After months of hints that development would soon come to an end, Kirby Air Riders has received a comprehensive update. Patch 1.3.0 was released on January 26, 2026, and brings new features, additional game modes, and numerous adjustments. The update comes at a time when there had previously been talk of post-launch support coming to an end.
Patch after announced end of development
In October, Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai announced that no DLC content was planned for Kirby Air Riders. He also hinted that development work would soon be completed after launch, as the team was disbanding. Against this backdrop, the new patch came as a surprise.
New features at a glance
With version 1.3.0, Kirby Air Riders also receives several key enhancements.
One of the most important new features is GameShare support. In addition, a Grand Prix mode has been added. The online multiplayer mode has also been expanded and now allows two local players to participate in online quick matches together.
GameShare is a feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 that allows games to be shared with other systems nearby or via GameChat. Support for this feature has not yet been implemented uniformly. Kirby Air Riders is now one of the titles that actively uses GameShare. For players of the first Switch generation, the restriction to local connections still applies.
New Grand Prix mode
The newly introduced Grand Prix mode combines several races into a longer sequence.
This mode differs from the previous very short and fast races in the game. The mode allows for longer competitions and structures the racing action over several rounds.
Enhancements for online mode
The online area has also been expanded. Two players can now play locally on one system and search for online matches together. No further online modes were announced as part of the patch. There are no statements regarding future enhancements.
Further adjustments and bug fixes
In addition to the new features, Patch 1.3.0 includes numerous balance changes and bug fixes. Particular attention was paid to the marketplace, customization options, and the central City Trial mode. The complete patch notes include a number of minor corrections and detail adjustments.
