StarFox Barrel Rolls onto Switch 2 June 25th
Nintendo has officially announced Star Fox during the latest surprise Nintendo Direct presentation, with the game launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25. Based on Lylat Wars, the new title completely reimagines the classic adventure with overhauled visuals, cinematic storytelling, fully voiced dialogue, and new gameplay features designed around the Switch 2 hardware. Players will once again step into the cockpit as Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team to stop the evil scientist Andross from taking control of the Lylat System. The game also brings back Star Wolf, one of the most iconic rival teams in Nintendo history and easily one of my favourite villain groups growing up. Nintendo says the campaign will feature multiple branching paths, encouraging repeat playthroughs with alternate missions, hidden routes, and new challenges depending on player performance.
One of my favourite moments growing up was reaching the end of the first mission in Star Fox 64 and seeing the Arwings transform into All-Range Mode while battling the giant robot boss. Being able to fly freely around the arena and blast the legs off the boss completely blew me away at the time. Then, on my next playthrough, I discovered the hidden route and realised just how much replayability the game had. It was great seeing that secret path briefly shown again during today’s Nintendo Direct presentation.
The game also introduces several new features, including a brand-new 4-vs-4 Battle Mode that supports up to eight players online. Teams will battle across objective-based missions inspired by locations like Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y. Local and online multiplayer will also support GameShare functionality.
One of the more interesting additions is support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Players can seamlessly switch between traditional controls and mouse aiming during gameplay, while co-op players can split duties between piloting and shooting. Nintendo is also leaning heavily into the new GameChat functionality, allowing players to appear as Star Fox characters using animated avatars and AR accessories.
Visually, this feels like one of the biggest glow-ups Nintendo has given one of its older franchises in years. From the footage shown so far, planets like Corneria and Zoness look far more detailed and cinematic than ever before, while the orchestral soundtrack and expanded cutscenes give the adventure a much greater sense of scale.
I have been a huge fan of Star Fox ever since I first played Star Fox 64 as a kid. From there, I jumped into Star Fox Adventures and Star Fox Assault, and I have loved the series ever since. This new reimagining for Nintendo Switch 2 looks incredible, especially with how much effort has gone into modernising the world of Lylat. As someone who grew up replaying Star Fox 64 and later spent countless hours with Assault on the GameCube, this already feels like a faithful reimagining of what made the series so memorable in the first place.
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