DO A BARREL ROLL! Star Fox Returns in a Remake for Nintendo Switch 2
Fox McCloud and The Star Fox Crew Are Back!
After a decade of radio silence from the Lylat System, Nintendo has finally broken the speed of light. In a surprise "shadow-dropped" Nintendo Direct earlier today, the Big N officially pulled the curtain back on Star Fox, a ground-up cinematic remake of the legendary Star Fox 64, coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2 this June.
Fans have been clamouring for a return to the cockpit since 2016’s Star Fox Zero, and if the footage shown today is anything to go by, Fox McCloud is making his comeback in spectacular, high-definition style.
A Cinematic Reimagining
Simply titled Star Fox, this isn't just a simple port. Nintendo is calling it a "cinematic take" on the N64 classic. While the branching paths and iconic levels like Corneria and Zoness remain, the game has undergone a massive visual overhaul.
The character designs for Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy have been reimagined with a more "animalistic" yet puppet-inspired aesthetic—a clear nod to the original SNES box art that started it all. The remake also adds brand-new cutscenes and mission briefings, expanding on the lore and character dynamics that made the original so beloved.
New Ways to Pilot
The Switch 2 hardware is being put to work here. Nintendo confirmed that Star Fox will support Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls, allowing for ultra-precise aiming that should satisfy those who found Star Fox Zero’s motion controls a bit too divisive. If you’re a purist, don't worry: traditional button controls and the Switch N64 controller are fully supported.
Perhaps most exciting is the addition of local co-op for the entire campaign. One player takes the role of the pilot, handling the Arwing's movement and barrel rolls, while a second player acts as the gunner, focusing entirely on blasting Andross’s forces out of the sky.
Battle Mode and "Fox-Talk"
Multiplayer is getting a significant boost with a dedicated 4-vs-4 Battle Mode. Pilots can go head-to-head on maps like Fichina and Sector Y in various modes, including zone control and crystal collection.
Nintendo also showed off a slightly "out of sync" (see what we did there?) but technically impressive feature: GameChat AR Filters. Using the Switch 2’s camera, players can apply real-time filters that turn them into Fox or Falco during online play. These avatars mirror your facial expressions and lip movements, bringing a whole new level of immersion (or hilarity) to your team banter.
Release Date and Pricing
Following Fox McCloud’s recent cameo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (voiced by Glen Powell), the hype for the franchise is at an all-time high. Nintendo is striking while the iron is hot, with the game set to launch on June 25, 2026.
The game will retail for £41.99 / $49.99 on the eShop, positioning it as a premium "mid-range" title alongside the recently released Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.
Out Of Sync Take
Star Fox 64 is a masterpiece of game design, and seeing it rebuilt with modern Switch 2 power is exactly what the franchise needs to find a new generation of pilots. We'll be first in line to see if we can still earn that medal on Venom.
Are you excited to return to the Lylat System, or were you hoping for a completely new entry? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials!