Kirby Air Riders Speedrun Raises Over $100k at Summer Games Done Quick, Impresses as Switch 2 Launch Title

Kirby Air Riders, the upcoming Switch 2 launch title, made a record-breaking debut at Summer Games Done Quick 2025, raising over $100,000 for Doctors Without Borders. Polygon reported that the speedrun showcased the game's innovative dual-plane mechanics, where players switch between ground and aerial combat, and its unique "Rider" system that allows Kirby to transform into vehicles.

polygonKirby Air Riders' Summer Games Done Quick debut showcases its speedrun potential as a standout Switch 2 launch title

"made a record-breaking debut at Summer Games Done Quick 2025, raising over $100,000 for Doctors Without Borders"

The strong performance at SGDQ generated significant excitement for the title, positioning it as a standout launch game for Nintendo's next console. Runners completed the game in under 20 minutes, demonstrating the game's speedrun-friendly design.

According to Polygon, the game's momentum-based physics and multiple movement options, including a new hover ability and vehicle-based gameplay, naturally lend itself to speedrunning. Hidden shortcuts and a scoring system that rewards skillful play further enhance its appeal to speedrunners.

"its speedrun-friendly design, with its momentum-based physics and multiple movement options, makes it a standout title for the Switch 2"

The combination of a strong charity showing and a design built for high-skill play positions Kirby Air Riders as arguably the console's best launch game, according to Polygon's coverage. The debut at SGDQ has already built a community eager to test the game's limits.