laid-back drifting. In fact, its DNA feels much closer to F-Zero’s futuristic racing than Mario Kart’s playful tracks.
The game, developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco, is directed by Masahiro Sakurai—best known for Super Smash Bros. His influence shows immediately: Air Riders is packed with quick reflex challenges, tight mechanics, and competitive intensity.
From the very first tutorial, it’s clear this isn’t your typical Kirby game. While easy to pick up, the pacing forces split-second decisions. Racers must crash into rivals for boosts, dodge incoming hazards, and master tight drifting mechanics.
Unlike Mario Kart’s forgiving item system, Kirby Air Riders punishes hesitation. The speed is relentless, and you’ll feel like you’re clinging to the track at all times. This is exactly why so many are saying Kirby Air Riders feels more like F-Zero than Mario Kart.
Fans of the original GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride will be excited to see City Trial return. This open-world battle mode has players scrambling for power-ups before a final showdown. The stakes are higher this time, with CPU opponents and expanded environments adding extra tension.
It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and a true test of strategy. Even seasoned racers will struggle to keep up with the pace, which feels like a love letter to F-Zero’s legacy while still embracing Kirby’s charm.
The control scheme remains approachable: vehicles accelerate automatically, with drifting handled by the B button. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Perfect timing is required to gain boosts and stay competitive. That balance of accessibility and depth is what makes Air Riders so intriguing.
For years, Mario Kart has dominated Nintendo’s racing catalog, while F-Zero has been missing in action. Kirby Air Riders could be the unexpected bridge between the two, offering speed demons a new challenge while keeping the Kirby brand alive.
With its November 20th release on Switch 2, Air Riders could redefine what fans expect from Kirby spin-offs—and maybe even fill the gap left by F-Zero.
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