Games

Kirby Air Riders’ Amiibo Lineup Expands: Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Chef Kawasaki Join the Race

25 October 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
11 min.
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Kirby Air Riders’ Amiibo Lineup Expands: Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Chef Kawasaki Join the Race

Summary:

Kirby Air Riders is locked for November 20, 2025 on Nintendo Switch 2, and today’s presentation added a crowd-pleasing extra for collectors and players alike. Three new amiibo figures are on the way in 2026: Meta Knight with a Shadow Star, King Dedede with a Tank Star, and Chef Kawasaki with a Hop Star. These join the previously revealed Kirby and Bandanna Waddle Dee figures and—crucially—support rider swapping, so you can pair different characters and machines for playful, mix-and-match setups. The first dated figure is Meta Knight + Shadow Star on March 5, 2026, with the others slated for 2026. We walk through what each figure brings to the table, how rider swap works, smart buying moves to avoid stock frustration, and the simple steps to scan and use amiibo on Nintendo Switch 2. You’ll also find compatibility basics, family-friendly storage tips, and ideas for displaying your figures without risking scuffs or NFC issues. Whether you’re here for the shelf or the scoreboard, the plan is straightforward: know the dates, understand the features, and line up the right combos so you’re ready to ride when the lights turn green.

Why Kirby Air Riders Direct 2 Update matters for players and collectors

The latest Kirby Air Riders presentation did more than recap tracks and modes. It delivered a clear plan for new amiibo that plug directly into the thrill of mixing riders and machines. If you’ve followed Kirby accessories over the years, you know the best minifigures do two jobs at once: they look great on a shelf and unlock neat tricks in-game. That’s the balance here. By expanding beyond Kirby and Bandanna Waddle Dee, the lineup now reflects the spirit of Air Riders itself—fast choices, fun combinations, and a little chaos when you least expect it. Add firm release timing for the first 2026 figure and you’ve got something you can plan around, not just daydream about.

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Kirby Air Riders at a glance: release date, platform, and Sakurai’s role

Let’s set the stage. Kirby Air Riders launches on November 20, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2, with Masahiro Sakurai returning to present new details in a dedicated Direct. That means you’re looking at a first-party racer built for Nintendo’s current hardware, with design decisions explained straight from the source. The Switch 2 context matters because amiibo scanning on the newer Joy-Con and Pro Controller is quick, and the system’s account features make it easy to share a household figure collection without stepping on each other’s toes. For anyone who loved the feel of Air Ride and wants a modern twist, the pieces are lining up neatly: clear launch date, active communication, and hardware that supports the whole experience.

The new amiibo trio: who they are and what vehicle each brings

Three characters step into the spotlight for 2026. Meta Knight arrives with a Shadow Star, a sleek choice that suits his precision-first style. King Dedede brings the Tank Star, echoing his heavyweight presence with something sturdy under the hood. Chef Kawasaki rounds things out with a Hop Star, a playful pairing that fits his personality and likely rewards rhythm and timing. The mix isn’t just for show; Kirby’s world always strikes a balance between cute and competitive, and these matchups underline that tone. Each pairing looks distinct on a desk and telegraphs a different approach once you’re on the track.

Rider swap explained: how swapping figures changes play

Rider swap is the standout feature because it opens the door to experimentation. Instead of locking character and machine together forever, you can switch riders across compatible figures and see how your favorite handles a different Star. Think of it like trying a new board under your feet: same rider, new feel. That flexibility lets you tune for a tricky course, a specific event, or a friend group that prefers certain rule sets. It also makes the line more future-proof. As more figures arrive, the grid of possible combos grows, which keeps the physical collection relevant long after the initial novelty fades.

In-game perks and likely use cases for each new figure

Meta Knight’s Shadow Star screams control and responsiveness, which pairs well with modes that reward tight lines and clean overtakes. If you’re eyeing time trials or short sprint courses, this duo will probably feel natural. King Dedede’s Tank Star suggests armor, stability, and momentum—handy for courses where collisions are common and speed builds over distance. Chef Kawasaki with a Hop Star leans toward playful bursts and adaptive movement, a nice fit for tracks that favor nimble repositioning or events that mix race elements with quick objectives. Even if you end up swapping riders, these baseline personalities provide a starting point for how to think about your garage.

