Star Fox Returns to Screens in Faithful Nintendo Switch 2 Remake

Key facts

• Star Fox, a remake of Star Fox 64, releases June 25th.
• The game is priced at $99.95 RRP, with JB Hi-Fi offering it for $89.
• Digital purchase on the eShop costs $84.95.
• New modes include co-op, battle mode, and challenge mode.
• Players can use Nintendo 64 controllers for a retro experience.
• The remake features graphical overhauls and new story cutscenes.

Nintendo Unveils Star Fox Remake in Surprise Broadcast

A new Star Fox remake, simply titled Star Fox, has been announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 via a surprise Nintendo Direct broadcast. This ground-up reimagining of the classic Star Fox 64, also known as Lylat Wars in some regions, marks a significant return for the franchise. The reveal follows the character's recent appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and a major leak hinting at a new game in the series, the first in nearly a decade.

Faithful Gameplay Meets Modern Enhancements

Players will once again pilot the iconic Arwing alongside familiar allies Falco, Peppy, and Slippy, navigating the skies of Corneria and other planets. While level layouts remain true to the original Star Fox 64, the game boasts a substantial graphical overhaul. The core experience stays on-rails, but players retain control for boosting, braking, and performing barrel rolls. Sections featuring the Landmaster tank and Blue-Marine submarine also return.

Innovative Modes and Multiplayer Options

Beyond the core campaign, Star Fox introduces several new modes. A co-op option allows one player to control the Arwing's movement while another handles the ship's guns. Battle mode pits players against the Star Wolf team in online or local matches, featuring different objectives across various planets like Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y. Challenge mode offers replayable levels with new objectives and an Expert difficulty for seasoned pilots. Campaign mode includes easy, normal, and hard settings, with the latter disabling continues.

Retro Controls and Dynamic Pricing

For an authentic experience, players can utilize Nintendo 64 controllers. The game also incorporates Switch 2 mouse controls. Nintendo has introduced fresh cutscenes to expand the narrative between characters. Furthermore, the game launches with Nintendo's new dynamic pricing model. The physical RRP is set at $99.95, but JB Hi-Fi is offering it for $89. The Nintendo Switch eShop lists the digital version for $84.95, representing a $15 reduction from the RRP, consistent with other recent Switch 2 releases.

Online Features and Character Avatars

Online play includes the ability to apply AR filters for Star Fox team members during GameChat sessions. This allows players to create custom banter using avatars that mirror their facial movements and expressions. The game is scheduled to launch exclusively for the Switch 2 on June 25th, positioned between the releases of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book on May 21st and Splatoon Raiders on July 23rd.

The bottom line

• Star Fox, a remake of Star Fox 64, is set for a June 25th release on Nintendo Switch 2.
• The game features updated graphics, new modes like co-op and battle, and retro controller support.
• Nintendo's dynamic pricing sees the game retail at $99.95, with digital and discounted physical options available.
• New cutscenes and expanded narrative elements are included in the remake.
• Online multiplayer modes include team battles and AR filter-enabled character avatars.
• The release date places Star Fox between other major Nintendo titles in late May and late July.