Nintendo broadcast their May 2026 Direct dedicated to their sci-fi rail shooter, Star Fox. What was hoped to be a possible sequel turned out to be a Switch 2 remake of the original 1993 SNES title. Some were prepared to see Fox McCloud and his crew tackling a new adventure.
The reception for its fourth remake left gamers divided about the decision. There has been no new sequel since Rare (formerly Rareware) developed the Krystal duology and Nintendo’s Star Fox Command for the DS. However, the Switch 2 presentation provides veterans and newcomers with improved gameplay, enhanced visuals, and never-before-seen content.
Star Fox Switch 2’s Campaign Takes Inspiration from DS Sequel
In the original SNES title, Fox McCloud’s crew was restricted to three linear paths based on chosen difficulty: Easy, Medium, and Hard. Nintendo then began experimenting with the routing system over time to provide players with replayability and exploration. The campaign formula transformed into Star Fox Command.
Instead of having to complete objectives to progress, players faced the consequences of their failures and decisions. They had to strategize between pilots to attack certain enemy hordes or a specific target. For each mission and dogfight, the player’s performance would determine their branching path. Star Fox Command offered nine possible endings and delved deeper into the series’ characters.
The DS sequel’s campaign formula is being utilized for the upcoming Switch 2 remake. The May 2026 Direct highlighted a mission indicator to show the fate of the player’s actions. The degree of difficulty will challenge your skillset rather than set routes.
Joy-Con Mouse Controls for First-Person and 2-Person Gameplay
For each Star Fox title, except for the Krystal Duology, Nintendo has implemented a control scheme tailored to the console. Command took advantage of the touch screen to pilot the Arwings and execute offensive and defensive maneuvers. 64 3D added gyro motion for aiming and the 3D stereoscoping for immersion. And the Wii U reimagining, Zero, used the Gamepad for both of those purposes.
The gameplay for the Switch 2 remake preserves the series’ core mechanics. The gimmick with the Joy-Cons 2.0 is its computer mouse function. A single player, you can use Mouse Mode for aim precision in first-person mode.
Some veterans hoped for a co-op mode in Star Fox’s campaign. Their imagined concept is to have four players, in local or online play, control different crew members for each mission. Instead, they can take control of Fox with two Joy-Cons. One player will pilot the Arwing with Sideways Mode while the other aims and shoots with Mouse Mode.
James McCloud May Have a Playable Mission
At the end of the May 2026 Direct, Nintendo presented the added prologue to Fox McCloud’s father, James McCloud. For those new to the Star Fox series, James is the founder of the squadron. Not much is known about him aside from being a sacrificial hero when Dr. Andross attempted to destroy him and Peppy Hare on Venom.
The new cutscene for Switch 2 offers a new perspective on why James faced the mad scientist’s army alone. Fox’s father protected Peppy from their betrayed ally, Pigma. He tried to assassinate the rabbit with his charged laser, but failed when James intercepted. He then ordered the remaining member to retreat to Corneia and informed General Pepper of Andross’s rebellion.
According to his profile shown on the Direct, James’ status is presumed dead. Veterans are hoping that the prologue has a playable mission to experience his perspective when battling Andross’s rising fleet.
Star Fox is the second first-party game launched, after Splatoon Raiders, the series’ adventure spinoff. The awaited space rail shooter takes off on June 26
