Star Fox on Switch 2 Hands-On: Has Nintendo Finally Perfected the Formula?

After a decade-long hiatus, Fox McCloud and the iconic Star Fox squadron are set to blaze a trail back into the spotlight later this month with a reimagined Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2. While this latest iteration is undeniably another take on the legendary Star Fox 64, it feels less like a simple retread and more like a foundation for an ambitious franchise expansion. After all, Nintendo wouldn’t integrate Fox into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie only to follow up with a high-fidelity remake unless they had significant long-term aspirations.

Throughout its history, the Star Fox series has acted as a proving ground for Nintendo’s hardware, demonstrating how 16-bit systems could handle polygon rendering or how handhelds could push the boundaries of immersive 3D. Recent entries in the series were largely experimental, attempting to integrate the Wii U Gamepad into the classic space-shooter loop. The Switch 2 version continues this tradition of technical demonstration, showcasing hardware innovations like the refined Joy-Con 2 mouse-style aiming and the console’s advanced camera capabilities.

Visually, the game is a marvel. The Star Fox team has been brought to life with high-definition assets and cinematic cutscenes that imbue the cast with unprecedented narrative depth and personality. During a recent hands-on session, I was particularly struck by the character-driven vignettes between missions; the friction between a confident Fox and his cocky wingman, Falco Lombardi, feels more genuine and compelling than ever before.

Image: Nintendo

At its core, the gameplay remains faithful to the series’ roots. My initial sortie on Corneria felt comfortingly familiar, yet polished to a mirror shine. The environments are sprawling and detailed, and the visual feedback from combat—shattering explosions and realistic ship degradation—is top-tier. The camera work, which periodically pans to showcase the Arwing’s shifting wings and tactical battle damage, adds a level of cinematic flair that makes the experience feel undeniably modern and premium.

Subsequent missions, such as the trek through the treacherous Meteo asteroid field, benefit immensely from the Switch 2’s processing power, turning what was once a standard space tunnel into a genuinely harrowing and dense obstacle course. With the return of branching, unlockable paths—like the route to Sector Y—the game promises the kind of deep replayability that fans have craved for years.

Star Fox’s Pilot and Gunner Mode is unexpectedly intense

Image: Nintendo

One of the most notable inclusions is the Switch 2-exclusive “Pilot and Gunner” mode. While cooperative play is a Nintendo staple, this implementation is surprisingly high-stakes. One player maneuvers the Arwing while the other manages weaponry; rather than simplifying the game, it demands seamless synergy. My partner and I had to communicate constantly to ensure I provided clear sightlines for his targeting systems. It is an exhilarating, if stressful, evolution of the standard arcade formula that is bound to become a favorite for couch co-op enthusiasts.

Battle Mode brings 8-player dogfights to Star Fox

Image: Nintendo

For those seeking a competitive edge, the 4v4 Battle Mode offers high-octane aerial warfare. Split between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf, the objective-based matches—such as extracting cargo from Sector Y while fending off both the enemy team and AI pirates—are absolute chaos in the best possible way. The integration of GameChat is another clever touch; utilizing the Switch 2 camera, players can overlay themed accessories or full-body VTuber avatars onto their video feed. Transforming into Slippy Toad to taunt my opponents was a ridiculous, yet undeniably fun, highlight of the session.

While this release isn’t a radical departure for the franchise, it stands as the most polished and vibrant version of the formula to date. It functions as both a gorgeous technical showpiece for the Nintendo Switch 2 and a hopeful promise of bigger things to come. Star Fox takes flight on Switch 2 on June 25.

Source: Polygon