Product Info

Platform

Switch 2

Publisher

Nintendo

Developer

Velan Studios

Series

Star Fox

Genre

Shooter, Shoot-'em-up

Players

1-2 (1-8 online)

File Size (Minimum)

15.1 GB

Release Date (NA)

Jun 25, 2026

Purchase From

eShop

Star Fox returns after a long absence as a reimagined version of the popular Star Fox 64. It’s an action shooter that reboots the series rather than creating a sequel but delivers an exhilarating adventure for many to return and for new players.

A New Look

The game offers a prequel short film of the original Star Fox team that casts Fox’s father, James McCloud; Peppy; and Pigma as they investigate the planet Venom for Dr. Andross’s whereabouts. Betrayed by Pigma, James sacrifices himself so Pepper can escape and report the mission. Years later, a new Star Fox team emerges. Follow Fox McCloud and his crew of mercenary pilots—Falco, Slippy, and Peppy—as they take on a mission to take down the evil scientist Dr. Andross and save the Lylat System.

While the number of missions in the level-branching system remains the same as in the original Star Fox 64, there are fifteen playable missions total, with about seven of them in a single playthrough. Despite being a reboot, Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 feels more like a faithful remake of the popular rail shooter. However, this Star Fox does add more story content in-between missions, giving the story more dialogue and an extra layer of depth. Now you can hear Falco’s snarky remarks even more.

It’s not just additional story dialogue; the visuals look fantastic. Environments are completely rebuilt to look more real with high-resolution textures and dynamic lighting. The cinematic camera work follows smoothly and gives few to no issues when needed. All character models are redone to look more lifelike. While this version of Star Fox doesn’t follow the cartoon-style designs, it adheres more closely to the design of the original Star Fox from the Super Nintendo in 1993. Some may like it; some won’t. It gives a nod to the classic by bringing it back in today’s modern technology. While I still have the reminiscence of Star Fox 64’s voice acting, this talent of voices does a good job portraying these new-looking mercenaries and enemies too.

The soundtrack, based on Star Fox 64, was arranged by Matt Pirog and Stephen Barton. The soundtrack maintains dynamic sound levels throughout, exuding energy and power. It’s one of the best upgrades in this game. I could listen to this soundtrack on repeat all day, any day.

Same Ride, Killer View

The vehicles you drive and enemy vessels look excellent. The way the light shines down on Star Fox’s Arwings looks gorgeous, and the effects of its exhausts look fantastic too. The Arwing is the main vehicle you’ll use through the campaign. Players can upgrade the laser by picking up the upgrade while exploring a level. The Blue-Marine, a submarine you drive underwater, does maneuver slower than all vehicles, but it can perform a barrel roll, as amusing as it looks. You can’t charge up laser shots, but you have torpedoes to assist you, and this is the least number of vehicles you will use throughout a campaign. The Landmaster, a tank that you can maneuver on land, showcased a fun time when shooting enemies above and ahead of you. You’ll be able to hover for a short time frame and shoot lasers but do not deflect projectiles when dodging attacks.

Controlling these vehicles didn’t showcase any issues as I had when playing Star Fox Zero. Controlling the Arwing felt smooth, and while the Blue-Marine moved a bit sluggishly, it performed rather well for being underwater. I do wish there were more opportunities to test out this vehicle than just one stage. The Landmaster also felt quite smooth as I rumbled across the ground, though when hovering, I had to time my jumps more precisely when dodging obstacles. Having the option to change the Y-axis is a must and appreciated. The mouse mode is a new feature on the Switch 2 and the Star Fox franchise. You can place a detached Joy-Con on a flat surface and steer your vehicle like a computer mouse. The view changes into a first-person, and players will move their Joy-Con across the surface to target enemies and then take them out. Initially, there is a learning curve to get used to the settings, but by adjusting the sensitivity in the game and practicing, it becomes a rewarding experience. It’s not necessary to use this mode, but it is available for those who want a different experience.

An Adventure Worth Exploring Again

Campaign Mode is where you’ll spend most of your time unfolding the story, unlocking accessories for your camera mode avatar, and more. Players can choose between three difficulties: Easy, Normal, and Expert. Players can expect different challenges when trying each mode, such as smaller hitboxes, zero continues, and more. For those who are new to the series, Easy mode will pave the way for how to play Star Fox, giving players more perks, such as comrades returning to battle if their Arwing goes down.

You can complete the campaign in about two hours, but the replayability is high, as players can replay stages to create new paths to explore new planets and more. I found myself enjoying the game in all modes, and new players can start on easy mode and gradually progress, which provides a positive experience for them. With the game releasing around the timeframe of Super Mario Galaxy the Movie, it certainly brought people in who recognize Fox’s character, even if he looks more realistic. Hopefully we’ll see a sequel to this Star Fox game sooner rather than later.

More Ways to Play

If that wasn’t enough, there are additional modes players can test their skills in. Challenge Mode lets players complete specific tasks or achieve high scores. In Battle Mode, Arwings are the only vehicle you can use, as these battles take place in the air. Battles are done locally or online (Nintendo Switch Membership required) and done in a 4 vs. 4 competition, splitting into two teams: Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf.

Players who want to play co-op in two-player mode in both Campaign and Challenge modes can do so either locally or online. One player is the pilot that steers the vehicle, and the other is the gunner who aims and shoots down enemies. The game can be played locally on one console and GameShare lets those without the game play on their console. GameShare also works for Battle Mode so four nearby players can share one game to play together. The options available are fantastic for many to enjoy and showcase the game, further encouraging more people to purchase it physically or digitally.

Final Showdown

Star Fox soars back into players’ hands with gorgeous visuals, high-paced arcade action, and plenty of replay value. There’s room for the series to grow, but this solid reboot gives long-time fans and newcomers an adventure worth taking to the skies.

A review code was provided by Nintendo for this review. Star Fox is available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans can visit the game’s official website for purchasing options.