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The Star Fox Switch 2 preview points to a remake of Star Fox 64 that retains the familiar rail-shooter action while adding updated visuals, expanded story scenes, new challenges, and multiplayer options. An hour-long hands-on session covered the opening missions, co-op play, and several competitive modes, offering an early look at how the classic adventure has been refreshed.
Star Fox Switch 2 brings back familiar flight action
The game begins with a multi-part training mode that introduces the controls on a modern gamepad. One-button options for moves such as somersaults and U-turns are included, giving players a straightforward way to perform key maneuvers. A short scene then connects the training simulation to the start of the campaign.
The opening story sequence adds context before the first mission on Corneria. A call between Fox and General Pepper leads into the briefing, while the team’s status updates help set up the action. For returning players, the familiar structure remains recognizable; newcomers get more information about the mission and the wider conflict.
Corneria and Meteo combine classic routes with new presentation
Corneria makes a strong first impression, with detailed ships and environments complementing the fast-moving combat. The flight controls feel close to the original, and players familiar with Star Fox 64 may find the basic handling easy to pick up again.
The preview included two runs through Corneria: one on the standard route and another on the alternate path, which involves flying beneath arches and following Falco through a waterfall. The Granga encounter in All-Range Mode remained brief, as in the original. Taking the waterfall route also led to the familiar Attack Carrier encounter.
Co-op changes the way the mission is played. One player steers with a Pro Controller while a partner uses a Joy-Con in Mouse mode to aim and shoot. Because both players need to coordinate their movement and targeting, communication is important. Players who prefer a more traditional solo run can simply avoid this optional setup.
Meteo, the asteroid-field mission on the bottom route, also returns. The moving asteroids remain a visual highlight, and the preview showed redesigned versions of some of the stage’s unusual enemies. Instead of continuing to the Meteo Crusher, the session used warp gates to reach the warp zone, whose kaleidoscopic visuals give the alternate route a vivid look.
Expanded briefings and multiplayer modes
Between missions, the cutscenes provide more detail about the campaign against Andross. General Pepper discusses the branching routes and explains the available mission choices, giving players clearer context before selecting a path. A useful tip for route planning is to pay attention to these briefings: they explain what each option involves before the next stage begins.
The multiplayer suite supports online play or GameShare for up to eight players. Rather than limiting matches to simple combat, Battle Mode offers three maps with distinct objectives. On Corneria, players secure zones; on Fichina, they collect energy crystals. Sector Y uses a large All-Range Mode arena, where teams fight NPCs and one another while transporting cargo.
In the Sector Y match featured in the preview, teams of four represented Star Fox and Star Wolf. Players attacked pirates carrying cargo and delivered it to their team’s base. When a match has fewer than eight human players, bots fill the remaining team positions. The preview’s bots were capable opponents, so teams should not assume that computer-controlled players will be harmless.
Updated character designs and story details
The new character designs may take time to grow on some longtime fans. Their appearance draws on the original Super Famicom Star Fox puppets, a connection that is clearer when comparing the Japanese box art with the new key art. Seeing the characters in motion and during dialogue scenes may also give players a better sense of how the designs fit the game’s presentation.
Japanese box art for Star Fox (1993) on Super Famicom alongside key art for Star Fox (2026) on Switch 2.
The more detailed scenes and additional dialogue also give the cast and their relationships more room to develop. This approach revisits the story associated with Star Fox 64 while giving both returning players and newcomers more context about the team and its journey.
Early verdict on Star Fox Switch 2
This preview suggests that the remake is aiming to preserve the appeal of Star Fox 64 while broadening the experience with refreshed presentation, co-op, and objective-based multiplayer. The campaign, alternate routes, and competitive modes each offer a different reason to return, though the session did not include a look at the new Challenge mode.
The preview listed June 25 as the game’s Switch 2 release date. For players deciding what to try first, the original-style campaign is the clearest starting point, while co-op and Battle Mode provide alternatives for shared play. Overall, Star Fox Switch 2 appears focused on honoring the familiar flight action while giving the series more story and multiplayer features.
