Kirby Air Riders Global Test Ride: Schedule and Details

Eager players anticipating the arrival of the new Kirby Air Riders game are invited to an exclusive Global Test Ride event, providing an early glimpse into the game's mechanics and features. This special pre-launch opportunity spans two weekends in November, allowing both dedicated enthusiasts and curious newcomers to explore a selection of tracks and engage with updated gameplay modes. It's a prime chance to determine if this highly anticipated title is worth the investment before its official release.

During the Global Test Ride, participants will have access to three distinct tracks: Floria Fields, Waveflow Waters, and Mount Amberfalls, all playable within the standard Air Ride racing mode. Additionally, the enhanced City Trial mode will be available for playtesting, though this specific feature requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership or a free trial. However, players can access the Lessons and core Air Ride modes without needing a membership. The test event supports lobbies with up to 16 players, a slightly reduced capacity compared to the full game's planned 32-player support. It is important to note that this test ride is exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The playtests are scheduled across two weekends: November 8-9 and November 15-16. Each Saturday will feature two play sessions, while Sundays will have one. The timings are varied, catering to different time zones, so players are encouraged to check the schedule to find the most convenient session. Whether you prefer to play early in the morning or later in the evening, there's a slot designed to accommodate various schedules across the globe.

The first set of test rides begins on Saturday, November 8th, extending into the early hours of November 9th for some regions. Specific time windows are designated for North America's west and east coasts, Brazil, the U.K., western Europe, Japan, and Australia's east coast. For example, players on the west coast of North America can join from 12 AM to 6 AM PST, while those in Japan will have access from 5 PM to 11 PM JST.

The second session of the first weekend will commence on Saturday, November 8th, and continue into Sunday, November 9th, depending on the participant's location. This session offers later playtimes, with North American west coast users able to play from 4 PM to 10 PM PST, and Australian east coast players from 11 AM to 5 PM AEDT on Sunday. These varied timings ensure that a broad international audience can participate, regardless of their geographical location.

The third and final session of the first weekend predominantly takes place on Sunday, November 9th, though it may extend into Monday, November 10th, for certain time zones. This provides another opportunity for players to dive into the game before the conclusion of the initial test period. Similar to previous sessions, precise timings are provided for all major regions, allowing players to plan their engagement accordingly.

The second weekend of testing mirrors the schedule of the first, offering additional chances to experience the game. The fourth global test ride aligns with the first session's schedule but falls on Saturday, November 15th. The fifth test ride, coinciding with the second session's timings, runs from November 15th to 16th, depending on the time zone. Finally, the sixth and last global test ride replicates the third session's schedule, occurring from November 16th to 17th. This comprehensive schedule aims to maximize participation and gather extensive feedback from a global player base.

This early access period serves as a valuable opportunity for players to familiarise themselves with Kirby Air Riders, explore its diverse environments, and test out its various modes. It also allows developers to gather crucial feedback on performance and gameplay before the official launch, ensuring a refined and enjoyable experience for everyone.