Nintendo unveils cinematic Star Fox remake for exclusive Switch 2 launch

Nintendo has officially announced a modern remake of the 1997 N64 classic Star Fox, titled simply Star Fox, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The title was revealed during a surprise Direct live stream on 6 May and is scheduled to launch on 25 June. Described by Nintendo as a "cinematic take", the game features reimagined visuals, redesigned characters, full voice acting, and new cutscenes that depart from a direct port of the original 1997 release.

This release marks the first new entry in the Star Fox series in a decade, arriving amidst a relatively sparse schedule of first-party titles for the remainder of 2026. While the game retains the original stage layouts and character banter, it introduces a more cinematic narrative approach. The story features high-flying anthropomorphic animals and includes a prologue involving characters such as Fox's father, James McCloud, alongside Pigma.

New gameplay modes have been introduced to expand the experience beyond traditional aerial combat. The campaign mode offers Easy, Normal, and Expert difficulties, with the latter requiring players to unlock it through performance. Additionally, a challenge mode presents new objectives, while a four-on-four online battle arena adds a competitive layer. This arena includes three distinct stages: a control-point game on Corneria, a crystal-collection challenge on Fichina, and a fetch quest against space pirates in Sector Y.

Local co-op is supported across the full campaign, allowing two players to team up with one acting as the pilot and the other as the gunner. Online play is also included, featuring private matches and an open queue for the battle mode. A standout addition is the introduction of the Blue-Marine submarine vehicle, which enables underwater combat against squids, diversifying the combat environments available to players.

Hardware integration remains a key focus for the Switch 2 special. The game is compatible with the revamped N64 controller, ensuring players can access legacy mechanics without relying on the console's native controls. Furthermore, support for mouse controls via Joy-Con 2 has been confirmed. Players can also utilise interactive avatars in GameChat, allowing them to appear as any of the main crew members during online interactions.

The announcement clarifies that the project is a modern remake rather than a direct port of Star Fox 64. This distinction means long-time fans seeking an exact replica of the 1997 experience may find the changes to visuals and narrative significant. Nevertheless, the title leverages specific Switch 2 hardware capabilities while bridging the gap between modern enhancements and retro authenticity.