For fans of our favorite pink puffball, Kirby Air Riders is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20. To celebrate, Nintendo is releasing two exciting new amiibo figures alongside the game: the Kirby and Warp Star amiibo, and the Bandana Waddle Dee and Winged Star amiibo. Both figures are priced at a surprising $49.99 each and will be available on the game’s release day.
These aren’t your average amiibo! Their higher price reflects their intricate design, as each figure includes both a character and a distinct vehicle. This pairing allows for unique gameplay interactions, especially when you collect both figures, offering more dynamic ways to enjoy the game. Let’s dive into what makes each one special.
The Kirby and Warp Star Amiibo
This adorable amiibo features a cheerful Kirby perched atop his iconic Warp Star vehicle.
Where to Preorder the Kirby and Warp Star Amiibo (retailing at $49.99):
- Available at Amazon
- Available at Walmart
- Available at Best Buy
- Available at GameStop
- Not yet available at Target
The Bandana Waddle Dee and Winged Star Amiibo
Join Bandana Waddle Dee with his sleek Winged Star vehicle in this second detailed amiibo figure.
Where to Preorder the Bandana Waddle Dee and Winged Star Amiibo (retailing at $49.99):
- Available at Amazon
- Available at Walmart
- Available at Best Buy
- Available at GameStop
- Not yet available at Target
Unlocking In-Game Magic: How the Kirby Air Riders Amiibo Function
So, how do these special figures enhance your gameplay? By tapping a Kirby Air Riders amiibo onto your Nintendo Switch 2 controller, you’ll summon an in-game “Figure Player” (FP) — essentially a smart NPC racer. This FP will join your matches, learning and evolving as it competes. As your FP gains experience in races, its level will increase, along with its unique “machine proficiency” score, reflecting its mastery of that specific character-and-vehicle combination.
A really cool feature for those who collect both amiibo: you can swap riders on the vehicles. Imagine Kirby zipping around on the Winged Star, or Bandana Waddle Dee commanding the Warp Star. While the FP character retains its overall level when swapped, its machine proficiency will reset, as it adapts to a new vehicle.
Nintendo has also hinted at future Kirby Air Riders amiibo releases, promising even more exciting character and vehicle pairings down the line. Keep an eye out for an upcoming Kirby Air Riders Direct, hosted by Sakurai, where more details about these figures and future additions are expected to be revealed.
Preorder the Kirby Air Riders Game
Of course, to enjoy these fantastic amiibo, you’ll need the game itself! Kirby Air Riders is available for preorder. For a comprehensive overview of the game’s details, you can consult various game guides. Additionally, explore summaries of all the exciting announcements from the most recent Nintendo Direct to stay fully informed.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN, also overseeing their board game and LEGO coverage.