Nintendo shocked the gaming world today with a surprise “Star Fox Direct” broadcast. During the 15-minute presentation, they announced a ground-up remake of the legendary Star Fox 64. Simply titled Star Fox, the game brings Fox McCloud and his crew back to the spotlight for the first time in nearly a decade. This reveal follows the character’s popular role in The Super Mario Galaxy movie, where he was voiced by actor Glen Powell.
Stunning Visuals and Familiar Gameplay
The new title is a cinematic reimagining of the 1997 classic. While the level layouts remain faithful to the original, the graphics have received a massive overhaul. Character designs now look more realistic, almost resembling the original puppets used to promote the series in the 1990s. Players will once again pilot the Arwing through the skies of Corneria, though they can also expect the return of the Landmaster tank and the Blue-Marine submarine.

Innovative New Ways to Play
Nintendo is introducing several modern features to enhance the classic “on-rails” experience:
- Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls: Players can use new precision aiming for more accurate shooting.
- Co-op Mode: Two players can share the cockpit. One person handles the Arwing’s movement while the other takes control of the ship’s weapons.
- GameChat AR Filters: In a unique twist, players can use their console’s camera to apply AR filters during online chat. These avatars will mirror your real-life facial expressions and movements.
- Legacy Support: For those who prefer a retro feel, the game is fully compatible with the Switch’s N64 controller.

Expanded Story and New Challenges
While the core plot remains the same, Nintendo has added new cutscenes and fully voiced dialogue to flesh out the characters. The campaign includes multiple difficulty settings, including a “Hard” mode that removes continues for a true challenge. Additionally, a new “Battle Mode” allows for 4-vs-4 online dogfights between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf across various planets.
Release Date and Future Leaks
Star Fox is set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026. This announcement adds significant weight to recent major leaks. Those same rumors correctly predicted this project and also point to a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake coming this Christmas, followed by a new 3D Mario game in 2027.6
