Kirby Air Riders: Beta on Switch 2, Modes and First Impressions

Kirby Air Riders faces its final stretch before the Nintendo Switch 2 release with a global test that will allow us to gauge the pulse of online gaming and, incidentally, clear up any doubts about its offering. In Spain and the rest of Europe, the event arrives with specific time windows and options to play outside of them as wellSomething that many will appreciate for the convenience it provides. The beta version includes schedules in peninsular time, pre-loading, and several limited modes..

Despite its fast-paced arcade appearance, Masahiro Sakurai's new work is not a clone of the genre's greats. Kirby Air Riders relies on Smash-like mechanics, builds and tactical decisions, but without sacrificing speed and spectacle, with obvious nods to that feeling of vertigo that fans associate with F-Zero.

What does Kirby Air Riders really offer?

Control is based on a very Sakurai-esque idea: simple to start with, profound once mastered; the choice of controllers and accessories influences the experience. The ships self-accelerate and the player manages direction and two key buttons: B to drift, manage the load and devour smaller enemies; And to perform special skills and change vehicles When it's time. The landing after the aerial sections matters a lot, because Nailing the reception can give speed boosts.

The choice of character and machine type is not merely cosmetic. Each driver has stats and unique characteristics that influence the game and encourage a specific setup. That taste for detail and personalization It's evident in the menus, options, and in the way each decision is noticeable on the track.

Urban Trials is the star mode and is divided into two phases. First, collection in an open map with random events, enemies, and vehicles scattered throughout the area; then, a final minigame chosen from several options which rewards the build you have put together (strength, speed, precision... whatever you do best).

The result is in line with what one would expect from the Japanese creative: controlled chaos, interconnected systems, and an initial accessibility that, soon after, It reveals a more technical game than it seemsIt's an approach that can win over those looking for something competitive, with room to improve session by session.

This is what racing and circuits feel like

Although the focus is on Urban Trials, the racing mode has its own personality. The speed is perceived every second. And mistakes are punished with clear losses of momentum, forcing you to be very precise with drifts, slipstreams, landings, and copy skill management.

The demonstrations have showcased impressive circuits with changing layouts. Opening streams, risky shortcuts, and narrow areas that encourage quick decisions are part of the menu, with a polished and clean presentation.

In terms of content, the trial version includes three tracks: Fields of Floria, Watercourses and Autumnal PeaksPerformance is high, and on Switch 2, the fluidity helps everything else fit together smoothly without any lag or stuttering.

Open beta dates and times (Europe, CET)

La Kirby Air Riders global test will be held on Switch 2 for two consecutive weekends. These are the online sessions, scheduled for Central European Time (CET).:

Date	Home	Closing
November 8th	09:00	15:00
November 9th	01:00	07:00
November 9th	16:00	22:00
November 15th	09:00	15:00
November 16th	01:00	07:00
November 16th	16:00	22:00

Outside of these time slots, there will still be options to play solo. Pre-loading will be available on the eShop from the afternoon of November 7th. (CET), so that you have everything ready before the servers start up.

What the global test includes and requirements

During the event, the demo program will allow access to various modes. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership You'll be able to play online matches and explore the competitive core.

• Pilot School: step-by-step tutorials to master controls and mechanics.
• Air Ride: races on the three circuits available during the test.
• Urban Trials: open map collection phase and final minigame.

Those without a subscription will still be able to enjoy Pilot School and Offline Air Rideeven outside of test hours. The global test rooms allow up to 16 players per airport; in the final version, the limit promises to double to 32.

In addition to room access, the game enables an airfield from which to invite friends, set up meetings, and jump directly into games. This facilitates the organization of groups and entry to Urban Testing without too many waits.

A design with Sakurai's signature style: simple, profound, and with a competitive edge.

The gameplay loop rewards "doing it right." Well-timed action equates to small, constant bonuses. flat landings, clean drifts, defeating minions, or taking advantage of slipstreams These translate into micro-impulses that accumulate advantage.

The collection phase offers several paths: accumulate everything to have a balanced profile or specialize in two stats and force the type of test that favors you. Random events shake up the game with portals, bosses, meteorites, or temporary size changes for all pilots.

In terms of audiovisuals, the menus, the rhythm of the transitions and certain effects clearly recall the school of the creator of Smash. There are voice options and a carefully crafted stage production.: consult the Bluetooth headphone compatibility to make the most of them.

How to play the beta from Spain: quick steps

To avoid setbacks, it's best to prepare it in advance. That way you'll have everything ready when the servers open:

• Download the global test program (Pre-load from the afternoon of November 7th).
• confirm your Nintendo Switch Online subscription if you want to play online.
• Complete Pilot School to familiarize yourself with drifts, landings, and skills.
• Enter Air Ride to learn about the three circuits and practice shortcuts.
• Access Urban Tests during CET time slots and try different builds.

The commercial launch is scheduled for November 20th on Nintendo Switch 2The final content remains to be seen, but what has been played so far points to a title that blends speed and combat with a strategic layer that is unusual in the genre. If you're drawn to a more technical approach than that of a typical arcade gameThe beta is a good opportunity to decide if it's right for you.