If you’re a seasoned Kirby Air Ride player, you may already know exactly what you’re getting yourself into once its previously unfathomable sequel launches. But what if you’ve never drifted your way through Celestial Valley, or don’t know what it’s like to assemble a Legendary Air Ride Machine?
Want to try #KirbyAirRiders for yourself? Nintendo Switch Online members, or anyone trying out the service with a free trial, can play online for free in the Global Test Ride. pic.twitter.com/sc4ExWR1gO
— Kirby Air Riders (@KirbyAirRiders) October 23, 2025
Announced as part of today’s Kirby Air Riders Direct, the game will be getting a Global Test Ride demo on the eShop! Just like past demo events for the likes of Splatoon and ARMS, players will be able to hop online and give the game a try during specific dates and timeframes. The Global Test Ride software will be downloadable starting November 7th, with gameplay live at the following times:
Wave 1
- November 8 – 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. PT
- November 8 – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. PT
- November 9 – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT
Wave 2
- November 15 – 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. PT
- November 15 – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. PT
- November 16 – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT
During these times, you’ll be able to play both Air Ride and City Trial modes. Air Ride will be limited to three courses (Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, and Mount Amberfalls) and lobbies (stylized as paddocks in the game, as seen in the Direct) will be capped at 16 players — the full release will allow for 32. While Air Ride will be playable without one, players will need an active Switch Online subscription to try City Trial.
Skyah is Kirby Air Riders’ new open-world City Trial map, set on a floating island
Lastly, anyone who’s pre-ordered Kirby Air Riders digitally will receive an in-game hat for their riders during the Global Test Ride. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be transferable to the full game, but it is a way to show everyone else online that City Trial is serious business.
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
