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Nintendo Announces New 'Star Fox' Game for Nintendo Switch 2, Launching June 25, 2026

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"A legendary corner of the Lylat System is coming back to life. Ready to do a barrel roll?"

Star Fox Returns: A Reimagined Classic Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2

In a surprise Nintendo Direct presentation featuring Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi, Nintendo officially announced a reimagining of the classic 1997 title Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game is scheduled to launch on June 25, 2026.

This announcement follows a cameo appearance by Fox McCloud in the film Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and arrives as part of Nintendo's broader 2026 Switch 2 lineup, which includes Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave.

Game Content and Features

The new Star Fox retains the original campaign from Star Fox 64—including its stage layouts—but features updated graphics, new cutscenes, and fully voiced dialogue. An all-new orchestral soundtrack accompanies the experience.

Difficulty and Modes:

  • Campaign difficulty includes Normal and Expert modes.
  • A new Challenge Mode has been added.
  • A co-op mode allows two players to control the game, with one piloting the vehicle and the other acting as gunner.
  • Battle Mode returns, supporting multiplayer matches on classic maps such as Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y. This mode includes matchmaking and private matches.

Character Design:
The game features overhauled character designs, described by Nintendo as "realistic animal-style" designs. Players can adopt a Star Fox team member as their avatar in GameChat.

Control Options:

  • Standard controls.
  • Mouse Controls.
  • Support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller.

Multiplayer and GameChat

Multiplayer:

  • Battle Mode supports both local and online multiplayer.
  • Local multiplayer for up to four players is available via GameShare, requiring only one copy of the game.
  • Online multiplayer supports four-on-four dogfighting.
  • An internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership are required for online play.

GameShare lets four players battle locally with just one copy of the game.

GameChat and Avatar System:
The game fully supports the Switch 2's GameChat feature. Using a compatible USB camera, the system tracks a player's facial movements—including mouth, head, eye, and eyebrow movements—and replicates them on 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, with potential for more unlockable characters. Players may also choose augmented reality filters for partial facial effects. Nintendo noted that compatibility with third-party cameras may vary.

Pricing and Availability

Release Date: June 25, 2026.

Pricing:

  • Digital copy: $49.99 USD / $84.95 AUD
  • Physical copy: $59.99 USD / $99.95 AUD

Retailers:
The game is listed for preorder at the My Nintendo Store, the Nintendo eShop, and retailers such as EB Games. Links and prices were valid as of May 7, 2026.