Star Fox (2026) Nintendo Switch 2 Review

The definitive way to experience a Nintendo classic

Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like the kind of return fans have been waiting years for. This is the ultimate way to experience one of Nintendo’s most important classics from the 1990s, now revitalized with superb visuals, cinematic cutscenes, strong voice acting, and a presentation that gives Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team the modern spotlight they deserve.

While the core gameplay has not received the same level of modernization as the visuals and storytelling, this remake still works as both a celebration of the original and a fresh launchpad for the future of the franchise. It is a successful reboot that introduces a new crowd to Star Fox while reminding longtime fans why this series mattered in the first place.

A classic adventure with a modern presentation

The biggest upgrade here is the presentation. Star Fox has never looked this good. The improved visuals make every mission feel more cinematic, with sharper environments, better effects, smoother performance, and cutscenes that elevate the story beyond anything previous versions were able to deliver.

The fully voice-acted and animated cutscenes between missions are a major part of why this version feels like the definitive edition. They give the campaign more personality, more energy, and more emotional weight. The story is still simple and adventurous, but the way it is presented makes the world feel much bigger.

This is where the remake shines brightest. It does not just clean up an older game. It gives Star Fox a stronger identity for a modern audience.

Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy get more personality

The core cast benefits greatly from the new cutscenes. Fox's and Falco’s rivalry is more clearly defined, and their back-and-forth gives the team more chemistry than before. Peppy also feels more fatherly this time, bringing a mentor-like presence that helps ground the squad.

Fox himself is more confident and cocky than I remembered, and at first, that took some getting used to. But after multiple runs through the campaign, which only takes around an hour each time, that updated characterization started to make sense. This version of Fox fits the adventurous tone of the story. He feels younger, bolder, and ready to prove himself.

The one disappointment is that the supporting characters do not get the same treatment. Bill and Katt still appear from time to time, but they are not expanded in the same way as the main cast. Outside of unlockable character blurbs in the menu, there is not much extra depth given to them. It would have been great to see more of Katt and Falco’s relationship or have Bill, Fox, and Slippy reflect on their time at Corneria’s military academy.

The gameplay still works, but shows its age

The core gameplay remains fun, fast, and easy to understand. This is still Star Fox, and that classic rail-shooter structure still has charm. Flying through missions, locking onto enemies, dodging attacks, and chasing higher scores remains satisfying.

However, the gameplay is also where the remake feels the most dated. It is still fun, but it is starting to show its age after 30 years. The campaign length may also not appeal to players who are only looking to see the credits roll once and move on. Star Fox has always been built around replayability, alternate paths, and improving your runs, but newer players may expect more from the main campaign.

The biggest missing piece is modern control options. More sensitivity settings, deeper customization, and additional quality-of-life features would have helped make the experience feel more current. The game runs well and plays smoothly, but it could have used more modern options to match the excellent visual upgrade.

Battle Mode gives Star Fox something fresh

Battle Mode is one of the best additions to this remake. With multiplayer-exclusive power-ups, smart bots, and options to customize matches, it adds a much-needed layer of new content.

Against real players, Battle Mode captures the feeling of intense dogfighting in a way that has been missing from games for a long time. There is a great sense of speed, chaos, and competition as players chase each other through arenas, use power-ups, and try to outmaneuver one another.

It may take some practice, and it will definitely be more fun with a full group of friends, but this mode shows real potential. More importantly, it proves that Star Fox still has room to grow beyond the traditional campaign structure.

Strengths

Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 succeeds because it makes a beloved Nintendo classic feel exciting again. The visuals are excellent, the presentation is strong, the music is fantastic, and the cutscenes add a level of storytelling that makes this feel like the definitive version. The voice actors do a great job bringing more personality to Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy, while the game runs well and feels polished throughout. Battle Mode is also a major highlight, offering fun online dogfighting with power-ups, bots, and enough match options to keep players coming back. For newcomers, this is a great way to discover Star Fox, and for longtime fans, it is a reminder of why this franchise deserves another major moment.

Weaknesses

The biggest weakness is that the gameplay has not been modernized as much as the presentation. While the classic Star Fox formula still works, it does show its age in places, especially when compared to modern action and arcade shooters. The campaign is also short if you are only playing to see the credits, though repeated runs remain part of the series’ traditional design. The lack of modern control options, especially sensitivity settings and deeper customization, is disappointing.

Final Verdict

Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 is a successful revival of a classic Nintendo franchise. It respects the original while giving it the visual upgrade, cinematic presentation, and online Battle Mode needed to feel relevant again.

The gameplay may be showing its age, and the lack of modern control options holds it back slightly, but the overall package is still strong. The cutscenes make the story more engaging, the graphics are great, the music is fantastic, and Battle Mode gives the remake something new and exciting.

Most importantly, this feels like a strong new beginning for Star Fox. Hopefully, this is only the start, because Fox McCloud and the rest of the Star Fox squad deserve to blast off again very soon.