Star Fox Review on Nintendo Switch 2

Star Fox returns on Nintendo Switch 2 to deliver stunning visuals, thrilling action, and excellent replayability, my full review.

Star Fox 64 remains one of my favourite Nintendo games of all time, thanks to its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and branching missions. I was excited to see Star Fox return on Nintendo Switch 2, modernizing the 1997 classic adventure with enhanced visuals, updated controls, expanded cinematics, and new modes while preserving the arcade gameplay that made the original so memorable. All these years later, hopping back into the Arwing cockpit felt great. Let’s take flight and explore what makes Star Fox a must-play on the Nintendo Switch 2. 

Star Fox Details

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Velan Studios

Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: Action

Available game modes: Single-player campaign, Two-player co-op, Challenge Mode, and online Battle Mode

ESRB rating: E10+ for Everyone 10+

Star Fox Returns in a Sci-Fi Classic Reimagined

The return of Star Fox on the Switch 2 does not reinvent the battle for the Lylat System, but it presents it with far more energy, personality and graphical punch. General Pepper calls on Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad to stop Andross’s invasion, sending the team across hostile planets, asteroid fields, and heavily defended sectors.

New fully voiced cinematics and expanded scenes aboard the Great Fox make the story feel like more than a series of mission briefings. I enjoyed seeing the crew argue, joke, and react to the escalating conflict, especially as Falco’s confidence clashes with Peppy’s experience. These moments don’t radically deepen the plot, but they make the journey feel more cinematic.

The campaign remains relatively short along a single route, but it is designed to be replayed rather than completed once, like the original. Hidden conditions can redirect the team toward different planets, missions, bosses, and endings. I found that discovering a new path often felt like uncovering an entirely different chapter of the adventure, making each trip through the Lylat System more rewarding than the last.

Star Fox Gameplay

Star Fox proves great arcade action that feels natural and fun to hop into. Most missions push the Arwing forward on rails while letting you weave, brake, boost, somersault, lock onto enemies, launch bombs, and perform signature barrel rolls. All-Range Mode opens stages for dogfights, while the Landmaster and Blue-Marine vehicles add variety to the gameplay. Cockpit view and Joy-Con 2 mouse options are available, although I preferred third-person play with a Pro Controller as my “go-to.”

The branching map remains a fun sci-fi mystery to unravel, and certain choices or meeting criteria can shift your path. For example, switching Macbeth’s railway tracks, entering Meteo’s warp route, or destroying Zoness’s radar buoys, can unlock different destinations. These objectives make each stage an action sequence and puzzle that kept me coming back for more.

New Challenge Mode Offers More Content

Challenge Mode captures Star Fox’s appeal: a short stage, demanding objective, and a fun loop that pulls me back for “just one more run.” Missions feature Normal challenges followed by tougher Expert goals. These involve meeting time limits, hit counts, teammate protection, damage restrictions, and specific targets. I loved how these objectives revealed details I had previously missed. They also fit the arcade-style structure I enjoy from the series perfectly. I could jump into a challenge, fail spectacularly, and immediately retry. There are also great rewards for these risks; completing challenges unlocks Holoviewer entries and cosmetic rewards, which is a nice touch.

New Multiplayer, Holoviewer, and Cosmetics

Battle Mode introduces online four-on-four matches between Star Fox and Star Wolf. Corneria uses zone control, Sector Y is goal-based, and Fichina has teams collect meteorites. I liked the variety in modes and that success depends on boost management, positioning, power-ups, and teamwork. Dogfighting is quick and satisfying, but unfortunately the three maps on offer are a little sparse. The current small number of maps could hurt strong long-term appeal; hopefully, post-launch support is coming to rectify this.

Two-player campaign co-op can be fun, but splitting piloting and shooting between players can create issues. The Holoviewer provides an in-game encyclopedia covering characters, planets, enemies, and series history. As a long-time fan of the series, it was fun to explore. Battle banners, avatars, emblems,

and GameChat accessories add cosmetic incentives that also kept me coming back.

Star Fox Graphics and Performance Shines

Star Fox is a strong Nintendo Switch 2 visual showcase. The gameplay targets 60fps, and it remained smooth throughout my time with the game with no big noticeable dips. On a 4K display, HDR made lasers, explosions, and space backgrounds shine. 

Character fur, clothing, facial animation, and background reactions make the team more expressive, and I really liked the new designs. I am a fan of the extra detail, but it occasionally makes enemies or weak points harder to identify. Outside of that, the presentation is excellent. The orchestral soundtrack gives familiar themes greater scale, while sharp lasers, roaring engines, weighty explosions, and expanded voice acting strengthen every mission.

Final Thoughts on Star Fox

Star Fox is the remake I wanted, especially with it revisiting one of my all-time favourites in Star Fox 64. It preserves the arcade action I love while adding responsive controls, cinematic storytelling, challenges, co-op, multiplayer, and more. It’s not all perfect, but this remake recaptured the excitement I felt in 1997. It’s a polished, sharp return that I highly recommend to both rookie and veteran pilots.  

Star Fox Pros

+Responsive arcade gameplay and excellent branching paths

+Spectacular visuals, cinematics, music, and performance

+Challenge Mode and unlockables add replay value

Star Fox Cons

-Each campaign route remains relatively short

-Battle Mode includes only three multiplayer maps

-Extra visual detail can occasionally reduce clarity

Overall Assessment of Star Fox

Gameplay: 9/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 8.5/10

Lasting appeal / Replayability: 7.5/10

Overall Rating of Star Fox: 34/40 (85%)

Nintendo provided a copy of Star Fox to conduct this review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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