Not everyone is convinced by Fox McCloud’s updated appearance.
Nintendo is bringing back the classic game Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo Switch 2 with improved graphics and new features. Announced during a Nintendo Direct livestream, the remake will enhance the original gameplay experience for today’s gamers.
Originally released in 1997 as a rail shooter for Nintendo 64, Star Fox 64, or Lylat Wars, is remembered fondly and gave rise to the famous “do a barrel roll” meme. Players control Fox McCloud, an anthropomorphic fox, battling enemies in space.
In the latest version, the Star Fox team, including Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad, gets redesigned characters with a more animalistic look.
“The visuals have been fully updated from Star Fox 64,” said Nintendo’s Yoshiaki Koizumi during the livestream. The game retains original level designs and team banter, with familiar vehicles like the Arwing spaceship, Landmaster, and Blue-Marine returning.
Updates include mission cutscenes to expand the story, online multiplayer, and continued local co-op, enhanced with the GameShare feature for Nintendo Switch 2. Players can divide roles like pilot and gunner or use Joy-Con 2 for precise aiming. Character avatars in GameChat animate player movements in real time through a webcam.
Reaction to the announcement is mixed, with excitement for the remake tempered by criticism of the new character designs and a preference for a completely new game entry. Some also recall Nintendo’s past remakes, including Star Fox 64 3D and Star Fox Zero.
Star Fox releases on June 25 for $49.99, exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, with pre-orders now available.