Original Star Fox Designer Comments on New Nintendo Switch 2 Character Art

Key facts

• Star Fox 64 remake, titled Star Fox, releases June 25, 2026.
• Original character designer Takaya Imamura is not working on the new title.
• Imamura stated he prefers the movie version of the characters but found the new designs had a clear direction.
• The game will cost $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically in the US.
• UK pricing is £41.99 digital and £49.99 physical.
• Japan pricing is ¥5,480 digitally and ¥6,480 physically.
• Walmart is price matching the digital and physical versions of the game.

A Familiar Voice on a New Vision

The return of the Star Fox franchise to the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026, is drawing attention not only for its gameplay but also for its evolving character aesthetics. Takaya Imamura, the artist behind the original iconic designs of the Star Fox crew, has shared his perspective on the new character art. Though no longer with Nintendo for several years and thus uninvolved in the development of this upcoming title, Imamura expressed a continued pride in the series he helped create. Responding to fan inquiries about the updated character appearances, Imamura offered a nuanced view. He initially remarked, "I guess this is how it turns out if I’m not supervising… or something like that." This candid observation hints at the natural shifts in creative direction that occur when original creators step away from a project. Further elaborating on his thoughts, Imamura stated, "Personally, I prefer the movie version, but I thought this one was good in its own right – it had a clear direction." His comments acknowledge a personal preference while also recognizing the artistic merit and intentionality behind the new designs for the Nintendo Switch 2 installment.

Pricing Details Emerge for Star Fox

Amidst the excitement surrounding the game's announcement, Nintendo has also clarified the pricing structure for the Star Fox 64 remake, officially titled Star Fox. The digital version will be available for $49.99 in the United States, with the physical release priced at $59.99. This pricing strategy follows a pattern established by Nintendo for recent titles. International pricing also reveals regional variations. In the United Kingdom, consumers can expect to pay £41.99 for the digital download and £49.99 for the physical copy. Japan sees the game priced at ¥5,480 for the digital edition and ¥6,480 for the physical version, which translates to approximately $35 and $41.50 respectively. The confirmation of distinct pricing for digital and physical versions marks the third instance of this new policy from Nintendo, following "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" and "Splatoon Raiders." This approach has led some to speculate about Nintendo's broader pricing strategies, particularly when physical editions are not offered at a discount compared to their digital counterparts.

Retailers Adjust to New Pricing Policy

Retailers are beginning to align with Nintendo's confirmed pricing for the upcoming Star Fox title. Walmart has already initiated a price match, offering the physical version of the game at the same price as the digital edition, a move that could appeal to budget-conscious collectors. While Amazon has yet to update its listings, it is anticipated that the online retail giant will follow suit in the coming hours, reflecting the competitive landscape of game sales. The previous two Nintendo titles that adopted this pricing model are currently available at lower prices on Amazon. The consistency in pricing between digital and physical versions, coupled with the potential for price matching at major retailers, raises questions about the long-term implications for game sales and consumer purchasing habits. This new policy from Nintendo continues to be a point of discussion among players and industry observers.

The bottom line

• Original Star Fox character designer Takaya Imamura has shared his views on the new character art for the upcoming Star Fox game.
• Imamura, who is not involved in the new title, expressed a personal preference for the movie version but acknowledged the new designs have a clear direction.
• The Star Fox 64 remake, titled Star Fox, is set to launch on June 25, 2026.
• The game will be priced at $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically in the US, with different prices in the UK and Japan.
• Walmart is currently price matching the digital and physical versions of the game.
• This pricing strategy follows a new policy by Nintendo, seen in previous releases like 'Yoshi and the Mysterious Book' and 'Splatoon Raiders'.