What to Play This Weekend: June 26, 2026
Star Fox has returned! And by that, I mean the legendary 1997 Nintendo 64 classic has been resurrected. While we are still left waiting for a truly original entry in the franchise, this recent remake—fittingly titled Star Fox—is surprisingly impressive. It turns out that a meticulous, respectful reconstruction of a foundational classic is a recipe for success.
While the return of Fox McCloud is the headline event, the gaming landscape is bustling with activity. Here is the latest industry news you should catch up on before settling into your weekend gaming plans:
- Grand Theft Auto VI: Pricing, pre-orders, and physical edition details have finally been unveiled.
- Bungie Restructuring: Significant layoffs have hit the Destiny 2 development team.
- Hardware Hikes: Microsoft has confirmed another round of price increases for the Xbox Series X and S consoles starting this August.
- Fortnite Crossover: Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is making her official debut in Fortnite today.
- Capcom Showcase: The company provided fresh updates on anticipated titles, including Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.
Star Fox (2026)
I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical. I spent plenty of time insisting, “We don’t need another Star Fox 64 remake; I have the original right here!”—even if I couldn’t actually find the charger for my old hardware. However, after diving into Velan Studios’ new Switch 2 revival, I was immediately reminded why this series holds such a special place in my heart. The craftsmanship here is undeniable.
Whether this serves as a gateway for a new generation of pilots or just a nostalgic victory lap for veterans, it hits all the right notes. The orchestral score is breathtaking, and seeing these classic worlds reimagined with modern 2026-era fidelity is a genuine treat. Most importantly, the flight mechanics feel precise and satisfying. If you’re on the fence, there is a free demo available to test your wings.
The Drifter
After finding massive success on Steam last summer, the critically acclaimed The Drifter has officially landed on Switch and Switch 2. This point-and-click mystery follows Mick Carter, who finds himself trapped in a temporal loop, forced to relive the moments leading up to his own death at the hands of mysterious sci-fi operatives. The pixel-art aesthetic is stunning, and the innovative control scheme—designed specifically for modern gamepads rather than traditional mouse-clicking—makes it a joy to navigate.
Rhythm Heaven Groove (Demo)
As a lifelong devotee of the Rhythm Heaven series, I’ve spent years mimicking button patterns on imaginary controllers, hoping for a proper installment. If you’ve never experienced the bizarre, musical genius of this franchise, now is your chance. A free demo is available on Switch featuring a collection of minigames that perfectly capture the series’ unique, infectious charm. It’s best experienced firsthand—trailer footage simply doesn’t do the “groove” justice.
Dark Scrolls
From the developers behind Gato Robato and Gunbrella comes an unexpectedly addictive auto-scrolling action title. You choose from a roster of heroes—wizard, barbarian, or rogue—and fight through dense enemy swarms. While the auto-scrolling structure initially gave me pause, its “just one more run” loop quickly won me over. It’s the perfect game to pick up for a quick, intense burst of gameplay between larger sessions.
Tabletop Pick: Jungo
If you need something tactile for your weekend, Jungo by Happy Camper Games is an excellent choice. It’s a clever hand-building card game where the core challenge is that you cannot rearrange your hand once cards are dealt. It sounds simple, but managing your sequence while trying to discard your hand creates a fantastic, accessible strategic layer that keeps every session engaging.
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round
The Dead or Alive series has always boasted top-tier combat mechanics, and Last Round serves as the definitive version of the sixth mainline entry. While the narrative elements remain divisive, the fighting engine is as fluid as ever. With 29 characters—including five DLC fighters—and an optimized performance boost for current hardware, it’s a great time to jump back into the ring, especially if you haven’t checked in with the roster in a while.
