Star Fox Returns on Switch 2 With a Possible Next-Level Games Reboot

Star Fox is officially making a return on Nintendo Switch 2, and the new project already feels much larger than anything the franchise has seen in years. The game is expected to launch in June, and one of the biggest talking points right now is the level of detail shown in the visuals. Compared to older Star Fox titles, the new game looks like a significant improvement both technically and stylistically. 

A lot of attention has shifted toward the question of who is actually developing the game. Some early theories pointed to Retro Studios because of the company’s history with Nintendo franchises and its technical expertise. Others believed Nintendo could be handling development internally or working with multiple support teams. 

The speculation mainly comes from Nintendo World Report’s John Rairdin, who has covered Star Fox extensively over the years.

According to him, he has believed for months that Next Level Games is developing what many fans are calling Star Fox 2026. His reasoning starts with the studio’s release schedule, since Next Level Games typically launches a major title every 3 years. Since the company’s last major game was released in 2022, many people think the timing matches perfectly for a new Nintendo Switch 2 project.

Outside of assisting on Metroid Prime 4 in a smaller role, Next Level Games has stayed relatively quiet recently. That silence has only increased speculation that the studio is focusing on something larger behind the scenes. Many fans believe the timing lines up too perfectly for it to be a coincidence. Nintendo officially acquired the Vancouver-based company in 2021 after years of collaboration on games like Luigi’s Mansion 3, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, and Mario Strikers Battle League.

Since becoming a first-party Nintendo studio, the team has likely received more resources and larger responsibilities. The idea of Next Level Games handling Star Fox makes sense for several reasons. The studio has built a reputation for polished visuals, strong character animation, and cinematic presentation. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is still considered one of the best-looking games on the original Nintendo Switch because of its lighting, environmental detail, and animation work.

Even though Mario Strikers Battle League received mixed reactions overall, players still praised the game’s visuals and expressive character models. That attention to detail is part of why fans believe Next Level Games could be a strong fit for Star Fox. The upcoming game heavily focuses on cinematic storytelling, realistic textures, and more advanced presentation.

Another detail that has added fuel to the rumors involves references reportedly found in the game’s files. 

Discussions highlighted by outlets such as GameXplain and Nintendo Wire cite the Nintendo Power Player’s Guide for Star Fox 64. Since Nintendo Power was a North American publication, some fans believe this hints at a North American developer working on the project. The studio also has previous experience in modernizing older Nintendo franchises. Punch-Out!! The Nintendo Wii successfully breathed new life into a classic Nintendo series while preserving the core identity of the original games.

Next Level Games decided not just to remake the NES title but also to expand the gameplay. If what’s been shown so far is anything to go by, the result isn’t a simple remaster. The project feels more like a full reimagining built on the foundation of Star Fox 64 while adding new storytelling elements and updated gameplay systems. Nintendo seems interested in using this release as a fresh starting point for the franchise rather than simply revisiting the past for nostalgia.

Some fans have also wondered what this means for Luigi’s Mansion 4 if Next Level Games is currently developing Star Fox. However, many believe Nintendo has expanded the studio enough to allow multiple teams to work on separate projects simultaneously. One group might have focused on Star Fox while another group continued work on Luigi’s Mansion 4.

The timing would also fit Nintendo’s strategy for the Nintendo Switch 2. Star Fox could help fill the early years of the console’s release schedule while Luigi’s Mansion 4 arrives later in the system's life cycle. Nintendo followed a similar approach with Luigi’s Mansion 3 on the original Switch, releasing it a couple of years after the console launched. 

The most significant difference with the new Star Fox project appears to be its tone.

Nintendo seems to be moving away from the anime-inspired style used in games like Star Fox Command and Star Fox Zero. Instead, it seems the company is focusing on returning to the more cinematic, grounded atmosphere of the original Star Fox and Star Fox 64. The more realistic visuals and serious tone suggest that Nintendo wants the franchise to feel more immersive.

So far, there’s been more in-depth character interaction on the Great Fox than older games have rarely gone into depth with. It seems players will spend more time with the team between battles, instead of just seeing Fox, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy during missions. Those quieter moments help develop the characters' personalities and relationships.

It looks like Nintendo is also focusing on making the storytelling feel more emotional and cinematic. In the game, the Lylat system is a dangerous place where the missions you undertake have tangible consequences for the characters involved. That approach gives the story more weight while helping players connect with the Star Fox team.

For longtime fans, this direction feels closer to the series' original vision. The first Star Fox on the Super Nintendo pushed hardware technology forward with the Super FX chip while trying to create a cinematic sci-fi atmosphere. Star Fox 64 expanded that formula with voice acting and more immersive gameplay.

Reports surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 suggest the hardware is significantly more powerful than the original Switch and capable of producing visuals that rival those of systems like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series S in certain situations, for a hybrid handheld console that represents a major leap in capability. 

Many fans also believe Nintendo is planning more than a single release for the franchise.

The project feels positioned as the start of a larger reboot instead of a standalone remake. Rather than continuing older storylines from games like Star Fox Assault or Star Fox Command, Nintendo may completely reset the timeline moving forward. That would give the company freedom to build a new version of Star Fox for modern audiences.

There is already speculation that another fully original Star Fox game could follow within a few years if this release performs well. Nintendo appears interested in rebuilding the franchise after years of inconsistent direction and disappointing sales. The stronger focus on storytelling, character development, and cinematic presentation could help Star Fox stand alongside Nintendo’s larger modern franchises once again.

Sales expectations are also becoming a major part of the conversation. Star Fox 64 remains the best-selling game in the franchise with over four million copies sold, while the original Super Nintendo game reached around three million units. Nintendo likely hopes the new release can approach those numbers, especially with a lower reported price point of $50 for both physical and digital versions.

The game itself also appears to include far more content than previous Star Fox titles. Online multiplayer is reported, as well as replay-based content and additional content beyond the main campaign. Combined with upgraded visuals and a fresh presentation style, the project feels much more ambitious than many fans originally expected.

Currently, the overall reaction surrounding the game feels more positive than anything Star Fox has experienced in years. Better hardware, better presentation, and rumors surrounding Next Level Games—there's real excitement about the franchise again. It finally feels like Nintendo is giving the series another genuine opportunity. 

Even without official confirmation from Nintendo regarding the developer, many fans already see this project as the strongest opportunity Star Fox has had in a long time to return as a major Nintendo series. With Nintendo seemingly investing more in the presentation, storytelling, and overall direction of the series, the game could be the fresh start Star Fox needs.