Star Fox Remake Showcases Switch 2’s Most Impressive Visuals Yet

Nintendo’s new Star Fox remake for the Switch 2 retains the core gameplay of the original Nintendo 64 on-rails shooter while delivering a significant visual and cinematic upgrade. Launching on June 25, the game offers what may be the best-looking experience yet on the Switch 2 console.

Unlike recent Switch 2 exclusives that emphasize open worlds and large-scale environments, Star Fox focuses on tightly choreographed action and set-pieces. This linear structure allows the developers to craft highly detailed and immersive visuals that enhance the sci-fi atmosphere.

The game follows Fox McCloud, an anthropomorphic fox pilot who leads a mercenary squadron on missions against the villainous scientist Andross. While the storyline and level layouts remain largely unchanged from Star Fox 64, the remake adds fully voiced cutscenes that provide more character development and context for each mission.

These cutscenes and the upgraded visuals contribute to a more cinematic feel, with detailed scenes such as ships flying over oceans leaving water trails, massive enemies with dramatic lava waves, and intense battles amid space debris. The improved graphics and responsive controls make the nearly 30-year-old game feel modern, although some old-school gameplay elements like repetition and challenging levels remain.

The campaign can be completed in about an hour, but unlocking all content requires replaying levels to discover new paths and additional missions. Some sections, like the tank-based train mission, can be particularly difficult and time-consuming.

Additional features include a new challenge mode, expanded multiplayer with online play, and various virtual avatars, although the campaign remains the main attraction. Despite the nostalgic gameplay, the visual overhaul places Star Fox among current popular remakes, alongside franchises such as Resident Evil and Final Fantasy.

While the blend of old-school gameplay and modern graphics sometimes feels mismatched, it generally works in Star Fox’s favor. The remake also raises anticipation for Nintendo’s future remakes, including the highly anticipated Ocarina of Time update.