Nintendo is set to showcase Kirby Air Riders, a highly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive, during a 45-minute Nintendo Direct on August 19, 2025. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, the game promises to revive the cult-classic Kirby Air Ride from the GameCube era, and fans are buzzing with expectations for new details.
A Long-Awaited Sequel
Kirby Air Riders is a sequel to the 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride, a racing-action game known for its unique control scheme and chaotic multiplayer modes. Announced in April 2025, the new game is a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2, launching June 5, 2025. With Sakurai, the creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., at the helm, the project carries significant weight. This marks his first Kirby game since Kirby & The Amazing Mirror in 2004 and his first directorial role on a Kirby title since the original Air Ride.
The original game stood out for its simple yet addictive gameplay, where players controlled Kirby on various Air Ride Machines using just the control stick and a single button. The standout mode, City Trial, dropped players into a large map to collect power-ups before competing in random mini-games, earning a dedicated fanbase over the years.
What Fans Are Hoping For
With little revealed since the cinematic trailer in April, the August 19 Direct is expected to unveil gameplay, modes, and a potential release date. Fans are vocal about their hopes, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where the Kirby Air Riders announcement sparked thousands of reactions. Here’s what the community is anticipating:
- Expanded City Trial Mode: Fans want a bigger, more competitive City Trial with new maps, events, and up to 20 players for a battle royale-style experience.
- Modernized Gameplay: Wider tracks, smoother controls, and new Air Ride Machines to enhance the racing experience.
- Online Multiplayer Focus: A robust online mode to support competitive play, addressing the original’s lack of online features.
- Sakurai’s Vision: Given Sakurai’s reputation for polish, fans expect a feature-rich game with surprises, possibly including a single-player campaign or new abilities.
The Direct, hosted by Sakurai himself, is likely to dive deep into these elements, potentially showcasing gameplay at Gamescom 2025, which begins the same day. The timing suggests Nintendo aims to build hype for the Switch 2’s holiday lineup.
Sakurai’s Passion Project
Sakurai’s involvement is a major draw. Known for his meticulous approach, he has called Kirby Air Riders a “passion project,” hinting at its personal significance. Posts on X suggest this game was a condition for his continued work on Super Smash Bros., indicating his leverage with Nintendo. Fans speculate the game will reflect his signature attention to detail, with larger maps, enhanced physics, and vibrant visuals tailored for the Switch 2’s capabilities.
The game’s development involves HAL Laboratory, Sora Ltd., and Bandai Namco Studios, promising a polished experience. However, some skepticism persists. Former Nintendo marketing leads have suggested delaying the game to 2026 if development isn’t perfect, citing concerns about Sakurai’s workload. Despite this, Nintendo’s confidence in a 2025 release, reinforced by a recent rating in Saudi Arabia, suggests the game is on track.
A Crowded 2025 Lineup
Kirby Air Riders joins a packed Switch 2 lineup, including Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Releasing alongside Mario Kart World raises questions about market overlap, but fans on Reddit argue the Switch 2’s strong launch will support both titles. The game’s cult status and Sakurai’s involvement could make it a standout, especially if it delivers on fan expectations for City Trial and online play.
What’s Next?
Nintendo’s focus on Kirby Air Riders signals its importance to the Switch 2’s early success. The August 19 Direct, streaming at 6 a.m. PT on YouTube and the Nintendo Today! app, is expected to clarify the game’s scope and release window. With Sakurai’s track record and the game’s nostalgic appeal, Kirby Air Riders could redefine Kirby’s racing legacy for a new generation.
