Best Controls
The main controls for Kirby Air Riders are the L-stick, Boost, and Special buttons. See the controls for each controller type and best controls here!
Default Controls for Kirby Air Riders
| Controller Types | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual Joy-Con, Switch Pro Controller, etc. | Singular, Horizontal Joy-Con | GameCube Controller |
Default Dual Joy-Con, Pro Controller Controls
| Button | Movement Control |
|---|---|
| ZL, ZR, X, B, A | Pressed briefly: Brake Pressed near an enemy: Inhale and copy Pressed after obtaining an ability: activate ability Pressed after obtaining an item: Use the item Pressed and held down: Brake and begin Boost Charge Pressed while gliding: Rapidly descend |
| ZL, ZR, X, B, A + L-Stick Pushed Downward |
Move backwards |
| L, R, Y | Pressed briefly: Machine change After the special gauge is filled: Activate Special Pressed and held down: Get off the machine. |
| L-Stick | Press to the left or right:Turn left or right Press left and right repeatedly: Do a Quick Spin Pressed left or right while on a Rail: Change to the next rail |
| L-Stick Pushed Upward | While gliding: Begin descending |
| L-Stick Pushed Downward | While gliding: Begin ascending |
Singular Joy-Con Horizontal Controls
Left Joy-Con Controls
| Button | Movement Control |
|---|---|
| SL, SR, ZL, Up (⯅), Down (⯆), Right (⯈) | Pressed briefly: Brake Pressed near an enemy: Inhale and copy Pressed after obtaining an ability: activate ability Pressed after obtaining an item: Use the item Pressed and held down: Brake and begin Boost Charge Pressed while gliding: Rapidly descend |
| SL, SR, ZL, Up (⯅), Down (⯆), Right (⯈) + L-Stick Pushed Downward |
Move backwards |
| Left (⯇) | Pressed briefly: Machine change After the special gauge is filled: Activate Special Pressed and held down: Get off the machine. |
| L-Stick | Press to the left or right:Turn left or right Press left and right repeatedly: Do a Quick Spin Pressed left or right while on a Rail: Change to the next rail |
| L-Stick Pushed Upward | While gliding: Begin descending |
| L-Stick Pushed Downward | While gliding: Begin ascending |
Right Joy-Con Controls
| Button | Movement Control |
|---|---|
| SL, SR, ZR, Y, X, A | Pressed briefly: Brake Pressed near an enemy: Inhale and copy Pressed after obtaining an ability: activate ability Pressed after obtaining an item: Use the item Pressed and held down: Brake and begin Boost Charge Pressed while gliding: Rapidly descend |
| SL, SR, ZR, Y, X, A + L-Stick Pushed Downward |
Move backwards |
| B | Pressed briefly: Machine change After the special gauge is filled: Activate Special Pressed and held down: Get off the machine. |
| L-Stick | Press to the left or right:Turn left or right Press left and right repeatedly: Do a Quick Spin Pressed left or right while on a Rail: Change to the next rail |
| L-Stick Pushed Upward | While gliding: Begin descending |
| L-Stick Pushed Downward | While gliding: Begin ascending |
GameCube Controller
| Button | Movement Control |
|---|---|
| L, R, Y, A, X | Pressed briefly: Brake Pressed near an enemy: Inhale and copy Pressed after obtaining an ability: activate ability Pressed after obtaining an item: Use the item Pressed and held down: Brake and begin Boost Charge Pressed while gliding: Rapidly descend |
| L, R, Y, A, X + L-Stick Pushed Downward |
Move backwards |
| B | Pressed briefly: Machine change After the special gauge is filled: Activate Special Pressed and held down: Get off the machine. |
| L-Stick | Press to the left or right:Turn left or right Press left and right repeatedly: Do a Quick Spin Pressed left or right while on a Rail: Change to the next rail |
| L-Stick Pushed Upward | While gliding: Begin descending |
| L-Stick Pushed Downward | While gliding: Begin ascending |
Best Controls for Kirby Air Riders
Steer Control Recommended in Top Ride
In the Top Ride game mode, you can choose between Free Control and Steer Control. Free Control allows you to use the L-Stick to freely spin your Rider around, while Steer Control only lets you use L-Stick to spin left or right in a controlled manner.
While Free Control seems easier to maneuver, Steer Control can be good to practice for more precise and controlled movements.
Practice Controls in Lessons
Familiarize Yourself with Basics
For beginners, you can practice the controls and familiarize yourself with the game using the Lessons in-game. They essentially act as handy Tutorials that you can play through one by one.
Kirby Air Riders Related Guides
Guides by Category
Characters
Machines
Road Trip
City Trial
Air Ride
Top Ride
Checklist
Bosses
Power-Ups and Stats
Cosmetics and Skins
Stadium Challenges
Copy Abilities
Items
Courses
Tips and Tricks
News
Online EventsAll Recommended Guides
Best Characters Tier List
Best Machines Tier List
Best Game Mode
Best Copy Ability Tier List
Best Settings
Best Power-Ups and Stats
Best Combo Setup for Rider and Machine
How to Unlock All Characters
How to Unlock All Vehicles
How to Get Alternative Rider Colors
Multiplayer Guide
All amiibo Rewards and Unlocks
Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
How to Earn Miles Fast
Collectibles and Unlockables
List of All Game Modes
Split Screen Guide
Time Attack Guide
Free Run Guide
How to Get Gummies
Ranking System Explained
How to Increase Global Win Power
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
Global Test Ride Times
Main Menu Guide
Compatible Controllers
Can You Play on Switch 1?
Paddock Guide
Changes from Kirby Air Ride
Is Kirby Air Riders Open World?
Is GameShare Supported?
How to Get Open Block
How to Unlock Movies and Cutscenes
Announcer Voice Actors
How to Hit a Rider with Course Quaker
How to Customize Machines
Update and Patch Notes
How to Win without Boosting
How to Play Team Relay
How to Become the Total Champion
Zorah Lore Explained
Plot and Story Explained
Best Custom Machines Sharing Board
Add Friends Sharing Board
Rider Quiz: Who Should You Main?Comment
Author
Best Controls
Rankings
Gaming News
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