Kirby Air Riders, a Nintendo Switch 2 game released by Nintendo, emphasizes vehicle customization over racing performance and features characters designed by Masahiro Sakurai. The title is a sequel to a 2003 GameCube kart racer and is part of Sakurai’s portfolio that includes the Super Smash Bros. series. The game does not include an acceleration button; players are automatically propelled forward and must use the brake button to drift and to charge the vehicle for a speed boost. Different machines, such as the Swerve Star and the Bulk Star, provide distinct handling characteristics, with the Swerve Star offering high speed but requiring charging to change direction, and the Bulk Star remaining slow unless charged while delivering high speed and durability. Customization options allow players to modify the vehicle’s appearance with patterns, textures, decals, and trail effects, and to design Rider Cards with titles, backgrounds, and borders. An in‑game shop lets players upload and purchase user‑generated designs using currency earned through gameplay, avoiding microtransaction models. According to the author, players spend more time in the customization screen than in races. The game’s design diverges from traditional racing titles, and the ongoing availability of user‑generated content continues to shape player engagement.