Star Fox returns: a remake for Switch 2 announced

After nearly a decade without a new game, Star Fox is finally back. On May 6, 2026, Nintendo announced a remake of the iconic Star Fox 64, simply titled Star Fox. The game is coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 and is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026.

The development and announcement

Remakes of classic games are hugely popular in the gaming industry these days, and Nintendo’s decision to remake Star Fox 64 is no exception. Despite mixed reactions to earlier remakes, Nintendo believes the refreshed Star Fox will appeal to players, with new visuals and gameplay elements designed for the new hardware.

The announcement came as a surprise to fans, especially after Fox McCloud’s recent appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film was a way to bring the franchise back into the spotlight, and it seems Nintendo wants to capitalize on that renewed interest.

What’s new in Star Fox?

The remake includes a number of new features that modernize the game and make it appealing to both longtime fans and new players. The graphics have been completely overhauled, and new animated cutscenes have been added. The story still follows the adventures of Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy as they take on the evil scientist Andross.

One notable addition is the multiplayer mode, where players can choose between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf for 4v4 aerial battles. This adds a new dimension to the gameplay, giving players the option to team up with friends or face off against them.

Character designs and visual style

The new character designs have drawn mixed reactions. Many fans feel the hyper-realistic style has lost the soul of the characters, especially compared with their vibrant and expressive designs in earlier games. Takaya Imamura, the original designer of Fox McCloud, said he preferred the movie version of the character seen in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie over the new in-game look.

The style of the new Star Fox aims for a more realistic look, which doesn’t work for everyone. Critics have compared the new designs to “bad taxidermy” and expressed concern that the characters come across as less charismatic.

Gameplay and features

The core gameplay stays true to the original Star Fox formula: players climb into the cockpit of the Arwing and blast through enemies across a variety of missions. A new feature lets a second player split the roles — one person pilots the ship, while the other controls the cannon.

There are also new challenges and a Battle Mode, where players can engage in direct combat. The game uses the Switch 2’s GameShare system, allowing players to share the game with friends nearby without everyone needing their own copy.

Pricing and availability

Star Fox will be available in both digital and physical editions. The digital version costs $49.99, while the physical edition is priced at $59.99. This pricing model reflects Nintendo’s new policy, with digital versions often cheaper than their physical counterparts.

Star Fox is set to launch on June 25, 2026, and pre-orders are available now. This marks an important moment for the franchise, which has been shining for more than a decade.

With the popularity of remakes in the industry and renewed interest in the Star Fox franchise, Nintendo appears to be trying to preserve the magic of the original while also welcoming new players into Fox McCloud’s world.

It looks like the future of Star Fox is promising, with fans getting ready to fly back into the stars with their favorite characters.