Nintendo has officially brought Star Fox back into the spotlight, and this time, the company is returning to the game that defined the series for an entire generation. The newly announced Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 is a ground-up remake of Star Fox 64, known as Lylat Wars in some regions, and it is set to launch on June 25, 2026.
The reveal came through a surprise Star Fox Direct, giving longtime fans their first real look at Fox McCloud, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy in a fully rebuilt version of the classic Nintendo 64 adventure. After years of uncertainty around the franchise, this announcement feels less like a random revival and more like Nintendo carefully reintroducing one of its most recognizable sci-fi series to a new audience.
At its core, Star Fox still appears to be built around the fast, arcade-style rail shooting that made Star Fox 64 such a standout. Players will once again pilot the Arwing through familiar locations like Corneria while battling Andross’ forces across the Lylat system. The difference is that the experience has been rebuilt with modern visuals, updated character models, new cutscenes, and expanded presentation that should make the story feel more complete than the original.
Nintendo is also keeping the classic vehicle variety intact. The Arwing remains the star, but the Landmaster tank and Blue-Marine submarine are also returning. That is important because Star Fox 64 was never just about flying through space. Its best moments came from the way it shifted pace, changed perspective, and made each route through the campaign feel slightly different depending on your performance.
The remake also adds a few new ways to play. Switch 2 mouse controls are being included, which could give the game a sharper, more precise feel for players who want it. Nintendo is also supporting the Switch’s N64 controller for anyone who wants a more traditional throwback experience. That is a smart move because Star Fox 64 has a very specific rhythm, and part of the appeal here is letting older players reconnect with that muscle memory.
One of the bigger surprises is the co-op setup. Two players can share control, with one person handling movement while the other controls the ship’s weapons. It is a simple idea, but it fits the tone of Star Fox perfectly. The entire series is built around squad banter and teamwork, so letting two players physically split cockpit duties could turn a familiar campaign into something fresh.
Nintendo is also putting more weight behind multiplayer this time. Battle mode will allow players to fight against Star Wolf’s team through online play, local GameShare, and GameChat-supported online sessions. The different arenas appear to have unique objectives, including zone control, crystal collection, meteor dodging, and cargo gathering. That gives the remake a reason to exist beyond nostalgia, especially if the multiplayer has enough depth to keep players coming back after the campaign.
The GameChat AR filters may end up being the strangest and most Nintendo-like addition. Players will be able to appear as members of the Star Fox crew, with the avatars mirroring facial movements and expressions. On paper, that sounds like a novelty feature. In practice, it could become the exact kind of social gimmick people clip and share online, especially with a franchise known for its constant in-mission chatter.
The timing of this announcement also matters. Fox McCloud recently reappeared in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, putting the character in front of a much wider audience than the games have reached in years. Whether that was a coincidence or part of a bigger cross-media push, it gives this remake a stronger launchpad than Star Fox has had in a long time.
There is also the leak conversation surrounding the reveal. A recent wave of Nintendo rumors pointed toward a new Star Fox project before the announcement, along with other possible remakes and future releases. Now that Star Fox has been confirmed, some fans will naturally look at those other claims with more interest. Still, until Nintendo confirms anything else, the rumored Zelda and Mario projects should stay in rumor territory.
What makes this remake interesting is that Nintendo does not seem to be trying to reinvent Star Fox from scratch. That may be the right call. The franchise has struggled when it moved too far away from its clean arcade identity, and Star Fox 64 remains the clearest version of what this series does best. Fast missions, branching paths, memorable teammates, rival dogfights, and just enough story to make the Lylat system feel alive.
For Switch 2, this could be more than a nostalgia play. It gives Nintendo a recognizable franchise with sharp arcade action, multiplayer potential, and a direct connection to one of its most beloved Nintendo 64 games. If the remake captures the speed and replayability of the original while making the new features feel natural, Star Fox could finally have the runway it has been missing for years.
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