Nintendo has given fans their first real look at how the upcoming Star Fox remake stacks up against the Nintendo 64 classic. The company showed side-by-side comparisons of the original Star Fox 64 and the new version, which is simply called Star Fox, during a recent presentation. The game is set to launch on June 25, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The comparison footage, which the editorial desk at SysCall News was able to review, focuses on familiar characters, classic locations, and both old and new cutscenes. The side-by-side format makes the generational leap immediately clear, even without pausing to examine texture detail or polygon counts.

What the comparison shows

The original Star Fox 64, released in 1997, was known for its use of the N64's Reality Coprocessor to produce smooth, fully polygonal 3D worlds. It ran at a steady 60 frames per second, a feat that made the game stand out at the time. The new remake retains that speed — the source material indicates the action moves just as quickly — but wraps it in far more modern visuals.

Characters like Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, and Peppy Hare appear with significantly more detail. The original N64 models were blocky by today's standards, with low-resolution textures and simple lighting. The Switch 2 version updates those models with higher polygon counts, more expressive faces, and richer color palettes. The environments, too, have been rebuilt. What were flat, grainy landscapes in the original now show depth, texture, and atmospheric effects.

The briefing notes that the remake includes both old cutscenes — presumably recreated or remastered — and new ones. That suggests Nintendo is not simply porting the original assets but reanimating key story moments and perhaps adding fresh narrative beats. The side-by-side comparisons shown in the presentation highlight these differences: a scene that was once a few seconds of low-poly dialogue now has camera movement, character animation, and lighting that feels cinematic.

Familiar locations, new polish

Locations such as Corneria, the first planet in the game, are instantly recognizable. The original N64 version presented a winding canyon with steep walls and enemy turrets. In the new footage, the canyon remains structurally similar, but the rock textures are sharper, the water reflects light, and the enemy ships are more detailed. The Arwing, the player's ship, also receives a visual upgrade. Its shape stays true to the original design, but the model is smoother, with panel lines and engine glow effects.

The comparison also covers the game's iconic bosses. The giant face of Andross, the final boss, appeared in the original as a large but simple polygonal head. The remake version shows creases, teeth, and a more menacing expression, all rendered with modern shading. The source material did not specify whether the gameplay mechanics have changed, but the visual overhaul alone is enough to make the remake feel like a different experience.

Exclusive to Switch 2

Nintendo confirmed that the Star Fox remake will launch exclusively for the Switch 2. The timing — June 25, 2026 — places it as one of the early flagship titles for the new console. That is a significant move for a franchise that has not seen a mainline entry since Star Fox Zero in 2016. By going back to the well of Star Fox 64, often considered the series' high point, Nintendo is betting that nostalgia combined with modern visuals will draw both longtime fans and newcomers.

The exclusive nature also means the game will serve as a technical showpiece for the Switch 2. The side-by-side comparisons demonstrate not just improved resolution and frame rate, but also the kind of lighting, shadow, and particle effects that the original hardware could not handle. The source material did not provide specific resolution or frame rate targets, but the footage suggests a clean, stable image that runs at least as smoothly as the original.

What the remake leaves intact

One detail the briefing emphasizes is that the remake retains the core structure of Star Fox 64. The same characters, the same planets, the same branching path system appear to be present. That is a deliberate choice. Star Fox 64 is remembered for its tight gameplay, memorable one-liners, and multiple routes. Changing too much would risk alienating the audience that has waited nearly three decades for a worthy successor.

But the inclusion of new cutscenes hints at added story content. The original game had brief textless interstitials between missions, and the ending sequence was sparse. If Nintendo has added fully animated cutscenes, the narrative could feel more fleshed out without compromising the arcade-style pacing.

The state of Star Fox

Star Fox has had an uneven history since the N64 days. Star Fox Adventures took the series in a Zelda-like direction. Star Fox Assault returned to the cockpit but received mixed reviews. Star Fox Command experimented with touch controls. And Star Fox Zero, the 2016 Wii U title, was criticized for its awkward dual-screen aiming system. Each entry tried something different, and none captured the magic of 64.

By returning to the source material, Nintendo is acknowledging what most fans already know: the 64 game is the template. The challenge is updating it without diluting what made it work. Based on the side-by-side comparisons shown in the source material, the remake appears to respect that balance. The visuals are dramatically better, but the settings, characters, and energy remain intact.

What to expect at launch

With a release date of June 25, 2026, the Star Fox remake is just over a month away (from the time of this writing). Nintendo has not announced any additional features such as multiplayer modes or amiibo support. The source material did not mention any price point, but Switch 2 titles are expected to land in the standard $60 to $70 range.

Fans who want to see the difference for themselves will likely have access to the same comparison video that the editorial desk reviewed. It might be available on Nintendo's official channels or through gaming media outlets. Either way, the message is clear: Star Fox is back, and it looks better than it ever did on a CRT television.

The remake offers a chance for a new generation to experience the corridor shooter that defined a genre, and for veterans to revisit Corneria with fresh eyes. The side-by-side comparisons only confirm what was already suspected: the Switch 2 is powerful enough to breathe new life into a 30-year-old classic. Now it just needs to deliver the gameplay that made the original unforgettable.