Star Fox (2026): Barrel Rolling Back into the Spotlight on Switch 2

I still remember the first time I booted up Star Fox 64 on my N64 as a kid. The polygonal ships slicing through asteroid fields, Peppy’s gravelly voice yelling “Do a barrel roll!”—it was pure magic in an era when 3D was still fresh and exciting. Fast forward nearly three decades, and here we are in 2026 with Star Fox, a full-fledged remake that dropped yesterday on the Nintendo Switch 2. After a decade-plus drought since the last proper entry (yeah, Star Fox Zero doesn’t quite count for everyone), Nintendo and Velan Studios have dusted off the Lylat System and given it a serious glow-up. Is it the definitive version fans have been craving, or just another nostalgic cash-in? I’ve sunk a solid chunk of time into it over the last 24 hours, and I’m ready to break it all down.

A Brief History Lesson (Because Context Matters)

For the uninitiated, Star Fox as a series kicked off on the SNES in 1993 with groundbreaking Mode 7 graphics and polygonal ships that felt revolutionary. But it was Star Fox 64 (or Lylat Wars in some regions) in 1997 that cemented its legacy. On-rails shooting mixed with all-range battles, branching paths based on performance, memorable characters like the cocky Falco Lombardi and the hapless Slippy Toad, and that infectious sense of high-speed aerial dogfighting. It wasn’t just a game; it was an event. Subsequent entries like Star Fox Adventures on GameCube tried to evolve it into more of an action-adventure, while Star Fox Command on DS went turn-based strategy. Then… silence. Star Fox Zero on Wii U in 2016 was ambitious with its dual-screen controls but polarizing. The franchise needed a win.

Enter Star Fox (2026). Announced in a surprise Direct just weeks ago, it’s explicitly a remake of Star Fox 64, rebuilt from the ground up for Switch 2. No massive reinvention here—Velan Studios (known for solid work on titles like Knights and Bikes and co-developing other Nintendo projects) stayed faithful to the core while layering on modern polish. It’s exclusive to the new hardware, runs buttery smooth at 60fps, and leans hard into cinematic presentation. Price tag sits around $49.99 digital, with physical options available. For a remake, that’s fair, especially with the added bells and whistles.

Gameplay: Classic Thrills, Refined Controls

At its heart, this is still the Star Fox you remember. You pilot the Arwing (and occasionally the Landmaster tank or Blue Marine sub) through a series of missions across the Lylat System. The campaign follows the same structure: liberate planets like Corneria, Fortuna, and Katina, with branching paths that unlock based on how well you perform. Ace the early levels, and you get to tackle tougher routes leading to the final showdown on Venom against Andross, the mad ape scientist.

The on-rails segments feel as exhilarating as ever. Your ship auto-scrolls forward while you dodge obstacles, blast enemies, and hit checkpoints. The all-range battles, like the dogfight against Star Wolf or the massive space station assaults, give you full freedom to maneuver, which is where the skill ceiling really shines. Barrel rolls, somersaults, and charged shots are all intact, and they feel crisp. The Switch 2’s Joy-Con or Pro Controller setup responds instantly—no input lag that I noticed even in handheld mode.

New additions? Mouse controls are supported (pair it with a compatible setup for gyro aiming if you want), which works surprisingly well for precision, though traditional stick controls remain king for most. There’s also better integration with Nintendo Switch Online’s N64 controller if you’re feeling retro. The difficulty scales nicely with Expert mode and score-chasing challenges that unlock medals and alternate paths. Replayability is high—I’ve already run through multiple routes trying to hit every secret and rack up points for the high score boards.

Multiplayer is a pleasant surprise. Local and online co-op or versus modes support up to 8 players in some skirmishes. Battling friends as rival teams or cooperating through campaign missions adds a social layer that the original lacked. It’s not endlessly deep—content is a bit light for long-term play—but the chaotic fun of Arwing dogfights with buddies is infectious. Voice chat with character avatars (you can slap Fox’s face on your profile with facial tracking) is a silly but charming touch.

