When Kirby Air Ride unexpectedly arrived on the GameCube over two decades ago, it developed a cult following. Now, the long-awaited sequel, Kirby Air Riders, has glided onto the Nintendo Switch 2. Directed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai, this sequel is a bold, chaotic, and often brilliant experience that refines the original’s unique vision while carrying over some of its very same quirks. It’s not a game for everyone, but for the right player, it’s an unforgettable ride.

A Smash Bros. Makeover

From the moment you boot up the game, the influence of Sakurai’s other flagship series is undeniable. The menu design, the sound effects, and the overall presentation feel ripped straight out of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate . This is far from a bad thing; it gives Kirby Air Riders a incredibly slick and polished sheen. The soundtrack is a particular standout, featuring a mix of jazzy arrangements and high-energy beats that perfectly complement the on-screen action . On the new hardware, the game is a visual treat, with vibrant colors, detailed tracks, and smooth performance that holds up even during the most frantic moments .

Simple to Learn, Tough to Master

At its core, Kirby Air Riders defies conventional kart racing logic. Your machine accelerates automatically, leaving you to focus on steering, a single button for boosting and braking, and another for character-specific special moves .

This minimalist control scheme is easy to pick up but masks a surprisingly deep and complex racer. Mastering the Boost Charge—using your brake to drift around corners and then unleash a burst of speed—is the key to victory . You’ll also need to manage drafting behind opponents, inhaling enemies for copy abilities, and executing perfect landings from glides . The high overall speed means you’re constantly making split-second decisions, and pulling off a perfect lap is immensely satisfying .

However, this simplicity is also a source of frustration. The “Quick Spin” attack, crucial for defense, is awkwardly tied to wiggling the control stick and often fails to activate when you need it most . Having core actions like boosting and inhaling bound to the same button can sometimes lead to unintended slowdowns . The game could have undoubtedly benefited from a slightly more expanded control scheme.

A Tour of the Game Modes

Kirby Air Riders is not a single game, but a collection of distinct experiences bolted onto the same chassis.

• Air Ride: This is the standard racing mode. The 18 tracks (split between new and retro courses) are brilliantly designed, feeling like rollercoasters with multiple branching paths . Races are fast and fun, though a lack of strong rubber-banding can sometimes lead to runaway leaders .
• City Trial – The Star of the Show: This is where Air Riders truly shines. Up to 16 players are dropped into a large city map and given five minutes to scavenge for stat boosts and new machines. Random events, like boss fights or giant spike balls raining from the sky, ensure no two rounds are alike . The chaotic, unpredictable fun of building your machine and then testing it in a final minigame is unmatched, even if the concluding events can sometimes feel anticlimactic .
• Road Trip – A Robust Single-Player Adventure: Addressing a key criticism of the original, Road Trip is a full-fledged story mode that blends all other modes into a roguelite-style campaign . You progress through branching paths, choosing challenges to power up your rider and unlock new machines. It’s a fantastically engaging way to experience the game’s variety and offers substantial replayability .
• Top Ride: A top-down, micro-racing mode that serves as a fun distraction but wears thin quickly compared to the other, more substantial offerings .

Depth and Customization

Beyond the races, Kirby Air Riders is packed with content. A massive checklist system with hundreds of challenges provides a near-constant drip-feed of unlocks, including new characters, machines, music, and customization items . The vehicle customization is shockingly deep, allowing you to tweak colors, materials, patterns, and accessories to create a truly unique ride . The integration of an online marketplace where you can buy and sell your creations adds a wonderful social layer .

The Verdict: 7.9/10 – A Beautiful, Flawed Masterpiece

Kirby Air Riders is a game of thrilling highs and noticeable lows. It is an undeniable blast to play, especially in short bursts with friends. The core mechanics are unique and rewarding, the presentation is top-tier, and the amount of content is staggering.

Yet, it’s held back from greatness by its own stubborn adherence to a limited control scheme and a level of chaos that will be outright overwhelming for some. It’s the quintessential “marmite” game—you’ll either love its frenetic energy or be turned off by its lack of traditional structure .

You’ll love this game if:

• You enjoyed the original Kirby Air Ride or modes like Smash Run.
• You’re looking for a unique, skill-based alternative to Mario Kart.
• You value chaotic, fun-first party games with deep customization.
• You can look past some jank for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

You should skip this game if:

• You prefer precise, traditional kart racing.
• You get easily frustrated by chaotic, sometimes uncontrollable gameplay.
• You are primarily a solo player who isn’t driven by unlockables and challenges.

In the end, Kirby Air Riders is a fantastic revival that perfectly captures the spirit of its cult-classic predecessor. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s utterly brilliant when it all clicks. For that, it earns a strong 7.9 out of 10.