Star Fox Direct Showcases a Stunning Remake, but Highlights a Genuine Fox-Shaped Hole

Nintendo will always do Nintendo things, and after a dedicated Star Fox Direct highlighting Fox McCloud's long awaited debut for Nintendo Switch (not related to Super Smash Bros., natch) we got all the juicy info we could hope for regarding the remake/remaster of the N64 classic, Star Fox 64 (aka Lylat Wars in Australia). But, the Direct also indirectly pointed out the obvious lack of an all-new Star Fox adventure, built from the ground up for this generation of new hardware.

That "Nintendo will always do Nintendo things" line, however, might leave people speculating on the potential for such a foray, with this new(ish) Star Fox being utilised as an IP refresher or introductory point before a big original title reveal. After all, the only other Star Fox-starring titles we've had in the 29 years since Star Fox 64 is Star Fox Adventures, which was a pivoted development jaunt with Rare anyway (it was originally "Dinosaur Planet" -- Rare's attempted 'Zelda-like' way back when and we still kind of want it in its original pitch and form), and a couple of games from Platinum and Bandai Namco that are best forgotten. Next year will obviously mark 30 years since Star Fox 64, and 34 years since Fox entered Nintendo's famed livery of IP and franchises. Not counting all SSB entries and the other forgettable titles, it's criminal to think we haven't had something fresh and new from within Nintendo's own development walls in all that time.

Genuinely criminal.

Still, this new release is looking sharp and like it might scratch any fox flea itch we all have, and is set to feature a few new elements, but before we break it down, have a look at the game's post-Direct prologue trailer, followed by the Direct itself:

In terms of what players can expect with this upcoming June release, and if you can't be bothered watching the above, here's a very quick breakdown:

• This is a shiny re-release of the original Star Fox 64, or Lylat Wars, exclusivey for Nintendo Switch 2.
• Switch 2 additional features include Joy-Con 2 mouse control as well as GameShare and GameChat (replete with Star Faox character avatars that mimic your own mouth and head movements, if youre using a compatible webcam.
• The original solo campaign as well as Challenge Mode which lets you retry levels with new challenges for all-important bragging rights. Battle Mode is a 4v4 dogfight mode where one team takes on another to clear out as many bogies as possible.

Releasing on June 25, Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 will give new players a taste of what Fox McCloud is all about, and returning players a blast from the past. Here's hoping this isn't all there is though, and that Ninty has something bigger and original cooking for down the sci fi track. Check out a handful of fresh screens in our carousel below as well!