Nintendo's iconic sci-fi franchise Star Fox is officially returning to the spotlight with a brand-new game set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 this June. After years of dormancy, Fox McCloud and his team are ready to take flight once again, and fans won't have to wait long—the release date is just one month away.
The announcement came during a surprise Nintendo Direct earlier this month, which was entirely dedicated to the beloved space shooter. The new title is a remake of the classic Star Fox 64, bringing the on-rails adventure to modern consoles with a fresh visual style, expanded gameplay, and a cinematic overhaul of the story. It's a welcome return for a franchise that has been largely quiet since Star Fox Zero on the Wii U, though Fox McCloud has remained a staple in the Super Smash Bros. series.
A New Look and Feel for a Classic
The most striking change in this Switch 2 remake is the visual upgrade. The game now sports a more realistic art style, a departure from the cartoonish look of the original. This aesthetic aligns with Fox's recent appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, where he was voiced by Glen Powell. The film's crossover proved to be more than just a cameo, as Fox played a key role in Mario's cosmic adventure, potentially setting the stage for a standalone Star Fox movie.
Gameplay remains true to the original's on-rails shooter roots, where players pilot Fox's Arwing through the Lylat System, performing barrel rolls and blasting enemies alongside teammates Falco, Peppy, and Slippy. The story follows the Star Fox team as they attempt to thwart the evil Dr. Andross's plans to destroy the galaxy. However, new cutscenes add dramatic depth, including an expanded intro depicting the betrayal and apparent death of Fox's father, James McCloud.
New Features and Online Play
One of the biggest gameplay innovations is the use of the Switch 2's mouse controls, allowing players to aim and pilot the Arwing with precision. The Landmaster tank also returns with similar control options. Beyond the campaign, a new challenge mode adds fresh objectives and obstacles to existing levels, while an online battle mode supports 4-vs-4 dogfights between Star Fox and their rivals, Star Wolf.
Perhaps the quirkiest addition is an AR filter for the Switch 2's game chat system. Players can apply a filter to their camera, transforming themselves into any member of the Star Fox team during voice calls with friends. To access this feature and the battle mode, a day-one update and an active Switch Online membership are required.
For fans of sci-fi and classic gaming, this release is a major event. It's a reminder of Nintendo's ability to revive beloved franchises with modern twists, much like the recent Geralt Returns: 'The Witcher 3' Expansion 'Songs of the Past' Hits in 2027 or the upcoming Buffy's Angel Returns: Sequel Comic Series Gets August Release Date.
Star Fox is available for pre-order now and launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on the hottest games of the year.
