A Star Fox Remake was just announced by Nintendo after a surprise Star Fox Direct on May 6, transforming the Nintendo 64 classic for the modern lens.
Star Fox Remake Adds New Modes, Cutscenes, and Online Features
A Remake of a Remake
Star Fox is getting another modern reimagining with a 2026 remake of Star Fox coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this June 25, 2026. The news was revealed during a surprise Nintendo Direct for Star Fox on May 6.
The upcoming remake is based on Nintendo’s 1997 rail-shooter reboot, Star Fox 64, which itself was a reimagining of the original 1993 classic.
Nintendo’s Senior Executive Officer Yoshiaki Koizumi shared the big news during the showcase, confirming that all of the characters and visuals have been "completely updated." The reveal trailer showcased the revamped visuals and new fully voiced dialogue, while also reintroducing characters like Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, and Falco Lombardi with their updated designs aboard the iconic ship, the Arwing.
The showcase also confirmed that despite the game being rebuilt from the ground up, the levels will remain the same, including the banter between characters. Other than that, much of the rail-shooter gameplay remains unchanged, as players can still perform the game’s signature barrel rolls and somersaults as they explore through the game’s variety of planets to explore.
Star Fox Remake’s New Modes and Online Features
The Star Fox remake is not a direct 1:1 recreation of the original. Nintendo has confirmed that the 2026 release will include never-before-seen cutscenes for its characters in-between the campaign’s stages, adding new layers to the cast that were not present in the 1997 version.
Extended gameplay sections, including a new Challenge Mode, introduce mission replays and additional objectives to increase replay value. According to Nintendo, the mode will also feature new missions that are not accessible in the main campaign.
The remake will also include a revamped difficulty selection option for players who want either a more relaxed experience or a tougher challenge. Easier difficulties, for example, offer greater shield survivability, while Normal mode provides a more balanced level of protection.
Other new features in the remake include Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls for easier navigation, as well as an entirely new Battle Mode, which is a 4-player online mode that lets players compete for aerial supremacy in dynamic dogfights, pitting one four-player team against another, reigniting the rivalry between Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi through their respective squads.
Players can also team up with up to four others online using Nintendo Switch 2’s GameShare feature, alongside new ways to express themselves by using Star Fox avatars for GameChat, allowing players to transform themselves into their favorite Star Fox characters in a way similar to Apple’s Memoji system.
Alongside Star Fox (2026)’s announcement, Japanese plush toy manufacturer San-ei just dropped its fresh lineup of plushies based on the upcoming remake. This includes the game’s four major characters all transformed into adorable, fluffy versions of themselves. The Star Fox (2026) plushies will be available sometime in June according to a recent San-ei advertisement. Further details have yet to be announced.
Star Fox (2026) will cost $49.99 for its digital release and $59.99 for a physical copy, according to Nintendo’s website. This marks the second major Star Fox news this year alongside Fox McCloud’s appearance in the latest Super Mario Galaxy movie.
Source:
Star Fox Official Nintendo eShop Page
