Nintendo's upcoming Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 is the best the game has ever looked, but little else has changed beyond that. The third full-scale remake of the classic rail shooter brings a raft of small visual and mechanical tweaks, yet plays it mostly safe as it aims to attract a new audience.
Hands-On with the Remake
Having played roughly two hours of the new Star Fox at a preview event, it's clear that Nintendo has made a definite attempt to give the 33-year-old game a fresh coat of paint and wash away the memory of Star Fox Zero. The results are mostly great, but the core experience remains largely unchanged. Familiar air combat, a few new multiplayer modes, and the ability to switch to a first-person cockpit view are the main additions, but they are hardly game-changers.
Visual and Mechanical Updates
Fox McCloud and his crew have been given updated, more realistic appearances while staying true to their original designs. The starting planet Corneria looks stunning on Nintendo Switch 2, with beautiful oceans, clear skies, and rustic rock formations. The enhanced graphics and clear HUD give even the basic introductory level a new sense of freedom and speed. Controls have been slightly revised: locking onto enemies now requires pressing the fire button again to unleash a charged shot, rather than holding and releasing.
Performing a barrel roll is as simple as double-tapping a bumper, which spins the Arwing and deflects enemy shots. The ability to switch to a first-person cockpit view on the fly adds a new perspective, but doesn't drastically alter gameplay.
Lack of Challenge
One concern is the reduced difficulty. The boss fight against Granga on Corneria was over in less than two minutes, suggesting that health bars have been dialled down. The game seems to target a younger audience, as most enemies require little strategy to defeat. The Meteor level offered slightly more challenge due to asteroid swarms, but overall, the game rarely pushes players.
New Battle Mode
Nintendo is attempting to extend the remake's lifespan with an all-new multiplayer Battle mode. Two teams of four compete to control zones on one of three planets, picking up power-ups like bombs, mines, and forcefields. While not revolutionary, the mode adds unpredictability and could provide hours of fun. Content-wise, Battle mode is light, but it's a genuine surprise.
AR face filters are also included, letting players take on the guise of the Star Fox crew. They are harmless fun but won't make or break the experience for veteran players.
Conclusion
After two hours of playtime, Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 looks, plays, and handles much as expected. It's a faithful remake that looks markedly better thanks to a modern facelift, but offers little else outside of that. All returning routes and pathways ensure replayability, and the Battle mode is enjoyable locally. The game is set to be a good but annoyingly faithful remake, ensuring this return to the Lylat system will be fun enough even if it doesn't shoot for the stars.
Star Fox launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.
