Kirby Air Riders amiibo launch November 20 with swappable bases and a second Direct on the way

20 September 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
9 min.
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Kirby Air Riders amiibo launch November 20 with swappable bases and a second Direct on the way

Summary:

Kirby fans, buckle up: two Kirby Air Riders amiibo—Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star—are set to launch on November 20, 2025, the same day Kirby Air Riders lands on Nintendo Switch 2. These aren’t ordinary figures; each set features separate, swappable bases that let us pair riders and machines just like in the game. Nintendo has also confirmed that a second Kirby Air Riders Direct is coming, with more details promised later. That one-two reveal signals big plans for this return to high-speed airborne racing. We’ll walk through what the figures are, how they work in-game, where they fit into Switch 2’s feature set, and what collectors should know about availability and pricing. If we’re weighing preorders or eyeing a display shelf makeover, this rundown keeps things clear, grounded, and ready for launch day.

Kirby Air Riders amiibo arrive alongside the game on November 20, 2025

Circle the date: November 20, 2025 is when both Kirby Air Riders for Nintendo Switch 2 and its first two amiibo roll out together. Launching the figures and the game on the same day is smart; it means we can tap them right away to see how they interact with the new systems and modes we’ve been waiting to try. This tie-in keeps momentum from the August showcase humming, and it gives collectors a clean, memorable milestone to plan around. If we’ve been watching Kirby’s return to high-velocity gliding with a grin, these figures are the physical anchors that nudge the experience off the screen and onto our desks. The day-one timing also reduces fear of missing out because we’re not juggling staggered release windows or puzzling out compatibility after the fact.

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What makes these figures special: swappable bases that mirror the game

Here’s the hook: each figure set uses separate rider and machine pieces, letting us physically swap combinations the way Kirby Air Riders lets us mix partners and vehicles in-game. It’s more than a cute gimmick; it’s a tactile echo of the core design, turning a shelf display into a tiny, modular pit lane. We’re not locked into a single pairing, either. Pop Kirby off the Warp Star and imagine him cruising on another machine base, or seat Bandana Waddle Dee where Kirby sat a minute ago. That little click when plastic meets plastic sells the fantasy of tuning a ride. It’s the sort of playful design flourish that amiibo have flirted with before, but here it ties directly into a flagship mechanic, so the toy and the software feel like they’re talking to each other.

Meet the duo: Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star

First up is Kirby & Warp Star, a pairing that screams “classic.” Kirby’s rounded pose and the Warp Star’s sweeping lines capture the effortless glide that defines the series. It’s the poster shot—the bright, iconic look that even casual fans instantly recognize. Then there’s Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star, the loyal companion with a spear and a lot of hustle. The Winged Star’s vibe is different: slower on the ground, graceful in the air, which fits Waddle Dee’s underdog charm. Put them side-by-side and we get a neat contrast—one setup telegraphs approachable speed, the other advertises finesse. Even before we tap them to the console, the silhouettes alone tell a story: Kirby is our all-rounder showboat, Waddle Dee is steady hands and skyborne style.

What these amiibo do in-game

Tap one of these figures and we unlock more than a cosmetic nod. Kirby Air Riders ties amiibo into the play loop so we can build up a Rider & Machine combo over time. That means tapping to engage with training-like progression rather than a one-and-done trinket. It’s meant to feel persistent: our setup learns, levels, and carries forward, so each tap becomes a small ritual with real payoff. In a game that thrives on micro-tuning and matchups, that persistence nudges us to experiment with different machine pairings and bring our favorite mashups into more modes. It’s the kind of system that turns collecting into play rather than a static display, and the swappable bases are the physical cue that there’s strategy hidden inside the smiles.

Figure Player training and machine proficiency explained

Think of a Figure Player like a tiny trainee who lives on the figure and gains experience as we use it. Over repeated taps, that FP earns levels and machine know-how, making it more effective in matchups and better aligned with our style. It’s a natural fit for a racer that leans into builds and situational strengths. We’re encouraged to mix riders and machines, try a fresh combo, and see how the FP’s retained progress carries across when we switch bases. The key is that nothing feels wasted: switching from Warp Star to Winged Star doesn’t erase our effort. Instead, the FP retains levels, and we learn what each machine brings to the table, all while our little plastic co-pilot quietly keeps the receipts.

Practical use cases for solo and couch multiplayer

For solo players, an FP becomes a training partner—reliable, consistent, and always available. We can test builds against predictable behavior, which helps refine lines and timing. On the couch, the FP is a secret weapon. Bring a leveled figure to a friend’s living room, tap it in, and suddenly our practiced combo shows up like a familiar pair of racing gloves. It’s friendly competition wrapped in a toy: playful on the outside, slyly strategic underneath. Even quick sessions benefit because tapping an amiibo doesn’t slow down the room; it’s a fast, satisfying “let’s go” that fits the pick-up-and-play spirit Kirby’s spin-offs are known for.

Platform features and compatibility on Nintendo Switch 2

On Switch 2, amiibo support is built in, so tapping these figures works as expected without extra steps. The platform’s broader feature set—like HDR on compatible displays and updated audio support—doesn’t change how the figures function, but it does elevate the overall presentation we’re pairing them with. In other words, we’re not just tapping a toy; we’re plugging a tangible collectible into an experience that looks and sounds crisper than past Kirby outings. That cohesion matters. When the screen glows, the machines hum, and our FP shows up ready to roll, the gap between plastic and pixels gets pleasantly thin.

