SWITCH 2 REVIEW | Kirby Air Riders

I still remember the first time I played Kirby Air Ride back on the GameCube. It wasn’t the smoothest racer out there, but there was something magical about its simplicity, one button, endless chaos, and the unforgettable City Trial mode that kept me and my friends glued to the screen. It was rough around the edges, sure, but it had a charm that stuck with me long after the disc was back in its case. For years, I wondered if Nintendo would ever revisit that idea.

Now, with Kirby Air Riders on the Switch 2, it feels like that wish has finally been granted. This new entry doesn’t just dust off the old formula; it builds on it in ways that make the nostalgia hit even harder. The roster is bigger, the machines feel more alive, and City Trial returns with a fresh setting that makes every session unpredictable. Add in online play and the clever use of Kirby’s copy abilities mid-race, and suddenly the chaos that defined the original feels sharper, more tactical, and more rewarding. It’s the kind of sequel that makes you smile because it remembers what made the first game special, while finally giving it the scope it always deserved.

With that history and excitement in mind, let’s dive into my thoughts on how Kirby Air Riders actually plays, and whether it lives up to the legacy it’s building on.

Things I liked!

• Visuals & Style | What struck me right away with Kirby Air Riders is just how much personality the game radiates. The Switch 2’s hardware gives Dream Land a sharper, more vibrant look, but it never loses that playful charm. Tracks feel alive, one moment you’re racing through neon lit streets, the next you’re gliding past rolling hills, and the art direction makes each course feel distinct without ever sacrificing readability. I especially liked how machines stand out against the backgrounds. Bold outlines and clean effects make it easy to track your rider even when the screen is packed with chaos. It is a small detail, but it keeps the action from becoming overwhelming, which is crucial in a game that thrives on unpredictability.
  
  There is also a nostalgic energy to the presentation. Kirby’s copy abilities are animated with just the right amount of flair, and the exaggerated hazards and power ups give the races a Saturday morning cartoon vibe. At the same time, the sheer speed delivers pure adrenaline, with certain stretches of a race feeling like you are strapped into a rollercoaster. It is playful, colourful, and expressive, the kind of style that makes you smile even when you are getting knocked around mid race.

• The Sound of Speed | The audio design in Kirby Air Riders matches the rush of its visuals. The soundtrack blends upbeat remixes of classic Kirby themes with new tracks that lean into racing intensity. I often found myself grinning as the music kicked in during a boost, because it amplifies that rollercoaster feeling the game thrives on. Sound effects are sharp and satisfying. The whoosh of a Warp Star cutting through the air, the clang of a spin attack, or the pop of inhaling an enemy all land with clarity. These cues are not just fun to hear, they help you read the chaos around you, giving every race a rhythm you can feel as much as see. What I liked most is how the mix never overwhelms. Even in the busiest City Trial moments, the balance between music and effects keeps the adrenaline high without drowning you in noise. It is a soundscape that feels tuned for excitement, and it makes every race pulse with energy.
  
  
• Accessibility Options | Kirby Air Riders makes a clear effort to be welcoming. Controls can be remapped, rumble and motion inputs adjusted, and steering swapped between sticks or tilt, so players can set things up however it feels most natural. Visual options help keep the chaos readable: HUD elements can be enlarged, outlines added to machines, and effects like blur or camera shake reduced. Brightness and text size adjustments further ensure clarity for players sensitive to motion or those who just want a cleaner view. Audio settings round things out, with separate sliders for music, effects, and voices. Together, these features make the game flexible enough for newcomers, families, and veterans alike, ensuring the fun is never lost to discomfort.
  
  
• Controls | The controls in Kirby Air Riders are deliberately simple, keeping the focus on speed and chaos rather than complex inputs. Steering is handled with the left stick, and wiggling it side to side triggers a spin attack that clears space around you. It’s an easy move to pull off, but it adds a satisfying burst of energy when you need it most. The button layout follows the same philosophy of accessibility. Y and R are dedicated to unleashing your character’s special attack once the meter is fully charged, while B, X, and A all perform the same core actions such as braking, boosting, or interacting with the environment. This redundancy means you never have to worry about hitting the “wrong” button in the heat of a race, and it makes the game especially welcoming for younger players or anyone new to the series. Together, the stick and button setup create a control scheme that feels intuitive and forgiving, yet still leaves room for mastery. It’s easy to jump in and play, but the timing of boosts, spin attacks, and specials gives experienced racers plenty to refine.
  
  
• Gameplay & Mechanics | Kirby Air Riders captures the same chaotic energy that made the original a cult favourite, but sharpens it for modern play. The Switch 2’s two-button system keeps things approachable, striking a balance between accessibility and depth. Races are fast, responsive, and easy to pick up, yet there’s enough nuance to reward players who learn the timing of boosts, attacks, and positioning. Each machine feels distinct, from the balanced Warp Star to the twitchy Wheelie Bike or the heavy-hitting Chariot. That variety encourages experimentation, and mastering their quirks quickly becomes part of the fun. Layered on top is your character’s copy ability, which lets you inhale rivals mid-race to gain powers like Fire or Sword. It’s a mechanic that ensures no two races play out the same way, adding unpredictability without sacrificing control. What ties it all together is the sense of flow. Whether you’re a newcomer just mashing inputs or a veteran chasing perfect lines, the game makes sure the fun never gets lost in complexity. It’s racing that thrives on chaos, but always feels welcoming.
  
