Nintendo announces free "Global Test Ride" demo for Kirby Air Riders

Nintendo Switch Online members will get their first chance to play the highly anticipated Kirby Air Riders in a special “Global Test Ride” event.

The online demo was announced during a new 60-minute “Kirby Air Riders Direct 2” presentation, which was hosted by game director Masahiro Sakurai.

The “Global Test Ride” is a limited-time demo event held exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The software can be downloaded from the eShop starting on Friday, November 7th.

The demo will be active during six specific windows, allowing players to test the game’s online capabilities:

Nov. 8: 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. PT
Nov. 8: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT
Nov. 9: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT
Nov. 15: 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. PT
Nov. 15: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT
Nov. 16: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT

During the event, players can access the Lessons, Air Ride, and City Trial modes.

kirby air riders multiplayer screenshot 1

The “Paddock” online hub will also be open, allowing players to team up with friends or join players worldwide in City Trial with up to 16 players.

As a bonus, players who have pre-ordered the digital version of the game will receive an in-game hat that can be worn by their rider during the demo.

The “Global Test Ride” was the headline of a massive deep dive that detailed numerous other new and returning features for the game:

New “Road Trip” Mode: A brand-new, story-driven single-player campaign was revealed. Players will travel across a map and complete a series of challenges from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride, all while collecting machines and items.

“Top Ride” Returns: The classic, top-down racing mode from the original Kirby Air Ride is officially back. It will feature new items and Copy Abilities and will be playable with up to eight players online.

Expanded Roster: A host of new playable characters were confirmed, including Taranza, the duo Lololo & Lalala, Daroach, Marx, Rick, Rocky, Scarfy, and Waddle Dee.

New amiibo: Three new amiibo sets were unveiled: “Meta Knight & Devil Star,” “King Dedede & Tank Star,” and “Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star.” These join the previously announced Kirby and Waddle Dee amiibo. All five sets feature magnetic, swappable riders and machines that are recognized in-game.

New Online Features: The presentation detailed “Licenses” (customizable player cards), “Global Win Power” (a new ranking metric), and 16-player “Team Battles” for City Trial.

New Air Ride & City Trial Content: A new “Swap Relay” race type was revealed, as was a new “Transform Star” machine that can swap between flight and bike modes. The presentation also confirmed the return of all nine original Air Ride courses, a new “Mega Cannon” power-up, a new boss named “Robo Dedede,” and the return of the legendary machines, Dragoon and Hydra.

“Checklist” Returns: The fan-favorite objective grid from the original game is back with five categories, including new tabs for “Road Trip” and “Online.”

Deep Customization: A “Miles” in-game currency system will allow players to buy machines, parts, and music tracks. The “My Machine” feature allows for deep customization and even an in-game marketplace to sell your creations.

“My Music” Feature: A Super Smash Bros.-style “My Music” option will be included, allowing players to select their favorite tracks from across the Kirby series to play during City Trial.
Accessibility Options: The game will feature extensive motion sickness countermeasures, including options to adjust the camera’s field of view, rotation speed, and the amount of camera shake.

Kirby Air Riders is scheduled to be released on Thursday, the 20th of November, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The standard digital edition is priced at ¥7,980 (approx. $54 USD / £43 GBP), and the physical package version is priced at ¥8,980 (approx. $61 USD / £49 GBP).

The latest Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct can now be viewed in full on YouTube: