Kirby Air Riders may be the largest first-party Switch 2 game yet, as file size and price announced
The Kirby Air Riders Nintendo eShop banner is shown (Image source: Nintendo eShop with edits)
Kirby Air Riders won’t be an inexpensive Switch 2 game, or a small title in terms of file size. Buyers can pre-order the Nintendo eShop version for $69.99 before its November 20th release date. The new riders and courses add up to a 25 GB download, which is slightly larger than Mario Kart World.
In his Nintendo Direct, Masahiro Sakurai explained how Kirby Air Riders has evolved since its GameCube predecessor. Along with revamped mechanics, the first-party Switch 2 game will offer an expanded lineup of riders and machines. Just confirmed on the Nintendo eShop, the company hopes there is enough content to warrant a $70 price and a hefty 25 GB file size.
On the November 20th Kirby Air Riders release date, gamers can opt to download the racer in digital form. However, it may not be a quick process on slower internet connections. 25 GB ranks it above the 21.9 GB Mario Kart World and the 24.1 GB The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
There are larger Switch 2 games, including Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, which checks in at 56.8 GB, and the 71 GB Split Fiction. Still, Nintendo has kept its games compact compared to some of its third-party competitors.
To this point, details about a Kirby Air Riders physical release haven’t emerged. If it follows the lead of other first-party Switch 2 games, buyers will soon be able to pre-order a cartridge version. Nintendo has also avoided controversial Game-Key Cards for its titles, which force players to download the bulk of a game’s files.
Will Kirby Air Riders be a mainstream success?
During his presentation, Masahiro Sakurai admitted to similarities with Mario Kart World. Some buyers may refuse to spend $70 on another cutesy Nintendo racing title in 2025. Nevertheless, Kirby fans argue that the two franchises have significant differences. Instead of accelerating and braking, boost charging propels machines with one button. For Kirby Air Riders, the Y button now unleashes special abilities, even allowing players to swap vehicles.
The hectic City Trial mode also contrasts with the often barren open-world areas in Mario Kart World. Even so, Kirby Air Riders still faces other fierce competition this Holiday season. Pokémon Legends: Z to A and potentially Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will arrive in the next several months.
Kirby riding on a machine in Kirby Air Riders (Image source: Nintendo)
City Trial mode area shown in Kirby Air Riders (Image source: Nintendo)
Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 660 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I'm anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
