"A classic returns, rebuilt for a new generation."
*Nintendo has announced a new game for the Nintendo Switch 2 titled Star Fox, a remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 title Star Fox 64. * The game is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026. It features updated graphics, new cutscenes, re-recorded voice acting, and redesigned character models. The remake includes the original campaign, a new cooperative mode, and an online multiplayer component.
Game Details and Price
The digital version of Star Fox is priced at $49.99 USD. The physical cartridge version is priced at $59.99 USD (or $99.95 AUD for the retail version in Australia). Pre-orders are available through the Nintendo eShop, My Nintendo Store, and various retailers.
Single-Player Campaign
The single-player campaign retains the stage layouts, enemy placements, and power-ups of the 1997 original. The campaign has been described as lasting approximately one to two hours, with replayability provided through branching paths determined by completing bonus objectives, leading to different routes and a true ending.
New features for the campaign include:
- Difficulty Selection: A choice between Normal and Expert modes.
- Challenge Mode: A new mode separate from the main campaign.
- Reworked Tutorial: The opening training mission has been redesigned as a virtual reality simulation featuring all four main crew members.
- Expanded Story: New cutscenes have been added before, after, and between missions to expand character interactions. The dialogue has been overhauled with new voice acting, though some lines from the original have been removed.
- Achievements: Optional achievements are available per level.
- Controls: The game supports standard controls, mouse controls, and the Nintendo Switch N64 controller.
Cooperative Mode
A new two-player cooperative mode allows one player to pilot the Arwing while a second player acts as a gunner. This is facilitated through a split Joy-Con configuration, where one player uses a standard control scheme and the other uses a Joy-Con in mouse mode to aim and fire.
Multiplayer Mode
Star Fox introduces an online multiplayer mode for up to eight players in four-versus-four (4v4) team-based matches. Features of the multiplayer mode include:
- Maps: Three confirmed maps: Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y.
- Game Modes: Objective-based modes such as capturing points, collecting energy from meteorites, capture the flag, and king of the hill. Points are earned by completing objectives, shooting other players, and destroying AI-controlled enemy ships.
- Power-ups: Items available during matches include cluster missiles, healing items, teleport tools, beam attacks, and force fields, which appear on the maps.
- Matchmaking: Support for matchmaking and private matches.
- Local Play: GameShare support allows up to four players to play locally with one copy of the game.
GameChat and Avatar Feature
The game supports the Switch 2's GameChat feature. Using a compatible USB camera, players' facial movements (including mouth, head, eye, and eyebrow movements) can be tracked and mirrored onto a 3D character avatar in a live video stream. Eight character avatars have been confirmed, including Fox McCloud, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, and Slippy Toad. The game also includes over 40 unlockable avatars for this feature and over 140 banners and icons for customizing online gamertags. Players may also choose augmented reality filters for partial facial effects. GameChat functionality requires a USB camera and a Nintendo Switch Online membership for multiplayer use.
Development and Background
The original character designer for Star Fox 64 was not involved in this remake. The announcement of Star Fox followed the appearance of the character Fox McCloud in a Super Mario Galaxy movie. The last original title in the series, Star Fox Zero, was released on the Wii U in 2016. Star Fox 64 was previously remade for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and is also available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.