Nintendo Cancels Kirby Air Riders Halloween Event Due to Persistent Freezing Issues

The 'Trick or Treat!' event will be postponed indefinitely after players reported game-breaking performance problems.

Oct 30, 2026
Game News
Nintendo Cancels Kirby Air Riders Halloween Event Due to Persistent Freezing Issues

Nintendo has announced the immediate cancellation of the Halloween event for Kirby Air Riders on Switch 2, citing persistent technical difficulties that cause the game to repeatedly freeze during gameplay. The event, intended to celebrate the game's first spooky season with themed decorations and unlockable ghostie hats, began on October 28 but quickly led to player reports of significant performance issues.

Masahiro Sakurai's Kirby Air Riders, described as a lightweight yet bubbly racer, was slated to feature its Halloween content until November 4. However, the recurring screen freezes rendered the event unplayable for many, prompting Nintendo's decision to pull it. The company confirmed the issue via its Japanese support X account, stating, "We have identified an issue in the currently ongoing ‘Trick or Treat!’ event, where the screen may temporarily freeze during gameplay. As a result, we have decided to cancel this event."

While Nintendo has vaguely promised to hold the event again at a later date and allow players to obtain the associated rewards, details regarding a rescheduled time remain unclear. "Please note that we plan to hold the event again, allowing you to obtain the associated rewards. We will provide further details as soon as they are finalized," the statement read. The company has been contacted for further clarification on the event's future. The cancellation highlights the challenges in implementing seasonal content, especially when it impacts core gameplay stability.

Sources