Star Fox Switch 2 Exclusive Release Date Officially Confirmed, But There's a Catch

A new Star Fox game has officially been revealed after months of rumors that a new entry in the franchise was in the works. Simply titled Star Fox, the game has been confirmed to be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive and has a launch date of June 25, 2026. While many fans were hoping to see a brand-new entry in the franchise, the reveal trailer for Star Fox confirms that it is a remake of Star Fox 64, with updated visuals and an online multiplayer mode.

Star Fox has seen something of a resurgence in the past month after making a surprise cameo appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, being voiced by Glen Powell. This appearance, along with the rumors that a new game was in development and planned to be released in 2026, renewed hype for a franchise that hasn’t seen a brand-new game release since Star Fox Zero in 2016. With Star Fox confirmed for a Switch 2 debut in just over a month, fans won’t have to wait long to experience the adventures of Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy as they save the Lylat system from the evil scientist Andross.

The canceled SNES game Star Fox 2 was also finally released in 2017 on the SNES Classic.

It Could Be a New Era for Star Fox

Star Fox’s appearance in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie alongside rumors of a new game could signal the start of a long-overdue new era for the IP.

Star Fox Officially Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 as a Remake of Star Fox 64

In a surprising move from Nintendo, a Star Fox Direct was announced and subsequently aired within about a 5-minute time frame, giving fans little time to prepare for the presentation. The presentation showed off footage from the new Star Fox game, including updated visuals and voice acting. The presentation also confirmed that the game’s maps would follow the layouts of Star Fox 64, but with updated visuals and new cutscenes.

Drag weapons to fill the grid

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While some fans may be disappointed that Star Fox 64 is being remade again, after Star Fox Zero previously attempted to do the same, there does seem to be enough new content on offer to make longtime fans and series newcomers interested in picking up this entry. Star Fox will feature online PvP multiplayer via Battle Mode, with players taking on opponents as either Team Star Fox or Team Star Wolf. The Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse controls are available as an option as well, with players able to aim using the mouse rather than a joystick, and two-player co-op becomes possible with one player controlling the vehicle with one Joy-Con and the other firing with another in mouse mode.

Classic Star Fox features are also included in the game, such as control of the Arwing, Landmaster, and Blue-Marine submarine, and the ability to replay stages with Challenge Mode, which adds new objectives that aren’t available in the main campaign. For players really wanting to feel nostalgic, Star Fox is also compatible with the NSO N64 Controller. Perhaps the most bizarre new feature included in this game is the AR filter for Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat, allowing players to become a Star Fox character like Fox McCloud with an avatar that responds to their facial movements when paired with a compatible USB camera.