That said, not everything is perfect. Some challenges feel awkwardly gated, and a few all-range missions can feel a tad simplistic compared to the intensity of the rails. The campaign length is short for a full-priced title—main story in 3-5 hours, everything in maybe 8-12 with exploration—but the arcade-style loop encourages repeated plays. It’s designed for mastery, not marathon sessions.

Graphics and Presentation: A Visual Feast

This is where the remake truly earns its keep. The Switch 2 hardware shines here. Environments pop with detail—lush planetary surfaces, intricate enemy capital ships with destructible parts, dynamic lighting, and particle effects that make laser battles feel weighty. Character models have been redesigned with more realistic proportions while keeping the anthropomorphic charm. Fox looks heroic and determined, Falco’s smirk is perfectly cocky, Peppy’s wisdom lines hit different with full voice acting, and Slippy… well, he’s still Slippy, but less grating somehow.

Cutscenes are a massive upgrade. New animated sequences expand on the story, giving the team more personality and banter. The voice cast delivers—lines feel natural, with improved delivery over the original’s compressed audio. The soundtrack has been re-orchestrated with live instruments in places, blending nostalgic themes with fresh arrangements that swell during epic moments. Flying through the asteroid belt with that music pumping? Chef’s kiss.

There were some pre-release grumblings about character designs looking “off” to certain fans, but in motion, they work. The art direction strikes a nice balance between fidelity to the N64 roots and modern appeal. Performance is rock-solid, with no noticeable dips even in busy dogfights. Handheld mode looks great on the Switch 2’s screen too, making it perfect for travel.

Story and Characters: More Depth Than Expected

Don’t expect The Last of Us levels of narrative, but it’s richer than the paper-thin plot of ’97. Andross’s invasion of the Lylat System gets more context through expanded dialogue and flashbacks. The Star Fox team feels like a dysfunctional family with real camaraderie. Falco’s lone-wolf attitude clashes entertainingly with the group, Peppy mentors with heart, and Slippy’s tech support role leads to some genuine laughs (and fewer “Slippy’s down!” frustrations thanks to better mission design).

New interactions in cutscenes add flavor without bloating the runtime. It’s still a straightforward save-the-galaxy tale, but the presentation sells it. Boss fights, like the rematch with Star Wolf, have more personality and taunts. Andross remains a formidable, creepy final threat. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry; for vets, it’s like revisiting an old favorite with director’s commentary.

Pros and Cons: The Balanced Take

Pros:

• Stunning visuals and audio that make it the best-looking Star Fox yet.
• Tight, responsive controls that honor the original while feeling modern.
• High replay value through branching paths, medals, and multiplayer.
• Expanded story and character moments that respect the lore.
• Smooth 60fps performance across modes.
• Fun, if limited, online features.

Cons:

• Short campaign for the price if you’re not into score-chasing.
• Lacks major new content or planets—it’s very faithful, perhaps too safe.
• Multiplayer could use more modes for longevity.
• Some character redesigns might polarize purists.
• Challenges occasionally feel tacked-on rather than seamless.

Who Is This For?

If you’re a longtime fan who grew up dodging meteors in the Sector Z, this is a must-buy. It’s the definitive way to experience Star Fox 64 in 2026, and it left me optimistic about the series’ future. Newcomers to the franchise? Absolutely—it’s approachable, flashy, and fun without requiring prior knowledge. Casual players might finish it quickly and move on, but the pick-up-and-play nature suits the Switch 2 perfectly.

Compared to other recent remakes (Resident Evil series, Final Fantasy VII), this one stays closer to its source material. That’s both its strength and slight weakness. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it until it gleams. In a year where Switch 2’s lineup is still building, Star Fox delivers reliable first-party quality.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?

Star Fox (2026) isn’t trying to be revolutionary. It’s a love letter to what made the series special, executed with care and technical prowess. Metacritic sits around the low 80s for good reason—praise for the execution, mild gripes on ambition. For me, it’s an 8.5/10. The nostalgia hits hard, the gameplay loop is addictive, and those barrel rolls still feel as satisfying as ever. Does it revive the franchise for good? Time will tell, but this is a hell of a foundation. Fox McCloud is back, team. Let’s rock and roll.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m diving back in to chase that perfect Corneria run. Do a barrel roll—twice if you have to.