Masahiro Sakurai recently hosted a Nintendo Direct focused on his new game, Kirby Air Riders. He cheekily acknowledged that the game is "basically Mario Kart", addressing any initial concerns about its similarities to Nintendo's renowned racing franchise. Sakurai emphasized that although both games feature colorful characters and racing mechanics, Kirby Air Riders aims to carve out its unique identity with limited races, focusing on a more controlled six-player experience rather than the chaotic racing of Mario Kart. The presentation mirrored Sakurai's signature style known from his Super Smash Bros. reveals, hinting at a blend of both franchises. Kirby Air Riders is set for release on November 20, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch 2 and will showcase familiar Kirby characters.

Is Kirby Air Riders similar to Mario Kart?

Yes, Masahiro Sakurai admits that Kirby Air Riders shares similarities with Mario Kart, such as diverse characters and racing features. However, it aims to offer a different experience by limiting the number of racers and emphasizing lap-based races.

Kirby Air Ride originally debuted in 2003 on the GameCube, combining racing with the beloved Kirby universe. The game featured unique modes like City Trial and was well-received for its fun mechanics and character design. With Kirby Air Riders, Sakurai looks to introduce a new generation of fans to this iconic franchise while maintaining the whimsical charm that the original titles are known for.