Nintendo has officially announced a second Kirby Air Riders Direct, set to broadcast on October 23 at 6 a.m. PT, offering fans an in-depth look at the highly anticipated sequel for the Nintendo Switch 2. According to the company’s press release, the 60-minute presentation will once again be hosted by legendary director Masahiro Sakurai, who will provide new insights and updates on the project.
While Nintendo has not shared specific details about what will be featured during the livestream, the confirmation that Sakurai will once again take the stage suggests that significant new information may be unveiled. Given the scope of the previous presentation, this second Direct could potentially offer extended gameplay footage, additional character reveals, or a closer look at multiplayer features as the game’s November release approaches.
The first Kirby Air Riders Direct, held earlier this year, delivered a substantial 45-minute overview of the upcoming title. That presentation officially confirmed a release date of November 20, 2025, and offered the first detailed look at the game’s expanded features. Among the key announcements was the confirmation that Kirby Air Riders would introduce a two-button control scheme, adding the Y button for special abilities alongside the original boost mechanic. This adjustment marks a major gameplay evolution for the series, allowing for deeper combat interactions, enhanced character abilities, and smoother transitions between vehicles or “machines.”
The earlier Direct also revealed an expanded roster featuring beloved characters such as Meta Knight, King Dedede, Chef Kawasaki, and Bandana Waddle Dee, each equipped with unique special moves and the ability to utilize copy abilities—one of the franchise’s most iconic gameplay elements.
Another major highlight of the prior showcase was the confirmation of the return of City Trial, the fan-favorite open-world battle mode first introduced in the original Kirby Air Ride. The mode has been expanded with new mechanics, additional event types, and a greater variety of machines, giving players the freedom to explore, battle, and collect power-ups across vast, destructible environments.
With the second Kirby Air Riders Direct scheduled so close to launch, it is likely that Nintendo will use the presentation to dive deeper into gameplay systems, showcase online features, and perhaps even unveil post-launch content plans.
Fans can tune in to the livestream via Nintendo’s official YouTube and X channels on October 23 to see what new surprises await in this long-awaited return to high-speed, airborne racing.
