Following its launch back in June, Nintendo confirmed a major free update coming to Star Fox which includes new content to enjoy, especially for fans of the Battle Mode. Nintendo surprised a lot of fans with the announcement of Star Fox earlier this year, putting to rest a number of rumors that had been floating around months prior. As it stands, the popular Switch 2 remake is set to get even more content in just a few weeks.
After being part of a dormant franchise for nearly 10 years, Fox McCloud has enjoyed a big 2026 already. The fighter pilot was featured as a popular cameo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, before Nintendo revealed a surprising Switch 2 remake of the original Star Fox 64. While it isn’t the first re-release of the classic Nintendo 64 game, Star Fox proved to be the most ambitious as it featured a completely overhauled visual style, full voice acting for all characters, as well as some new content mixed in such as cutscenes that fleshed out the story and team bonding activities. Later in September, Star Fox is set to receive its biggest update so far.
Star Fox Free Update Release Date
During Nintendo’s September 9 Direct event, Star Fox received a new trailer showcasing a big new update arriving later in September. The free update is largely focused on the multiplayer Battle Mode as it’ll make a 4-player split-screen option available for people who want to enjoy the game locally. The update also includes a feature that allows up to 4 players to join an online battle through a single Nintendo Switch 2 console through the online battle mode settings.
Guess the games from the emojis.
Guess the games from the emojis.
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In addition, the update adds three new stages to the existing multiplayer options in Star Fox. Katina has both teams fighting over platforms which activate lasers to target opponents. In Sector X, players will need to dodge waves of energy as they fight to destroy asteroids and the other team. Finally, Andross’ planet Venom is added to the rotation and requires that players scan data modules as they activate, then escape the area as a destructive surge of energy pulsates outward. The new options and content come online for everyone starting September 29, 2026.
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Image via Nintendo -
Image via Nintendo -
Image via Nintendo
Nintendo doesn’t typically highlight sales for its games and that has largely remained true for Star Fox. Although fans don’t have an accurate idea of just how well the game has done, sales charts have helped bridge the gap ever so slightly. In fact, Star Fox has proven to be a hit in the UK when it originally launched as physical sales of the game jumped to the number 1 spot in less than a week of being available. It was able to beat out games like 007 First Light, EA Sports FC 26, and even Resident Evil Requiem.
Star Fox is leading the way in terms of Nintendo 64 remakes coming to the Switch 2. Just a day prior, Nintendo dedicated another 30 minute direct to celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise. For many, the big part of that livestream was the first ever look at gameplay for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Similar to Star Fox, Ocarina of Time has completely overhauled graphics, as well as voice acting, though that is limited to just cutscenes. Ultimately, outside some quality of life improvements like a dedicated jump button and being able to control the camera, the Ocarina of Time remake appears to be pretty faithful to the original game.
- Released
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June 25, 2026
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
