Star Fox is back, sending frenzied fans into a barrel roll as the Lylat System's most lovable band of space-faring heroes finally makes their official debut on Nintendo Switch 2. More than three decades after first taking flight, Nintendo's legendary sci-fi franchise continues to captivate players with its memorable characters, fast-paced gameplay, and cinematic storytelling.
Whether you're a longtime fan eager to revisit Corneria or a newcomer discovering the series for the very first time, there's never been a better opportunity to jump into the cockpit and take to the skies! From its groundbreaking origins on the Super Nintendo to its ill-fated sequel, this Heist Guide offers a rundown of everything you need to know about one of gamedom’s most celebrated franchises.
So, what can you tell me about Star Fox?
Launched for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993, Star Fox is a science fiction action series developed and published by Nintendo. The games follow an elite team of anthropomorphic pilots led by Fox McCloud. Created to showcase the capabilities of the Super FX chip, the original game introduced groundbreaking 3D polygon graphics that pushed the SNES to new heights. Players pilot the iconic Arwing through fast-paced aerial missions to defend the Lylat System from threats such as the mad scientist Andross.
Following its debut, Star Fox expanded across numerous Nintendo consoles, introducing enhanced space combat, greater freedom of movement, and some of gaming's most memorable characters. More than 30 years later, it remains one of Nintendo's most recognizable and influential franchises.
Who created Star Fox?
Star Fox was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto through Nintendo EAD. Working with UK-based developer Argonaut Software, Miyamoto conceived the project as a way to demonstrate the capabilities of the Super FX chip, a groundbreaking coprocessor built directly into select SNES cartridges that dramatically expanded the console's power by enabling real-time 3D polygon graphics and advanced visual effects.
Seeking a distinctive cast, Miyamoto—who also helped create Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda—drew inspiration from Japanese folklore, while artist Takaya Imamura helped establish the series' distinctive visual style and memorable anthropomorphic characters. Together, their creativity and technical ambition resulted in one of Nintendo's most innovative and enduring series.
Who is Fox McCloud?
Fox McCloud is the main protagonist of Nintendo's Star Fox series and the fearless leader of the Star Fox mercenary team. The son of renowned pilot James McCloud, Fox follows in his father's footsteps by protecting the Lylat System from danger. Calm under pressure, highly skilled in aerial combat, and driven by a strong sense of justice, Fox pilots the advanced Arwing fighter while leading teammates Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad on dangerous missions. Throughout the series, he matures from a talented young pilot into a respected commander whose courage, loyalty, and determination have cemented his place among gaming's most beloved heroes.
Can you tell me more about Fox's teammates?
Fox McCloud is joined by three trusted teammates who make up the core of the Star Fox team.
- Falco Lombardi is a talented but often arrogant ace pilot known for his confidence and exceptional flying skills.
- Peppy Hare, who once flew alongside Fox's father, serves as the team's veteran strategist, whose experience and guidance help keep everyone focused during dangerous missions. He is perhaps best known for offering tactical advice in the heat of battle.
- Slippy Toad serves as the team's mechanic, engineer, and systems expert, providing invaluable technical support whenever it's needed.
Although each member has a distinct personality and role, their complementary strengths are essential to protecting the Lylat System from danger.
Are there any other Star Fox characters I should know about?
Beyond the core Star Fox team, the series features a memorable supporting cast that helps shape its adventures across the Lylat System. General Pepper serves as the commanding officer of the Cornerian Army and frequently assigns missions to Fox and his team. Krystal, introduced in Star Fox Adventures (2002), is an accomplished pilot from the planet Cerinia who eventually joins Star Fox after Peppy retires from active duty. Friendly rival Bill Grey and Star Wolf leader Wolf O'Donnell also play major roles throughout the series, while the brilliant but power-hungry scientist Andross remains the franchise's most infamous villain. Together, these allies and adversaries add depth, personality, and lasting appeal to the Star Fox universe.
How many Star Fox games are there?
Since its debut, the Star Fox franchise has grown to include a number of major games released across Nintendo's home consoles and handheld systems. These include:
- Star Fox (1993; SNES)
- Star Fox 64 (1997; Nintendo 64)
- Star Fox Adventures (2002; GameCube)
- Star Fox: Assault (2005; GameCube)
- Star Fox Command (2006; Nintendo DS)
- Star Fox Zero (2016; Wii U)
- Star Fox (2026; Nintendo Switch 2)
While the gameplay has evolved from classic on-rails shooting to include exploration, strategic missions, and expanded flight mechanics, each entry builds upon the series' signature blend of fast-paced space combat, memorable characters, and cinematic action. Although fans continue to hope for an entirely new chapter in Fox McCloud's story, the franchise remains one of Nintendo's most celebrated series.
What's the story with Star Fox 2?
Star Fox 2 has one of the most fascinating stories in Nintendo history. Originally developed for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System as the sequel to the original Star Fox, the game was essentially finished in 1995 and introduced several ambitious ideas, including all-range combat, strategic map navigation, and new playable characters. Despite being nearly complete, Nintendo chose not to release it, believing its polygon graphics would soon be overshadowed by the more advanced 3D capabilities of upcoming consoles like the Nintendo 64. For more than two decades, Star Fox 2 became one of gaming's most famous unreleased titles before finally making its official debut in 2017 as part of the SNES Classic Edition, allowing fans to experience it officially for the very first time.
Have the Star Fox characters appeared in any other games?
The Star Fox crew has made numerous appearances outside its own series, with Fox McCloud becoming one of Nintendo's most recognizable crossover characters. Fox debuted as a playable fighter in the original Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 and has returned in every installment since, often joined by Falco Lombardi, Wolf O'Donnell, and stages inspired by the Lylat System. The team also appears in the Nintendo Switch version of Starlink: Battle for Atlas through an exclusive story campaign. Most recently, Fox made his big-screen debut in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, where he is voiced by Top Gun: Maverick actor Glen Powell, introducing the legendary pilot to an entirely new audience.
And there's a new Star Fox game out right now?
Yes! Nintendo recently revived the series with Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2, marking the franchise's first major release in a decade.
Officially revealed during a surprise Nintendo Direct on May 7, 2026, the game is an expanded reimagining of Star Fox 64, featuring dramatically enhanced visuals, new cinematic cutscenes, redesigned character models, additional gameplay modes, and online multiplayer. While the classic branching campaign and fast-paced Arwing combat remain intact, the adventure introduces fresh mechanics and modern quality-of-life improvements that make it feel like far more than a traditional remake. Released on June 25, 2026, Star Fox has been praised for successfully modernizing one of Nintendo's most beloved space shooters while welcoming a new generation of pilots to the Lylat System.
Where can I play the Star Fox games?
There are several ways to experience the Star Fox series today, whether you're looking to play the newest adventure or revisit the classics. The latest entry, Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2, is available exclusively on Nintendo's newest console, bringing the franchise back with modern visuals, expanded gameplay, and online multiplayer. If you'd rather explore the series' earlier releases, the original Star Fox and Star Fox 2 are available through the Super Nintendo library included with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, while Star Fox 64 can be played through the Nintendo 64 library with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The remaining entries, including Star Fox Adventures, Star Fox: Assault, Star Fox Command, and Star Fox Zero, remain exclusive to their original platforms, although physical copies are still widely available through the secondary market for collectors and longtime fans.
