As the festive season settles in, a passionate gamer has stepped forward to champion an underdog title, offering a compelling counterpoint to its critical reception. In a Reader's Feature published on December 28, 2025, a contributor writing as Bristolpete makes a heartfelt case for Kirby Air Riders on the Nintendo Switch 2, declaring it the ideal Christmas break game.
A Clash of Critical Opinions
The article opens by acknowledging that while Kirby Air Riders may not be the Switch 2's most universally acclaimed release, it deserves a second look. The writer contrasts the official GameCentral review score of 4/10 with their own experience, having sunk 50 hours into the game. They personally would rate it a 8.5 or 9 out of 10. This sets the stage for a detailed defence of director Masahiro Sakurai's latest project, praising his commitment to joyful, experimental game design that harks back to the fun of 1990s gaming, free from modern pitfalls like microtransactions and unfinished releases.
Not Another Kart Clone: The Smash Bros. of Racing
A core argument is that labelling Kirby Air Riders a Mario Kart clone is a profound misunderstanding. The reader draws a parallel to comparing Super Smash Bros. to Street Fighter; they share a genre but are fundamentally different. The game is described as applying the "Smash formula to a racing engine". Instead of structured tournaments, it encourages exploration through four main modes, including short races, battles, exploration-focused gameplay, and inventive minigames reminiscent of Super Monkey Ball.
The feature suggests that if the game featured a broader roster from Sakurai's past work and was titled Smash Kart, its concept would have been clearer. In a launch window crowded with Mario Kart and Sonic titles, the writer asserts Kirby Air Riders complements rather than competes with its peers, offering a distinct, rhythm-based experience packed with hidden depth.
A Festive Family Showcase for the Switch 2
The reader highlights how the game feels like a dedicated Switch 2 showcase. It is praised for buttery-smooth performance, very fast loading, and excellent support for both online play and couch co-op for up to four players. This, combined with its accessibility, makes it a perfect party title to play alongside Smash Bros.. The implementation of HD Rumble is singled out as the best on the console, with controllers vibrating in time with the music.
Furthermore, the game is celebrated for respecting the player's time. It features a staggering 750 unlockables earned purely through gameplay, with no microtransactions. The initial hours are a "dopamine rush" of new content, mirroring the progression system of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Players can engage through a solo adventure or tweak rules in online lobbies, with multiple paths to unlocking its wealth of riders, courses, and customisation items.
A Joyful, Bonkers Masterpiece
In conclusion, the writer expresses profound admiration for Kirby Air Riders, describing it as a "joyful, bonkers, kinda weird masterpiece" that stands in stark contrast to what they found to be a dull open world and flat single-player in the latest Mario Kart. They frame it as a game made by a gamer for gamers, especially those nostalgic for the late '90s and early 2000s design ethos.
The final message is an invitation: "Bin off Call Of Duty and try something that will put a smile on those that play it." While acknowledging the game might not appeal to everyone, the reader is unequivocally happy it exists, confidently stating that fans of Sakurai's Smash Bros. will likely find much to love here.
