As previously announced, Kirby Air Riders‘ free playtest will start on November 8, and you can download the Global Test Ride on Nintendo Switch 2 right now.
If you head over to the Nintendo eShop and search for Kirby Air Riders, you’ll come across the Global Test Ride page. A completely free download that requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online, the playtest gives you access to the game’s frantic dasher Air Ride and free-for-all City Trial modes, as well as a couple of maps to race on. Below is the full schedule.
Full Kirby Air Riders: Global Test Ride Schedule
First Weekend:
- November 8, from 12-6 AM PT / 3-9 AM ET
- November 8, 4-10 PM PT / 7 PM – 1 AM ET
- November 9, 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM – 4 PM ET
Second Weekend:
- November 15, 12-6 AM PT / 3-9 AM ET
- November 15, 4-10 PM PT / 7 PM – 1 AM ET
- November 16, 7 AM – 1 PM PT / 10 AM – 4 PM ET
The eShop describes Air Ride as a “frantic dash against five other Riders” in which you “attack opposing Riders” and trail behind their wake to gather stars for a speed boost. It’s a “more straightforward racing” kind of mode. Meanwhile, City Trial is a “free-for-all battle for 16 players online.” You collect power-ups, survive Field Events like falling meteors and “powerful boss battles,” and compete against rival Riders in Stadium contests.