  Progression & Customisation | One of the things that kept me hooked in Kirby Air Riders was the steady drip of rewards. Every race, trial, or challenge feeds into a larger sense of progression, whether it is unlocking new machines, discovering new tracks, or earning cosmetic tweaks. It never feels like you are just racing for the sake of it,  there is always something waiting at the finish line. I especially liked how the game ties unlocks to each mode. Air Ride rewards you with new tracks and machines, with nine courses available at the start and more to unlock, Top Ride gradually expands its roster of quirky courses, and City Trial dangles rare upgrades that make each run feel unique. Road Trip, meanwhile, uses its campaign structure to deliver rewards that keep you moving.
  
  Customisation makes these unlocks even more satisfying. New paint jobs, decals, and machine variations let you put your own stamp on the chaos, and it is fun seeing your style reflected on screen. It is not just about performance, it is about expression, and that makes every unlock feel more personal. Racing online feels livelier when everyone’s machines look unique, and it gives matches a playful edge. What makes it work is that the progression feels playful rather than grindy. You are encouraged to experiment, try different machines, and jump between modes, and the game keeps surprising you with new toys to play with. It is the kind of system that makes you want to say “just one more run,” because you know it might unlock something that changes the way you race.
  
  
• Learn the Ropes | Before diving into the chaos, I would strongly recommend starting with the Lessons section, easily accessed from the main menu. It is split into five parts, each covering everything you need to know. The Basics walk you through simple controls and movement, while the Advanced section teaches tricks like boosting, drifting, and timing attacks. There is also a dedicated section on Copy Abilities, showing how Kirby’s powers change the flow of a race, and one on Machines, explaining the strengths and quirks of each vehicle so you can find the one that suits your style. Finally, the City Trial lesson prepares you for the game’s most unpredictable mode, teaching you how to explore, upgrade, and survive before the final showdown. It is quick, structured, and makes every other mode far less overwhelming. Spending a little time here first pays off massively once you jump into multiplayer or tougher challenges.
  
  
• Game Modes | What I love about Kirby Air Riders is how each of its four modes captures a different kind of chaos.
  
  • Air Ride is the purest racing experience. Picking your machine and tearing through tracks is all about speed and adrenaline. There are moments where you feel like you’re barely hanging on, and that rush is exactly what makes it so addictive. Playing online against others only amplifies that thrill, because every boost and shortcut suddenly matters.
    
    
  • Top Ride flips the perspective, giving you overhead tracks that feel like classic arcade racers. The controls are simpler, but the races are frantic, with tight corners and items flying everywhere. It’s the mode I’d jump into when I wanted something quick and light-hearted, and it works beautifully both locally and online.
    
    
  • City Trial is still the wild playground it’s always been. Roaming the city, grabbing upgrades, and never knowing what the final showdown will be keeps you on edge in the best way. I’ve had runs where I felt unstoppable, and others where I barely scraped by, and that unpredictability is what makes it so fun. With online play, the chaos only multiplies, because human players bring their own tricks and surprises.
    
    
  • Road Trip Road Trip is the single player campaign, offering a more structured pace than the other modes. Challenges unfold alongside a light story of mysterious machines raining down on Popstar, with Kirby racing to uncover their origin and clashing with Noir Dedede. It’s playful but layered, even hiding a true ending for completionists. Unlocking super hard after finishing once is a satisfying reward, and it’s the mode I’d recommend starting with before diving into multiplayer. Spending a little time in the Lessons section first makes the chaos far less overwhelming.
    
    Together, these four modes make Kirby Air Riders feel complete, whether you want pure racing adrenaline, bite‑sized arcade chaos, unpredictable playground battles, or a solo journey.
    
    
• Multiplayer Mayhem | Kirby Air Riders truly shines when played with others. Local multiplayer captures that classic party‑game energy, with friends laughing at last‑second crashes and chaotic item use. Online play adds even more unpredictability, especially in City Trial where human players make every upgrade chase feel frantic. Air Ride, Top Ride, and Free Race also support online matchmaking, giving you quick ways to test your skills. It is simple enough for newcomers to jump in, though I would recommend playing through the lessons section first if possible. It helps smooth out the basics and makes the chaos far less overwhelming. Whether side by side or online, this is where the game’s personality feels most alive.

Mixed & disliked!

• Combat Challenges | Melee combat in Road Trip mode can be frustrating. Because you move at lightning speed, it is difficult to focus on a single target. This problem is most noticeable in smaller arenas, where the cramped space makes precision even harder. Later boss fights in Road Trip mode add to the frustration. You automatically target the boss as you move, but you need to collect power‑ups to attack. The constantly shifting camera makes picking up items tougher than it should be, and with no way to stabilise it, these battles often feel chaotic rather than tactical.

• Repetition Over Time | While the variety of modes and machines keeps things lively at first, playing for long periods can sometimes start to feel a little repetitive. The core loop of racing, battling, and collecting upgrades remains fun, but after extended sessions the lack of deeper variation becomes noticeable. When that happens, I often jump into Road Trip mode, which offers the most variety. Its mix of mini party‑style challenges and one‑lap races helps break up the rhythm and keeps the experience feeling fresh.

How long did I play the review before publishing? 21 Hours
How long to beat the story? 3-4 Hours
You’ll love this game if you like these | Mario Kart World and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

CONCLUSION

Score: 88/100

Accessible, chaotic, and endlessly fun, Kirby Air Riders is racing for everyone.

Kirby Air Riders 2 delivers colourful chaos and nostalgia, with vibrant tracks, upbeat sound, and welcoming accessibility. Road Trip mode kept things fresh when repetition crept in, and multiplayer was a blast. Combat quirks and grindy progression hold it back, but the simple controls and sheer energy made me smile throughout. I can’t wait to dive back in and cause more chaos online with friends.