As Nintendo prepares for yet another major showcase, Kirby will be the main focus. According to the company, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. EDT/6 a.m. PDT, a special Nintendo Direct devoted solely to Kirby Air Riders will stream live.
This presentation will be 45 minutes long, as opposed to the typical 20–30 minute format. Why? Super Smash Bros. and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai, a legendary game director, will personally lead fans through an in-depth exploration of the upcoming racer. Anticipate a thorough examination of the game’s features, gameplay mechanics, and perhaps even its eagerly anticipated release date.
An Anticipated Follow-Up
In April, Nintendo teased fans with a brief cinematic preview of Kirby Air Riders during the Switch 2 announcement Direct. Tuesday’s Direct may finally set a specific launch date for the game, which is scheduled for release in 2025.
The original Kirby Air Ride made its Nintendo GameCube debut in 2003, more than 20 years before this sequel was released. Air Ride, created by HAL Laboratory and helmed by Sakurai, gained popularity due to its surprisingly straightforward controls, which only require a single button and a control stick to move Kirby, breathe in enemies, and activate copy powers in the middle of a race.
A Busy Month for Nintendo
Nintendo will have its third showcase in less than a month with the upcoming Direct. This Kirby-focused event follows an Indie World presentation in early August and a Partner Showcase in late July, highlighting the company’s efforts to maintain momentum as the Switch 2 era draws near.
What to Expect
Fans can expect the following from Sakurai, who will be leading the presentation:
In-depth examples of gameplay
New features and mechanics revealed
Examining various race modes and the integration of Kirby’s copy ability
Perhaps Kirby Air Riders’ official release date
Where to Watch:
On August 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. EDT/6 a.m. PDT, fans can watch the event live on Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
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(FAQs)
The Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct will stream live on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. EDT / 6 a.m. PDT.
Nintendo confirmed the presentation will run for around 45 minutes, longer than usual, as Masahiro Sakurai will give a detailed breakdown of the game.
You can watch it live on Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. The recording will also be available afterward for replay.
Fans can expect a deep dive into gameplay mechanics, race modes, Kirby’s copy abilities, and possibly the long-awaited release date.