How the 2026 rollout is staged and what dates to circle

Meta Knight + Shadow Star is dated for March 5, 2026. King Dedede + Tank Star and Chef Kawasaki + Hop Star are both marked for 2026 with exact dates to follow. Staggered releases are common for amiibo, and that’s helpful for budgets and stocking. If you aim to secure the whole trio, penciling in early March as your first checkpoint keeps things simple. Then you can watch official channels for the next windows without guessing. The headline here is predictability: one firm date, two windows, all within the same calendar year, which means you won’t be waiting an eternity to complete the set.

Buying tips: availability, editions, and avoiding stock headaches

When a figure gets a specific day—like Meta Knight’s March 5—retailers usually open or update preorders in a tight window around the announcement. Your best move is to track the official store page and trusted specialty retailers, then set a reminder a few days before release in case listings shift. If you’re ordering online, double-check region settings and shipping cutoffs; if you’re going in person, call ahead to confirm allocation and limits per customer. Bundles occasionally pop up, but single-figure purchases tend to be more flexible if you’re spreading the cost across months. And if you miss the first wave, don’t panic. Nintendo has restocked popular amiibo before—patience beats scalper prices nine times out of ten.

Compatibility basics: using amiibo on Nintendo Switch 2 securely

Scanning is simple: touch the amiibo base to the NFC reader on your Joy-Con (right stick) or Pro Controller, follow the prompt, and confirm the result. If a figure stores game data, the system will ask which user profile should own it, which prevents accidental overwrites. For shared households, consider dedicating a spare profile to storage so you can swap data without touching a main save. Keep your system updated before big launch days—patches can refine how bonuses are handled—and avoid third-party NFC clones. Genuine figures last, hold value, and won’t surprise you with weird behavior after an update.

How Kirby and Bandanna Waddle Dee figures fit the lineup

Kirby and Bandanna Waddle Dee kicked off the line, and the 2026 trio slots in naturally beside them. All five lean into the rider-and-machine pairing, so your shelf tells a consistent story at a glance. With rider swap in the mix, those first two figures keep paying off even as new faces arrive. If your budget only covers one or two purchases right now, start with the character you play most and layer in a complementary machine later. That approach gives you an immediate, personal connection and still leaves room for experimentation as you expand.

What the latest Direct added to our understanding

Beyond the amiibo reveals, the October presentation reinforced the pillars of Air Riders: speed, clean controls, and mode variety that respects short sessions and long nights. That might sound basic, but it matters when a racer’s identity is on the line. You want a game that welcomes everyone at a party and still rewards finesse when you’re alone chasing times. The Direct hit those notes and gave the amiibo a clear role: optional extras that fit the tone, not mandatory keys to core systems. That’s the right way to keep things fair while making the figures feel special.

City Trial, modes, and how amiibo might complement them

City Trial’s sandbox energy is all about unpredictable routes, quick power-ups, and final-round showdowns. Amiibo don’t replace that loop; they add personality to it. If a swapped rider makes your machine turn a hair faster, or if a favorite figure becomes your go-to for particular events, that’s flavor you can feel without tilting the playing field. Shorter modes benefit, too. When friends come over and everyone grabs a controller, having familiar figures that map to certain styles helps newcomers understand what each setup is good at. It’s the difference between “pick something” and “try the Tank Star for this course; you’ll like it.”

Practical setup: scanning, storage data, and family profiles

Here’s a smooth way to organize things at home. Create a “Family Amiibo” user on your Switch 2 and assign storage to it when a game asks. Label the underside of each base with a tiny removable sticker if you ever rotate storage between games. Keep figures on a dust-free stand away from direct sun; PVC can discolor over time, and NFC chips prefer gentle treatment. When it’s game time, keep the controller reader within easy reach so people aren’t leaning across the table mid-race. None of this is glamorous, but it’s the kind of small prep that keeps a fun night from turning into a scavenger hunt for caps and stands.

Care and display ideas that protect value over time

Mint-in-box is one route, but you can enjoy figures daily without hurting long-term value. Use clear risers so every character is visible and add felt pads under stands to prevent scratches. If you photograph your shelf for social posts, turn off harsh overhead lights and use a soft lamp to avoid shiny plastic glare. For storage, original packaging works, but acid-free sleeves or boxes keep colors fresher if you plan to rotate displays. Most important: don’t stack figures in a drawer. One small shift can bend a soft accessory and leave a mark you’ll notice forever.

How the rollout ties into the game’s launch plan

Spacing figures after launch is smart. First, it keeps Kirby Air Riders in the conversation across 2026 without overwhelming you during the holiday season. Second, it gives Nintendo room to align restocks with moments when players re-engage—think seasonal events, mode spotlights, or competitive bursts. For you, that means a steady cadence of small decisions rather than one giant hit to the wallet. You’ll have time to watch how communities lean on certain setups and decide whether to follow the crowd or carve your own lane with a different pairing.

