It Could Be a New Era for Star Fox

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It’s been nearly ten years since a new Star Fox game – Star Fox Zero came out on the Wii U in April 2016. But honestly, it feels like almost thirty years since we’ve gotten a Star Fox game that truly lived up to the original Star Fox 64 and its lasting impact. While Star Fox Zero wasn’t a huge success, selling fewer than half a million copies worldwide and becoming the worst-selling game in the series in Japan, its failure is significant. Now, any new Star Fox game would be seen as a chance to regain the franchise’s former glory.

It’s still uncertain what the future holds, but Nintendo appears to be heavily investing in the Star Fox franchise, potentially signaling a revival. With Fox McCloud confirmed for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and reports of a new Star Fox game, this could be more than just a brief return for the series. If the game rumors are accurate, Nintendo might be building significant momentum for a long-term future for the character and the Star Fox universe.

Nintendo’s Big Bet on Star Fox Could Just Be the Beginning

Given all the excitement, it’s good to focus on what’s confirmed. Right now, the only solid evidence that Star Fox is returning after being absent for ten years is his appearance in the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie (with Glen Powell providing the voice). This doesn’t guarantee a full-blown comeback, but his inclusion and the resulting buzz suggest Nintendo might have more up its sleeve. It’s also significant that this will be Fox McCloud’s first major role in a movie.

Despite being unconfirmed, rumors about a new Star Fox game are gaining traction, especially following the announcement that Fox McCloud will appear in Super Mario Galaxy Movie. According to reliable insider NateTheHate, a new Star Fox game is coming soon, and it will be a return to the series’ classic gameplay style. He says it will also feature impressive graphics and online multiplayer. While still a leak, NateTheHate has a strong track record with Nintendo news, making this rumor particularly noteworthy.

If the recent leak is accurate and a new Star Fox game is actually in development alongside the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it suggests Nintendo is serious about bringing the franchise back. This could be a deliberate effort to revive Star Fox and make it popular again, something it hasn’t seen consistently since the original Star Fox 64.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Perfect Excuse for a Potential Star Fox Revival

While the Nintendo Switch 2 didn’t have a huge launch lineup, it’s become a compelling console since its June 2025 release. Several great games have come out for it, including Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Kirby Air Riders, and especially Pokemon Pokopia. The Switch 2 also proves it’s powerful by smoothly running demanding games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Cyberpunk 2077, and Star Wars Outlaws without any performance issues.

Now is the perfect time for Nintendo to bring back Star Fox. The current hardware and the company’s overall plans are finally a good fit for what the series needs. For a long time, Star Fox has struggled to find its place, constantly switching between trying new things and looking back at older games without fully committing to either approach. Star Fox Zero attempted to recapture the feel of the original games, but its complicated controls, which split the player’s focus between screens, ultimately hindered the experience despite positive feedback on the game’s core ideas. Nintendo should have learned that Star Fox doesn’t need a complete overhaul – it just needs a fresh start.

This is where the Switch 2 could make a big difference. If the rumors are true and the new console focuses on a traditional gaming experience, Nintendo could finally deliver the fast-paced, visually stunning space battles that Star Fox is known for, without relying on unnecessary features. Even more importantly, features like online multiplayer could help Star Fox build a lasting fanbase, something it hasn’t quite achieved yet. The series has always been fun to replay and compete in, and with modern online modes, that could become even more engaging and sustainable.

Star Fox doesn’t need to be reinvented so much as it just needs to be reintroduced.

Fox McCloud’s cameo in The Super Mario Bros. Movie will likely introduce him to a lot more people, and could create excitement for a new Star Fox game. A new game shouldn’t just focus on longtime fans, so getting a new audience familiar with Fox through the movie would be a smart way to bring the franchise back after being dormant for nearly ten years.

If the rumored new Star Fox game does well, it could mean a long-term revival for the series. Of course, all of this hinges on the leak being accurate, but if it is, Nintendo seems to be looking beyond just a nostalgic trip. It feels like they’re testing to see if there’s still an audience for Star Fox, and if so, this game could mark a turning point and the start of a new chapter for the franchise. This could genuinely be the beginning of a new era for Star Fox.

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2026-03-30 23:34