Nintendo Announces Star Fox Remake for Switch 2

Key facts

• Nintendo surprise announced a new Star Fox game on May 6th.
• The game, titled 'Star Fox,' is a remake of the N64 classic.
• It is scheduled for release on June 25th.
• The remake features redesigned characters and upgraded visuals.
• New modes include a four-on-four dogfighting multiplayer battle mode.
• The game will cost $49.99 for digital and $59.99 for physical copies.

Fox McCloud Returns in Surprise Announcement

Nintendo has unveiled the first new Star Fox game in a decade, a surprise announcement that arrived during a dedicated Direct presentation on May 6th. Titled simply 'Star Fox,' the game is a modern remake of the beloved N64 space shooter, Star Fox 64. It promises a fresh take on the classic formula, with redesigned characters and significantly upgraded visuals, aiming to deliver a thoroughly modern experience. The announcement comes as Nintendo's lineup for the Switch 2 in the latter half of 2026 appears relatively sparse. Beyond Star Fox, the company has only scheduled a few other first-party titles: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. The reveal of a major franchise title like Star Fox suggests a strategic move to bolster the console's offerings.

A Cinematic Take on a Familiar Tale

Dubbed 'a cinematic take' by Nintendo, the remake of Star Fox 64 aims to immerse players with new cutscenes and full voice acting. These cinematic elements will bridge the game's levels, providing fresh mission briefings and narrative context. The core gameplay, however, retains the familiar flow and stage layout of the original, complete with the iconic banter among Fox, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy. The game will feature a campaign mode with adjustable difficulty settings, including easy, normal, and expert levels that must be unlocked through skilled play. A separate challenge mode introduces new objectives, while an entirely new battle mode offers four-on-four dogfighting arenas. These arenas are set across three distinct stages: a control-point game on Corneria, a crystal-collection challenge on Fichina, and a fetch quest against space pirates in Sector Y.

New Features and Nostalgic Touches

Star Fox introduces several new features designed to appeal to both returning fans and new players. Online play is a significant addition, supporting a four-on-four dogfighting multiplayer battle mode. Players can team up in private matches or join an open queue, with the game supporting GameShare both locally and online. The remake also includes local co-op for the full campaign, allowing one player to pilot the ship while another handles the gunnery. In a nod to its roots, the game will support the revamped N64 controller. Additionally, it offers compatibility with Joy-Con mouse controls. A unique feature for the Switch 2 version allows players to use interactive avatars in GameChat that mirror their expressions and movements, drawing from the main crew members like Fox, his father James McCloud, and Pigma.

Pricing and Vehicle Variety

Nintendo has set the price for the new Star Fox at $49.99 for a digital copy and $59.99 for a physical version, according to its website. The game expands beyond the iconic Arwing, offering players the chance to pilot a handful of other vehicles. These include the Blue-Marine submersible, which was showcased blasting through enemies in a preview. The first look at the game revealed incredibly detailed characters, including a surprisingly realistic depiction of Slippy Toad. The game's prologue, shown at the end of the Direct stream, featured a cast of anthropomorphic animals engaged in high-flying action, hinting at the narrative depth and visual fidelity players can expect.

A Strategic Play for the Switch 2

The announcement of Star Fox arrives at a critical juncture for the Nintendo Switch 2. With a less crowded release schedule for the remainder of 2026, the remake of a beloved franchise represents a significant investment in the console's appeal. The inclusion of modern features like online multiplayer and interactive avatars, alongside a commitment to the original game's spirit, suggests Nintendo is aiming for broad market penetration. The reimagined visuals and expanded gameplay modes signal a clear intent to capture both the nostalgia of long-time fans and the interest of a new generation of gamers. The dual pricing strategy for digital and physical copies also caters to different consumer preferences. The success of Star Fox could set a precedent for future franchise revivals on the platform.

The bottom line

• Nintendo has launched a new Star Fox game, a remake of the N64 classic, on June 25th.
• The game features redesigned characters, upgraded visuals, and new gameplay modes, including online multiplayer.
• It is priced at $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically.
• The remake offers both a campaign mode and a new four-on-four dogfighting battle mode.
• Compatibility with the N64 controller and Joy-Con mouse controls is included.
• The title is a key release for the Nintendo Switch 2's 2026 lineup.