Where each figure shines in common race scenarios

Picture a tight track with sharp chicanes. Meta Knight’s Shadow Star should feel at home, balancing grip with decisive moves in traffic. Now imagine long straights with heavy drafting and brawls at the line; that’s King Dedede’s Tank Star territory, where staying upright matters as much as raw pace. Finally, toss in courses with playful obstacles or event rules that reward quick hops and nimble resets—Chef Kawasaki’s Hop Star should put a smile on your face there. None of this is a rigid rulebook, but it’s a practical way to pick a figure before you dive into custom tuning and rider swapping.

Why rider swap is more than a novelty

The longer you play, the more you’ll appreciate how swapping riders changes micro-decisions. Maybe you always miss a boost pad with one combo but nail it with another. Maybe a favorite character feels different enough on a new machine that a once-tough course finally clicks. Those subtle shifts are where amiibo earn their keep. You’re not buying a cheat code; you’re buying a nudge—a small change that sparks a new approach and keeps the game fresh months after launch.

Prepping for launch day and the months after

With November 20 on the calendar, give yourself a short checklist. Confirm your storage space, clear a little shelf room for new figures, and decide which controller you’ll use for scanning. If you plan to play online a lot, test your connection ahead of time so the first race doesn’t become a troubleshooting session. Keep an eye on the official Nintendo news hub and store page for preorder notes or small clarifications; that’s also where you’ll see any tweaks to dates or features. When March 5 rolls around for Meta Knight, repeat the process: quick check, quick scan, back to racing.

What to watch between now and the first 2026 amiibo date

Expect small beats to fill the gap—short clips that show course sections, reminders for Global Test Ride windows, and clearer photos of the figures. These aren’t marketing fluff; they help you see the proportions, paint lines, and base details you care about if you collect. Side-by-side shots with Kirby and Bandanna Waddle Dee are especially useful for planning a display. And if you’re still deciding which figure to chase first, a closer look at the Shadow Star’s sculpt or the Tank Star’s heft may make that decision for you.

Putting it all together: value today, value later

On day one, amiibo add personality and a touch of flair to your setup. Over time, they’re little anchors for memories—friends you raced, courses you tamed, scores you chased. The 2026 trio hits all the right notes: an early, dated figure to start the year; two more following to round out the set; and rider swap to keep every purchase flexible. You don’t need every figure to enjoy the game, but if you pick one that matches how you like to play, you’ll feel the difference the moment the engine growls.

Buying checklist so you don’t miss a beat

Mark November 20, 2025 for the game. Mark March 5, 2026 for Meta Knight + Shadow Star. Track King Dedede + Tank Star and Chef Kawasaki + Hop Star as “2026—date TBA.” Follow Nintendo’s Direct archive and news page for quick confirmations, and stick with reputable retailers when listings go live. If you’re gifting, grab a display stand and a microfiber cloth; presentation matters. And if you’re sharing a Switch 2 with family, agree on a storage profile now so you’re not sorting it out mid-scan when excitement is high.

Conclusion

We’ve got a clear path: Kirby Air Riders lands on November 20, 2025, and the amiibo lineup expands through 2026 with Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Chef Kawasaki. Rider swap ties the whole idea together, turning display pieces into flexible tools you’ll actually use. Lock in the dates, choose the figure that fits your style, and keep an eye on official updates for the next wave. Simple steps today will pay off every time you hit the track.

FAQs
  • When does Kirby Air Riders launch?
    • The game releases on November 20, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2. You can verify timing on the official store and news pages.
  • Which new amiibo were announced?
    • Meta Knight with a Shadow Star, King Dedede with a Tank Star, and Chef Kawasaki with a Hop Star. Meta Knight’s figure is dated for March 5, 2026; the others are slated for 2026.
  • What is rider swap?
    • It’s the ability to pair riders and machines across compatible figures, letting you mix characters and Stars for different feel and strategy without buying duplicate sculpts.
  • Do I need amiibo to enjoy the game?
    • No. Amiibo add flavor and small perks aligned with the racer’s personality, but the core experience, modes, and progression stand on their own.
  • How do I scan amiibo on Switch 2?
    • Tap the figure’s base to the NFC reader on the right Joy-Con or Pro Controller when prompted in-game, choose a user profile if needed, and you’re set.
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