Kirby Air Riders Brings Sakurai's Smash Experience To A Switch 2 Racing Game

Kirby Air Riders is a new racing game for the Nintendo Switch that builds on the Kirby's Air Ride franchise. The game features fast-paced, kinetic action with a focus on unique character abilities and power-up management. The hands-on demo showcased the City Trials mode, which has two phases. First, players explore a hub area to gather power-ups and upgrade their vehicles. Then, they enter a competitive race or combat-focused event tailored to their build. The demo highlighted the differences between two playable characters - Magalor and Starman - and their distinct special abilities. While the game appears approachable for casual players, it also has the potential for a high skill ceiling and competitive depth, reminiscent of the Smash Bros. series designed by Masahiro Sakurai. The combination of character-based abilities, vehicle customization, and fast-paced gameplay suggests Kirby Air Riders could appeal to both party game enthusiasts and serious racing fans.