Star Fox on Switch 2: Everything Confirmed About the Star Fox 64 Remake

Nintendo has officially revealed a new Star Fox game for Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s not a completely new entry. Instead, the project is a modern remake and reimagining of the Nintendo 64 classic Star Fox 64, rebuilt with updated visuals, added modes, and a refreshed presentation.

The game launches June 25, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing Fox McCloud and his squad back to defend the Lylat System in a modernized version of one of Nintendo’s most beloved shooters.

A modern remake of Star Fox 64

Nintendo is positioning the game simply as Star Fox, but its foundation is clearly the 1997 Nintendo 64 title. Official Nintendo materials describe the project as an action‑packed adventure based on Star Fox 64, retaining the core structure of the original game.

Reports from early coverage indicate the remake keeps the original mission layout and mechanics while introducing modern presentation elements and additional gameplay features.

That means players should expect the same core campaign arc—Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad fighting to free the Lylat System from Andross—but presented with updated visuals and expanded storytelling beats.

Gameplay and presentation changes

The Switch 2 version appears designed to preserve the classic rail‑shooter feel while adding modern upgrades.

Confirmed additions include:

• A complete visual overhaul with a new art style
• Cinematic mission briefings and additional cutscenes not present in the original game
• New and returning gameplay modes alongside the main campaign
• A multiplayer option for players beyond the single‑player story

Coverage of the reveal suggests the remake revisits the original level structure but enhances the experience with more detailed visuals and narrative framing between missions.

In other words, Nintendo is leaning heavily on nostalgia while modernizing the presentation rather than replacing the core design.

Multiplayer and online features

Multiplayer is confirmed, but the full feature set has not been detailed publicly.

Reports state that the remake includes a multiplayer mode, though specifics such as player count, competitive formats, and matchmaking details have not been officially outlined.

Nintendo’s regional listings also note that some multiplayer features may require additional systems or accessories. Online functionality will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account, and certain features—such as video support—may require compatible USB camera hardware.

Because Nintendo has not fully detailed the multiplayer modes yet, the exact structure of online play remains one of the biggest unanswered questions ahead of launch.

Why the new character designs are controversial

The reveal quickly sparked debate among longtime fans—mostly because of the new character designs.

The remake shows Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy with more realistic facial features and textures compared with the stylized look used in earlier games. While some fans appreciate the visual upgrade, others argue that the change removes some of the charm and exaggerated personality of the original characters.

Critics of the redesign say the more photo‑realistic style alters the “swagger” and cartoon‑like identity that helped define the characters in earlier entries.

As a result, discussion around the game has focused as much on its art direction as on the gameplay itself.

What the original character designer thinks

Takaya Imamura, the original character designer behind the Star Fox cast, has publicly commented on the redesign—and his reaction has been more nuanced than many headlines suggest.

Initially, Imamura noted that he personally preferred the movie version of Fox McCloud while still acknowledging that the new game’s design had a clear direction.

Soon afterward, he clarified his view and expressed stronger support, saying the new game’s visuals resemble what he imagined when working on Star Fox 64 decades ago and praising the more realistic character expressions.

That endorsement doesn’t eliminate the fan debate, but it does show that one of the franchise’s key creators broadly supports the direction Nintendo is taking.

Pricing and editions

Pricing varies depending on the region.

Nintendo’s official Japanese product page lists the following prices for the game launching June 25, 2026:

• Digital version: ¥5,480 (tax included)
• Physical version: ¥6,480 (tax included)

During the initial reveal presentation, Nintendo did not announce pricing for all regions, and some international store listings confirm the release date but do not include a final price yet.

Until regional pricing is officially listed by Nintendo or retailers, exact pricing outside Japan should be treated as provisional.

The big picture

The upcoming Star Fox for Switch 2 is designed as a deliberate return to the series’ most beloved formula. Nintendo is rebuilding the structure of Star Fox 64 with modern graphics, additional modes, multiplayer support, and expanded presentation.

The core gameplay foundation appears familiar—but the new visual style is bold enough to divide longtime fans. Whether that redesign becomes the remake’s biggest strength or its most controversial decision may not be clear until players finally take flight on June 25, 2026.