Nintendo just revealed a new Star Fox game for the Switch 2, set to launch on June 25th — that’s less than a month away! Titled simply Star Fox, this remake is based on the classic N64 title Star Fox 64 and marks the franchise’s first new entry in over twenty years.
What Nintendo Actually Announced
The announcement caught everyone off guard, with no leaks or marketing hype leading up to it. According to The Verge, Fox McCloud’s brief cameo in the recent Super Mario Galaxy Movie was actually a clever teaser for this reveal, not just a nostalgic nod.
Nintendo describes this game as “based on” the original Star Fox 64. This means it’s not a simple port or remaster. Imagine it more like rebuilding the engine of a classic car while keeping its original look. The studio aims for a cinematic reimagining, and early footage suggests the visuals are a big leap forward from anything the series has offered before.
As reported by Engadget, the remake will take a more cinematic approach to storytelling. This could mean longer cutscenes and a deeper narrative compared to the original’s arcade-style pacing.
Why Star Fox 64 Matters
If you didn’t grow up in the late 90s, here’s the scoop: Star Fox 64, released in 1997, was a standout title for Nintendo’s console. Players pilot an Arwing spacecraft through on-rails space combat missions, which means the ship moves automatically while you control aiming and maneuvers. It was also among the first games to use the Rumble Pak accessory, giving controllers a vibrate feature that’s now standard.
The franchise has been quiet since Star Fox Zero launched on the Wii U in 2016 to mixed reviews. Fans have eagerly awaited a new installment ever since. This announcement marks the first major Star Fox release in nine years.
What the Remake Looks Like
Early footage shared by CNET showcases impressive visuals that give the original game a modern look while keeping the core gameplay intact. The beloved characters — Fox McCloud, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, and Slippy Toad — are back, and it looks like they’ll retain the classic “Do a barrel roll!” gameplay that fans remember.
| Launch Date | June 25, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Original Game | Star Fox 64 (1997) |
| Years Since Last Star Fox Game | 9 years (Star Fox Zero, 2016) |
| Years Since Last Major Star Fox Release | 20+ years (franchise drought) |
| Announcement Style | Surprise drop, no pre-announced marketing |
What This Means
If you just got a Switch 2 or are considering one, this announcement is significant. A beloved franchise returning after years signals that Nintendo is serious about its Switch 2 library, rather than just relying on ports from the original Switch.
Also, the surprise announcement style echoes how Nintendo revealed the release date for Tears of the Kingdom. When they skip the slow marketing buildup, it usually indicates the game is nearly finished and they’re confident in it. With a June 25 launch date, the studio has little time to change course.
This game should appeal to casual players, too. Star Fox’s on-rails structure means you won’t have to deal with complex open-world mechanics. You’ll be flying through missions, shooting enemies, and reacting to the action. It’s the sort of game that can hook you in just 20 minutes and keep you engaged for hours.
What Players Are Saying
“I genuinely screamed. I’ve been waiting for this since Zero disappointed everyone. If they do Star Fox 64 justice, this could be my game of the year.”
“The Fox McCloud cameo in the Mario movie was so random, and now it all makes sense. Nintendo was playing 4D chess the whole time.”
What To Watch
- June 25, 2025: Star Fox launches on Switch 2. Day-one reviews will reveal how faithful the remake is to the original and if the cinematic overhaul works.
- Pre-launch: Keep an eye out for Nintendo to announce pricing details and whether the game includes any additional missions or multiplayer modes from the original Star Fox 64.
- Nintendo Direct possibilities: With a major franchise making a comeback, Nintendo might hold a dedicated showcase before the launch to reveal more gameplay and story details.
- Long term: If this remake does well, it could pave the way for entirely new Star Fox projects on the Switch 2. Player reception in the first few weeks will be a key indicator.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
