The Pink Puffball is Back: “Kirby Air Riders” to Take Center Stage in New Nintendo Direct

After a long period of radio silence, fans of the iconic pink hero are finally getting the news they’ve been waiting for. Nintendo has officially announced a dedicated Nintendo Direct for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Kirby Air Riders. The broadcast, which will be approximately 45 minutes long, is set to be the first major deep-dive into the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2003 GameCube cult classic, Kirby Air Ride.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of comments from famed director Masahiro Sakurai, who promised that more information on his next project would be coming “soon.” The game, which was first unveiled during the April Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, has been kept largely under wraps, with only a brief cinematic trailer and a 2025 release window to its name. This new, focused Direct signifies that Nintendo is ready to finally showcase the gameplay and intricate mechanics that have long been a hallmark of Sakurai’s titles.

A Direct from the Creator Himself

Fans are particularly excited by the news that the 45-minute presentation will be hosted by Masahiro Sakurai himself. Known for his meticulous, in-depth breakdowns of every facet of his games, from character abilities to level design, Sakurai’s presence at the helm of the Direct suggests a comprehensive look at the game. This is a crucial opportunity for Nintendo to not only showcase the game’s visuals on the new Switch 2 hardware but also to explain how Kirby Air Riders will innovate on the unique, momentum-based racing of its predecessor.

The original Kirby Air Ride was a game ahead of its time, featuring a simplistic control scheme that prioritized timing and strategy over pure button mashing. The new title is expected to build upon this foundation, and with 45 minutes of dedicated screen time, players should get a clear idea of how the sequel will differentiate itself from other racing giants like Mario Kart World.

• Game Title: Kirby Air Riders
• Console: Nintendo Switch 2
• Release Window: 2025
• Key Developer: Masahiro Sakurai (Sora Ltd.)
• Direct Details: A 45-minute livestreamed event to be hosted by Masahiro Sakurai, providing the first detailed look at gameplay and features.

Building on a Cult Classic

The decision to revisit Kirby Air Ride is a strategic one for Nintendo. The original game, while not a commercial juggernaut, has amassed a devoted following over the years, with its City Trial mode being a particular highlight. The prospect of a new, fully-featured version with modern online capabilities is a major selling point for the Nintendo Switch 2. The community has long fantasized about a bigger, online-enabled City Trial, and this new Direct will likely reveal if those dreams have become a reality.

This news also comes at a time when Nintendo is ramping up its marketing for the Switch 2, which was released on June 5, 2025. With a library of exclusives that includes titles like Mario Kart World and a definitive edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the company is eager to fill out its release schedule. A major first-party exclusive like Kirby Air Riders, helmed by one of the industry’s most respected creators, is a strong signal of Nintendo’s commitment to delivering a powerful and diverse lineup of games for its new console. All eyes are now on the upcoming Direct to see if the highly-anticipated title can live up to the legacy of its predecessor and become a must-have for the new generation of Nintendo hardware.