Star Fox
About
Overview
Star Fox is a 2026 rail shooter for Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Velan Studios and published by Nintendo, it is a remake of Star Fox 64, the 1997 Nintendo 64 game. The remake adapts the original game’s level design, story, and gameplay while introducing a new artstyle and rebooting the series.
The game keeps the focus on third-person rail shooting, with players controlling vehicles piloted by Fox McCloud. It also expands the package with campaign, challenge, competitive multiplayer, and co-op options. Star Fox supports Nintendo Switch 2 features including GameChat and GameShare, and also supports the Nintendo 64 Wireless Controller.
Gameplay
Star Fox is a third-person rail shooter. While controlling the Arwing, players automatically move through each level and must survive enemy attacks and environmental hazards. Offensive tools include lasers and bombs, while defensive moves include a somersault and barrel roll, which can deflect incoming projectiles.
The main story campaign is divided into levels based on different planets in the Lylat System. Levels include dialogue and cutscenes, and players can alter the outcome of each level to uncover branching routes to other levels. The campaign supports three difficulty settings. On Normal and Hard, shield and boost abilities are limited at the start of each level, but can be restored and expanded by collecting gold and silver rings. Optional level-specific tasks provide additional rewards.
Challenge Mode allows individual levels to be replayed with different objectives. Multiplayer includes a competitive battle mode, where players are split between Star Fox and Star Wolf across three maps with unique rules and objectives. Co-op lets two players play campaign and challenge modes, with one piloting and the other aiming and shooting using Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Mouse controls can also be used in single-player, and battle mode can be played against computer opponents.
Setting
Fox McCloud, son of James McCloud, leads a revitalized mercenary squad called Star Fox. Their mission is to stop Dr. Andross, an evil mad scientist and self-proclaimed emperor, from destroying the Lylat System.
Release
Star Fox was revealed during a Nintendo Direct on May 7, 2026. It was released for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.