Preorders, availability, and regional notes

With the figures tied to a fixed date, retailers will cycle preorders in waves. We should expect the usual staggered listings across territories and a rush during the first 24 hours. If a storefront sells out, don’t panic—restocks are common as Nintendo allocates additional units and regional partners update their pages. Keep an eye on official channels and retailer alerts; those beats tend to sync with broader marketing moments, especially following big livestreams. If we’re ordering online, watch shipping windows and bundle options, since some shops will link the figures with game preorders for ease. For in-store buyers, early morning on release day remains the safest bet, especially in busy city centers where shelf space turns over fast.

A second Kirby Air Riders Direct is confirmed

Nintendo has signaled that another dedicated presentation is on the way, with Masahiro Sakurai returning to host. That’s a clear sign there’s more to show—likely deeper dives on modes, online features, and maybe an encore look at amiibo integrations. No date is set yet, so we’ll keep expectations flexible, but the confirmation alone is reassuring. It means the reveal cadence isn’t done, and we’ll get another chance to see polished footage closer to launch. If we’re on the fence, that second Direct is the checkpoint where undecided players often flip from curious to committed. For fans already sold, it’s just a sweet excuse to gather fresh clips and speculate about who else might get a figure.

Will more figures follow? What Nintendo hinted at

Nintendo has teased that additional Kirby Air Riders amiibo are planned. That doesn’t guarantee a figure for every playable face, but it does open the door to favorites like Meta Knight or King Dedede getting the same swappable treatment. The important part is the phrasing: more “updates” are promised, which keeps the roadmap elastic. It sets expectations without boxing the team into a rigid checklist. For collectors, the play is patience—stay nimble, watch official feeds, and avoid panic-buying at inflated prices before the dust settles. Given the franchise’s broad appeal and the clever base-swapping gimmick, a second wave feels like a natural follow-through once launch supply finds its footing.

Design notes for collectors (pose, base, display)

These figures live or die by silhouette, and both pass the squint test. Kirby’s rounded profile and the Warp Star’s sweeping curve give a strong, readable shape from across the room. Bandana Waddle Dee’s spear and the Winged Star’s feathered lines add contrast, which makes a two-figure display look dynamic even without lighting tricks. The separate bases bring a diorama feel; we can angle machines slightly, play with depth on a shelf, and swap riders to keep the scene fresh. If dust is the eternal enemy, a modest acrylic case keeps color pops bright and star points safe from scuffs. The net is simple: they’re charming on a desk and photogenic for social posts the minute they leave the box.

Pricing chatter and value talk

Conversation around price kicked up the moment these were revealed, and it’s fair to weigh cost against utility. Beyond being nice to look at, these amiibo act like rolling save chips for an FP we build over time. If we’re planning to put hours into Kirby Air Riders, the figures become part of that loop rather than a one-tap novelty. Value also rides on future support: if updates or special challenges recognize our Rider & Machine combos, the figures keep paying dividends. For collectors, resale speculation is noise—buy what we love, open what we’ll use, and remember that scarcity is fickle. The best return is the grin we get each time the figure clicks onto a new base and our FP shows up ready to fly.

Tips to keep your amiibo in top shape

Keep figures out of direct sunlight to prevent color fade, wipe with a soft microfiber cloth when dust creeps in, and avoid harsh cleaners that can dull glossy finishes. If we swap riders and machines often, press with even pressure at the connection points—no twisting or prying. When traveling to a friend’s place, a small padded pouch protects protruding bits like Bandana Waddle Dee’s spear. For long-term storage, keep the original inserts; they cradle awkward shapes better than generic foam. And if we display them near consoles or monitors, leave a little breathing room so heat doesn’t quietly age the plastic over months of play sessions.

Why this matters for longtime Air Ride fans

Kirby’s racing lineage has always hinged on feel: the glide, the drift, the joyful chaos of a pack shrinking and exploding around a corner. These amiibo add a physical ritual to that feel. Tapping a figure, leveling a combo, and swapping bases is a way of saying, “this setup is mine,” without needing a spreadsheet. It’s a perfect match for a series that thrives on pick-up-and-play depth—simple on the surface, rewarding when we dig in. With another Direct on deck and launch set in stone, this is the moment Kirby’s airborne antics shift from curiosity to calendar lock. If the GameCube original planted the seed, Switch 2 is the gust that helps it soar.

Conclusion

Two swappable Kirby Air Riders amiibo hit on November 20, 2025, shoulder-to-shoulder with the Switch 2 release of Kirby Air Riders and ahead of a second dedicated showcase. We get tactile toys that echo the game’s mix-and-match heartbeat, plus in-game progression that turns tapping into a habit worth keeping. Keep watch for the next Direct, keep preorder alerts handy, and keep shelf space open—because whether we’re chasing lap times or curating a display, this duo is built to move.

FAQs
  • Q: What’s the release date for the Kirby Air Riders amiibo?
    • A: November 20, 2025, the same day Kirby Air Riders launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Q: Which figures are in the first wave?
    • A: Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star, both using separate rider and machine pieces so we can swap pairings.
  • Q: Is a second Kirby Air Riders Direct happening?
    • A: Yes. Nintendo confirmed another presentation is coming, with Masahiro Sakurai hosting. The date hasn’t been announced yet.
  • Q: Do these amiibo do more than unlock a cosmetic?
    • A: Yes. Tapping supports a Figure Player that retains levels and machine proficiency, encouraging different Rider & Machine combos over time.
  • Q: Will there be more Kirby Air Riders amiibo?
    • A: Nintendo has teased additional updates for the amiibo line, but specific characters and dates haven’t been confirmed.
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