While other kids were playing on their Nintendo consoles, masquerading as jumping plumbers and elven adventurers, I was busy gluing my nose to our family’s old tube TV, gobbling up baddies and taking their powers as the cutest pink protagonist I had ever seen. Now, in truth, I was playing Nintendo’s other titles plenty, but I had such a fondness for Kirby and the unique gameplay that flourished in every title.
That affinity for Kirby only amplified as time went on and more titles were released. It felt like the character was growing up with me because in 2003, Kirby Air Ride came out for the Nintendo GameCube, right smack in the middle of my attitude era. It took that loveable character and added the perfect amount of angst and Y2K aesthetic, and for me, gave the racing genre something fresh.
Kirby Air Riders continues that trend in an exciting way.
Is Kirby Air Riders Appropriate for Kids?
Kirby Air Riders is rated E 10+ for Everyone 10+ with a Content Descriptor for Fantasy Violence. This Content Descriptor is in reference to the varied powers and abilities, and the plentiful smashing, crashing, and explosions that you’ll come across in the majority of its game modes. While Kirby Air Riders is technically a racing game, it offers game modes and gameplay features that do have an element of violence that is easily distinguishable from real life. For example, the ESRB Rating Summary highlights this as “characters spinning, dashing, and crashing into each other to cause damage.” As well as, battles that “feature missiles, robots with giant hammers, and firework cannons.”
Kirby Air Riders also has an online component, allowing players to play with other individuals from around the world. However, Kirby Air Riders does not facilitate any communication (text, voice, video, etc.) with other players.
Keep in mind that the age rating indicates if the content of a game is appropriate… not the intended audience. In the case of Kirby Air Riders, the content will likely be appropriate for your 10-year-old, but some kids may have more trouble with the unique control scheme or the more complex game modes like Top Ride or City Trial.
Where can I Play Kirby Air Riders and How Much Does It Cost?
Kirby Air Riders is available for the Nintendo Switch 2 for $69.99. Kirby Air Riders requires an internet connection to play its various online multiplayer game modes, as well as a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Pricing for Nintendo Switch Online subscription models are as follows:
Nintendo Switch Online (Standard)
- Individual: $19.99/year
- Family (up to 8 accounts): $34.99/year
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Individual: $49.99/year
- Family (up to 8 accounts): $79.99/year
Another optional feature for Kirby Air Riders is Amiibo support. Amiibo are small figurines that can be scanned by the console to unlock additional content. While these are sold separately, they are not required to play and enjoy the game. They merely offer additional cosmetic options and very minor gameplay tweaks, like training your chosen Rider.
How Does Kirby Air Riders Play?
Kirby Air Riders is not your typical racer. With most racing games, you automatically think of separate buttons for acceleration, braking, steering, etc. What Kirby Air Riders offers instead is automatic propulsion, freeing you up to just worry about steering and using abilities with the left thumbstick. You also have a button for braking, which charges your boost, and a dedicated button for a racer’s special ability. The control scheme may be simple, but the way it is utilized varies based on which one of the 28 driving machines you choose. It is important to note that there are tutorials to help onboard new players to the world of Air Riders.
From there you are all set to dive into one of the four main game modes: Air Ride, City Trial, Top Ride, and Road Trip:
- Air Ride is the more traditional racing mode where six racers face off and vie for first place.
- City Trial is a battle to find the best vehicle before a final event. You and your kids will be dropped into a large map and set free to collect power ups and battle opponents. In the finale, you’ll face off in a random mini game.
- Top Ride is a race from an isometric perspective, but features many of the trappings found in the main racing modes.
- Road Trip is a story-based, single-player mode that offers a variety of unique gameplay challenges like boss battles, eating Maxim Tomatoes, and entering shops.
When you compare the varied racers, driving machines, and carefully crafted courses (that are also tailored to support the different styles), there is quite a bit of customization. This customization breathes experimentation to find what combination feels right for you and your child.
Kirby Air Riders supports local splitscreen for up to 4 players in certain modes. It also supports up to 6 players for Air Ride, up to 16 players in City Trial, and up to 8 online or 4 locally for Top Ride.
Making Sure Your Kids’ Video Game Experiences Are Appropriate
Kirby games have always carried that classic, Nintendo-branded, family-friendly feel with aplomb, making them an appropriate fit for everyone to enjoy together. Kirby Air Riders continues that legacy with the right amount of modernization for accessibility.
Kirby Air Riders supports local splitscreen for up to 4 players in certain modes.
Despite its more casual approach to controls, this is still a competitive racing game. That creates a perfect opportunity to discuss the nature of competitive play for kids, especially for those who are still learning good sportsmanship. Given the online components, it’s also a great chance to discuss household rules for online play, even if you do not allow voice chat yet! You can visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for helpful tips to start these conversations.
Since Kirby Air Riders is played on a system designed to be taken on the go, it may also be the perfect time to back up your household rules around screen time, appropriate games, and more. The Nintendo Switch 2 includes the ability to manage what your kids play based on the rating information, set screen time limits, manage with whom they can communicate online, limit or block spending, and more via their Parental Controls app. If you are looking for more ways to make sure your kids’ video game experiences are appropriate, we have step-by-step parental controls guides at ParentalTools.org to help you get started!
Asa is a seasoned gaming and entertainment industry professional, who has worked in various areas of the industry like consultation, news coverage, development, and more. He’s worked with companies like IGN, Take This, and The Game Awards, and has worked on titles like Weird West and Onson Master. He’s a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has produced content focused on promoting Indigenous representation in the gaming and entertainment industry with companies like Twitch, Kinda Funny, and Snapdragon. Aside from this experience and his work in marketing, Asa is developer of an up & coming tabletop game called, BattleVersus! which was recently featured in the SixOneIndie Showcase.
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