Nintendo’s upcoming Kirby Air Riders for the Switch 2 has confirmed splitscreen multiplayer support. This news comes as a relief to many fans who were hoping for the feature to be included in the game. During a recent Nintendo Direct event, a screenshot was shown that gave a first look at the splitscreen mode.
It depicted four players competing against each other. The mode will also support two-player setups with both vertical and horizontal splitting options. Kirby Air Riders will offer other forms of multiplayer gameplay in addition to local splitscreen.
Local wireless play will allow up to eight players to join in, while online multiplayer will support up to sixteen players. The game will also include GameChat for video and voice chat. The game is set to release on November 20, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Fans can expect more details to be shared as the launch date gets closer. At a preview event in New York City, the game was shown to be a defiant sequel that focuses on improving the spectacle and nostalgia of the original GameCube game rather than adding new features. The demo included two traditional races and three rounds of the City Trial mode.
Kirby splitscreen mode preview
The game introduces special attacks as its most significant addition. The races showcased the power of the Switch 2, with high-speed rollercoaster-like courses filled with enemies and mayhem.
City Trial mode is the main focus of the game, where 12 players collect stat-boosting power-ups on a map for five minutes before facing off in a final minigame. The mode is thrilling but can be frustrating if the player’s build doesn’t match the final challenge. Kirby Air Riders retains much from the original game, with some vehicles and minigames being almost identical.
Fans of the original may find the movement flawed, but the game has a nostalgia factor and a different social climate that could lead to a different reception than in 2003. Pre-orders for the digital edition of Kirby Air Riders are now live on Nintendo’s website, with a surprising price tag of $99.99 in Canada. Several other Nintendo titles have also seen price increases, with some reaching as high as $114.99.
Non-Nintendo developed titles are also experiencing inflated prices, with EA’s sports games priced at $89.99 and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion holding the same price tag. However, budget-conscious gamers can find some relief with Pac-Man 2 Re-Pac listed at a more affordable $39.99. Kirby Air Riders promises exciting new features such as customizable riders and is set to launch on November 20, 2025.
With prices on the rise, it remains to be seen if gamers will continue to support their beloved franchises at this new premium cost.
