Star Fox
Promotional artwork
Publisher	Nintendo
Series	Star Fox
Platform	Nintendo Switch 2
Release	June 25, 2026
Genre	Rail shooter
Modes	Single-player, multiplayer

Star Fox^[a] is an upcoming 2026 rail shooter game published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch 2. It is the second remake of Star Fox 64 (1997), following Star Fox 64 3D (2011), and the first major Star Fox game since Star Fox Zero (2016).^[b] It expands on the original game's level design, story, and gameplay mechanics, and introduces new character designs. Star Fox is set for release in June 2026.

Star Fox is a third-person rail shooter. Players control a variety of vehicles piloted by Fox McCloud. Fox, the son of the late James McCloud, joins and leads the Star Fox team in a mission to stop the evil Andross from destroying the Lylat System.^[1] As a remake of Star Fox 64, its gameplay and control scheme remain similar. Controlling the Arwing, players automatically progress through the level. They must defend themselves against enemies and their surroundings, using offensive means such as lasers and bombs, or employ defensive moves like a somersault or a spin to deflect incoming projectiles.^[1]

The game is divided into levels, which incorporate plot elements where players' actions alter the outcome of the story and overall progression of the campaign. During these levels, players are limited to a shield and a boost that can be restored by collecting gold and silver rings scattered in a level. Optional tasks unique to each level can be completed for other rewards. Similar to Star Fox 64 and its first remake, Star Fox 64 3D, the campaign supports three difficulties.^[1]

The game supports multiplayer. In a competitive mode, players are separated into the Star Fox and Star Wolf teams.^[2] In co-op mode, 2 players can play the campaign, one player acting as the Pilot and the other acting as the Gunner. In both the single player and co-op campaigns, a Joy-Con 2 can be used in mouse mode to target and shoot at enemies. The Nintendo 64 Wireless Controller is also supported.

The game supports the GameChat feature of the Switch 2, both for in game multiplayer and general video chat. Players can use a filter of any of the Star Fox team members for their webcam.^[1] The game also supports Gameshare, allowing the game to be played even with Switch 1 users.

In March 2026, industry insiders and journalists—primarily podcaster NateTheHate and Video Games Chronicle—reported that a classic-style Star Fox game was in development for a mid-year release, following Fox McCloud's appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026).^[3][4][5] Star Fox was announced in a surprise Nintendo Direct on May 7, 2026, which itself was announced ten minutes before it was broadcast.^[6][7] It is a remake of the Nintendo 64 game Star Fox 64 (1997), itself a reboot of the original Star Fox (1993); 64 was previously remade as Star Fox 64 3D (2011) and reimagined as Star Fox Zero (2016), making Star Fox the fifth title to tell the series' original plot.^[8][9] Star Fox expands on the original game's level design, story, and gameplay, and introduces new character designs.^[10] It is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.^[2] Ten music tracks from the game were added to the Nintendo Music app on May 8.^[11]

The reveal of the remake received mixed reactions. Criticism was directed toward the game’s more realistic art style and the redesigned appearances of the Star Fox team. Further criticism was aimed at the game's nature as a remake after the franchise's ten year absence. In contrast, praise was given to the new features, as well as the detail and quality of the graphics.^[12][13][14]

When asked about the game on social media, Takaya Imamura (the original character designer of the Star Fox crew) noted that between Fox’s design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the new game he preferred the movie version. Nevertheless, he was supportive of the 2026 game, praising it for its clear direction.^[15]

• Official website (in Japanese)