Nintendo has officially revealed a brand-new Star Fox game for Nintendo Switch 2, and after all the rumors, leaks, and speculation, the game is finally real and will be released on June 25, 2026.
During a dedicated Star Fox Direct held on May 6, 2026, Nintendo showed off a cinematic reimagining of Star Fox 64. The game features overhauled character designs, revamped stages, fully voiced dialogue, detailed cutscenes, and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack.
That reveal is worth pointing out because this game had been rumored for a while. Several sources had claimed a new Star Fox game for Switch 2 was in development, but when Nintendo did not reveal it during the dates tied to those leaks, many started to believe the rumor was fake. Turns out, it was not.
Star Fox Returns to the Lylat System
The new Star Fox follows the familiar setup from Star Fox 64. Andross is once again threatening the Lylat System, and Fox McCloud, along with the Star Fox team, is the only thing standing in his way.
Players will pilot the Arwing through planets, asteroid fields, and free-flying dogfights while blasting enemy forces out of the sky. Classic moves like barrel rolls, boosts, somersaults, and mid-air braking are all back, giving the combat that familiar Star Fox feel while taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Nintendo also confirmed that familiar locations such as Corneria, Zoness, Fichina, and Sector Y are returning, each with a new visual overhaul. The game also includes new mission briefings between stages, giving players more time with the characters and the world surrounding the Lylat System.
Multiple Modes and Branching Routes
Campaign Mode will let players choose between Easy and Normal difficulty at the start, with Expert difficulty unlocked after earning enough medals. Like Star Fox 64, the route through the Lylat System can change depending on your performance, completed objectives, enemies defeated, and other mission actions.
Challenge Mode lets players replay cleared stages with new objectives and challenges not found in the main campaign. These challenges will be available in both Normal and Expert difficulty settings.
Nintendo is also adding an all-new 4-vs-4 Battle Mode, where up to eight players are split between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf. The mode includes objectives such as controlling zones on Corneria, collecting energy crystals on Fichina, and retrieving stolen cargo from space pirates in Sector Y.
Switch 2 Features Play a Big Role
The new Star Fox will also use several Nintendo Switch 2 features, including Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. In Campaign Mode and Challenge Mode, players can swap between traditional button controls and mouse-style aiming for more precise targeting. And if you don’t want to use the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, you’ll be able to use the Nintendo 64 Controller as well.
There is also a co-op angle here. If a friend joins on the same system or through GameShare via GameChat, one player can focus on flying while the other handles gunner duties.
GameChat is also being worked directly into the experience. Players can appear as Fox McCloud or other Star Fox characters through interactive avatars that mirror facial expressions and movement. Nintendo also showed off AR filters, including Star Fox-style ears and a Falco-inspired beak that moves when players talk.
A Long-Awaited Return
Given all of this, fans of the Star Fox series should be celebrating right now. It has been a long time since Nintendo gave the franchise a proper spotlight, and for a while, it felt like the company was content to leave Fox McCloud and the rest of the crew sitting on the sidelines.
That silence also opened the door for several Star Fox-inspired indie games to step forward, including titles such as Wild Blue Skies or Ex-Zodiac. While those games were clearly aiming to fill a void Nintendo left behind, you have to wonder how much wind has just been taken out of their sails now that Star Fox itself is finally back.
The other big question is how longtime fans will react to the more realistic character redesigns. Star Fox has always had a very specific look and personality, so seeing Fox, Falco, Peppy, Slippy, and the rest of the cast reimagined with a more cinematic presentation could be exciting for some fans and a little jarring for others.
Based on what was shown during the Star Fox Direct, this new entry looks like Nintendo is trying to celebrate Star Fox 64 while giving the series a fresh start on Nintendo Switch 2.
One thing is for sure, this poster could totally be for a movie. Which is kind of the idea. I’m getting this blown up and putting it on my office wall.
Can we please work on a F-Zero return next, Nintendo?
