Kirby Air Riders Is Getting Online Play Tests With Odd Reward In November

In just over two weeks, Nintendo Switch 2 owners who are Nintendo Switch Online members will get a chance to play a demo of Kirby Air Riders. The demo will be available online during two weekends next month: November 8-9 and November 15-16. The game is the latest creation from Masahiro Sakurai, known for his work on both the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. series.

The online demo, called Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride, will let players try out the Air Ride and City Trial modes. Air Ride is a standard racing mode – as creator Masahiro Sakurai put it, it’s very similar to Mario Kart! Players can race on three courses: Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, and Mount Amberfalls. City Trial has two parts: first, players prepare for battle by collecting power-ups and improving their vehicles in a central hub, then they compete against each other.

Okay, so Nintendo just announced that the demo for Kirby Air Riders is going to be available to download starting November 7th! Even when the online tests aren’t running, we can jump into the Lessons mode and practice. Basically, we can get a head start and learn the ropes before the first real online play test kicks off on November 8th. I’m definitely going to download it and start practicing!

I just heard something really cool from Nintendo’s online demo! If you preorder Kirby Air Riders on the eShop for the new Switch 2, you’ll get a special hat to wear during the Global Test Ride. It’s a neat little bonus, though Nintendo says it won’t be available once the full game comes out. Still, it’s a fun way to show you’re an early adopter!

Today, Sakurai showcased Kirby Air Riders in a Nintendo Direct presentation that lasted about an hour. He announced that the game, which is exclusive to the upcoming Switch 2, won’t receive any downloadable content. He also revealed the Road Trip campaign and the return of the Top Ride feature. Kirby Air Riders is scheduled to be released on November 20th.

The Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride times are below:

  • Nov. 8, 12-6 AM PT / 3-9 AM ET
  • Nov. 8, 4-10 PM PT / 7 PM – 1 AM ET
  • Nov. 9, 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM – 4 PM ET
  • Nov. 15, 12-6 AM PT / 3-9 AM ET
  • Nov. 15, 4-10 PM PT / 7 PM – 1 AM ET
  • Nov. 16, 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM – 4 PM ET

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2025-10-23 19:25