Star Fox is the Switch 2’s most impressive visual showcase yet

At a glance:

• Star Fox remake launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25
• Updated graphics make it the most visually impressive Switch 2 exclusive so far
• New voiced cutscenes, challenge mode and online multiplayer expand the classic on‑rails shooter

What makes this remake stand out

Nintendo’s latest first‑party exclusive, Star Fox, arrives as a full‑scale remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 classic Star Fox 64. While the core on‑rails shooter formula remains intact, the Switch 2 version leverages the console’s upgraded GPU and higher frame‑rate capability to deliver environments that look “movie‑like”. Ships streak across oceans leaving shimmering wakes, gigantic foes dominate the screen, and lava‑filled arenas cascade in vivid detail. The visual fidelity is such that, stripped of its cartoonish dialogue, the game could be mistaken for a space‑opera title like Star Wars or No Man’s Sky.

Narrative and presentation upgrades

Beyond graphics, Nintendo has added fully voiced cutscenes that flesh out the thin original storyline. Players now spend more time with Fox McCloud and his mercenary squad, even catching moments like Fox sipping an energy drink between missions. These cinematic touches aim to give a stronger narrative hook, though the underlying plot—defeating the evil scientist Andross—remains largely unchanged from the N64 version. The enhanced presentation creates a modern action‑game feel, but the repetitive, arcade‑style structure still defines the core experience.

Gameplay refinements and new modes

Control responsiveness has been modernised, moving away from the constraints of an N64 controller. In addition to the main campaign, the remake introduces:

• A new challenge mode with extra objectives per level
• Expanded multiplayer featuring online play
• A selection of wacky virtual avatars for player customization (not fully tested at launch) These additions provide extra replay value, though the bulk of the game still revolves around unlocking missions and pursuing the true ending through repeated playthroughs.

How it fits into the current remake wave

Star Fox joins a crowded field of high‑profile remakes, including recent Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest updates. The market trend shows that classic franchises can become tentpole releases when refreshed with modern graphics and quality‑of‑life improvements. Nintendo’s approach mirrors this pattern, betting that visual overhaul alone can attract both nostalgic fans and new players.

Balancing old‑school design with modern expectations

The game’s linear, repetition‑heavy design sometimes clashes with its cinematic veneer. While the visuals and voice work impress initially, many players may resort to skipping cutscenes after multiple playthroughs. The difficulty spikes—such as the tank‑piloting train mission—can feel unforgiving, especially when players are expected to replay levels to uncover hidden paths and achieve the true ending. Nonetheless, the overall balance leans positive, with the graphical upgrade outweighing the dated gameplay mechanics for most reviewers.

Looking ahead

Star Fox launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25. Its performance will likely influence how Nintendo tackles other beloved franchises, most notably the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake. If the visual overhaul proves enough to offset the legacy gameplay, Nintendo may double down on high‑budget remakes as a cornerstone of its future software strategy.