No one would have predicted that 2025 would be such a big year for arcade racers, but Nintendo is set to make another statement with Kirby Air Riders. While the game is likely to draw comparisons with Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, Kirby racing games have always been more unique and experimental. This is evident with the original Kirby Air Ride on the GameCube.
After nearly two decades, we’re finally getting a sequel with Air Riders. In a Nintendo Direct last month, Nintendo unusually boasted that the game would not have any DLC, but it would have a global demo. This demo, called Test Ride, will give players early access to experience the new modes and features. Here’s everything on offer with the Kirby Air Riders Test Ride.
A Limited Demo Filled With Fun
The Test Ride for Kirby Air Riders will be split into two weekends. One that runs from November 8 to November 9, and another from November 15 to November 16. Each weekend will feature several sessions that last 6 hours each. If you hop into the Test Ride on either of these dates, you’ll be able to experience three Air Ride courses: Floria Field, Waveflow Waters, and Mount Amberfalls.
For those interested in experiencing the game with their friends, the Paddock will serve as your lobby and help you set up matches. The game is going to have 32 players in each race, but this has been limited to 16 racers for the Test Ride. This demo will also feature a Lessons mode, which will walk you through the different modes and gameplay mechanics.
City Trial is another interesting mode, and this one allows you to roam around the city where the game is based, Sykah. Here, you can collect power-ups, complete challenges, and improve your vehicle stats or upgrade to entirely new vehicles. To participate in the Test Ride, you’ll obviously need a Nintendo Switch 2 console to download the demo from the eShop. To access the City Trial, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership, but the rest of the modes can be accessed without it.
What To Look Out For In Kirby Air Riders
Nintendo has been pretty comprehensive with lengthy Directs dedicated to Kirby Air Riders, but if you’re not up to speed, here are some things to know: While this is a spiritual successor to the original GameCube game, it does play a bit closer to modern Mario Kart. The return of Top Ride is a big deal, though, as this is a top-down racing mode that was a beloved event on the GameCube.
However, Road Trip mode seems to be the main attraction here, as it mixes elements from Air Ride, City Trial, and Top Ride modes into a full adventure. For the first time in the series, Kirby will include a structured story campaign starring Kirby, King Dedede, and some other returning characters. Stylistically, the game is looking great, but you can always expect that to be the case for a first-person Nintendo title. If you have a Nintendo Switch 2, it’s well worth checking out the Test Ride to see if the game is up your alley. At the very least, it looks like a good weekend or two of free fun.
