Star Fox 64 vs. Star Fox Zero, Which Game Holds Up Better in 2025?
The Return of Star Fox Why 2026 Is the Year Nintendo Finally Gets It Right
After a decade-long silence—broken only by the 2017 release of the long-delayed Star Fox 2—Nintendo has officially brought Fox McCloud back. The new Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2, announced in a surprise Nintendo Direct on May 6, 2026, launches on June 25, 2026.
It’s a full remake of Star Fox 64, and it’s not just a cash grab. This is a deliberate, calculated move to test the waters for a franchise that has struggled to find its footing since the 1990s.The numbers are clear: pre-orders are live now at $50 digital and $60 physical in the U.S. The game retails for £41.99 digitally in the UK.
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These are not premium prices—Nintendo is pricing it aggressively, likely to maximize adoption and gauge interest for future entries. The decision to base the new game on Star Fox 64 is a safe one, but it’s also the right one.Star Fox 64 is the gold standard of the series: tight controls, memorable boss fights, and a branching path system that rewarded replayability. The 2026 remake keeps that DNA intact while adding modern touches.According to the Nintendo Direct presentation, the game features new graphics, additional cutscenes, and mission briefings that were absent from the N64 original. More importantly, it includes online multiplayer with 4v4 dogfights in a new Battle Mode.
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That alone addresses the biggest criticism of Star Fox Zero—that it was a single-player experience on a console that desperately needed network play. This isn’t a reinvention.It’s a restoration. And for a franchise that has been mishandled for years, that’s exactly what it needs.The question isn’t whether the new game is good—it’s whether it can reclaim the magic of 1997 while proving that Star Fox still has a future. Based on the available information, the answer is a cautious yes.The June 25 release date is close enough to the Switch 2 launch to feel like a system seller, yet far enough to allow for a polished experience. Pre-orders are already open, and the marketing push—including Fox’s cameo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie voiced by Glen Powell—shows Nintendo is serious about reviving this IP.
Star Fox 64 vs. Star Fox Zero The Core Design Philosophy That Divides Them
To understand which game holds up better, you have to look at the design choices that define each title. Star Fox 64 (1997) was a masterclass in simplicity: on-rails shooting, intuitive controls, and a clear feedback loop.
Every level had a distinct identity—from the asteroid fields of Meteo to the mechanical labyrinth of Bolse—and the branching paths gave players agency without overwhelming them. The game was designed to be beaten in under an hour, but its score attack and medal system encouraged dozens of replays.It was arcade-precise: fast, responsive, and unapologetically linear. Star Fox Zero (2016) took the opposite approach.It introduced gyroscopic aiming, dual-screen gameplay using the Wii U GamePad, and transforming Arwing vehicles (Walker, submarine). The intent was to innovate, but the execution was divisive.Players had to look at the GamePad screen for aiming while the TV showed the cockpit view—a split attention that broke the flow of combat. The game also had a steep learning curve, with many critics noting that the controls felt unintuitive even after hours of play.The result was a title that sold poorly relative to its development cost, marking the franchise’s last major release until now. Here’s a direct comparison of key design elements:| Feature | Star Fox 64 (1997) | Star Fox Zero (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Control Scheme | Standard analog stick + Z button for boost | Gyro aiming + dual-screen GamePad |
| Vehicle Variety | Arwing only (All-Range Mode in multiplayer) | Arwing, Walker, and submarine forms |
| Replayability | Branching paths, score medals, alternate routes | Fixed linear campaign with collectibles |
| Multiplayer | Split-screen 4-player battle mode | No online; local co-op only |
| Difficulty Curve | Gradual; easy to pick up, hard to master | Steep; frustrating for casual players |
The data shows a clear winner in terms of accessibility and lasting appeal. Star Fox 64 is still played by speedrunners and retro enthusiasts.
Star Fox Zero is largely forgotten, with few players revisiting it outside of curiosity. The 2026 remake wisely ignores Zero’s gimmicks and returns to the 64 formula—a tacit admission that innovation for its own sake doesn’t always improve a game.Price, Value, and the Economics of Nostalgia What You’re Actually Paying For
When Star Fox Zero launched in 2016, it carried a standard $60 price tag. The new Star Fox for Switch 2 is priced at $50 digital and $60 physical.
This pricing strategy is notable: Nintendo is essentially charging less for a remake than it did for a new entry a decade ago. The reasoning is straightforward—remakes are cheaper to produce than original titles, and the lower digital price incentivizes downloads, reducing manufacturing and shipping costs. For consumers, the question is whether $50 for a remastered 1997 game with online multiplayer is fair. The answer depends on what you value.If you want pure nostalgia with modern polish, this is a solid deal. The new graphics and cutscenes, as shown in the May 6 Direct, are a significant upgrade from the N64 version.The addition of 4v4 online dogfights adds a competitive layer that didn’t exist in the original. And the mission briefings—absent from the 1997 release—provide context that makes the story feel less like a cartoon and more like a cohesive narrative.However, if you’re expecting a full-blown reboot with new levels or a new campaign, you’ll be disappointed. This is a remake, not a reimagining.For context, here’s a price comparison across the Star Fox series:| Title | Release Year | Original Price (USD) | Adjusted for Inflation (2026) | Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Fox (SNES) | 1993 | $59.99 | $127 | Collectible; $50–$100 used |
| Star Fox 64 | 1997 | $59.99 | $114 | $15–$30 used (N64) |
| Star Fox Zero | 2016 | $59.99 | $76 | $10–$20 used (Wii U) |
| Star Fox (Switch 2) | 2026 | $50 digital / $60 physical | N/A | Pre-order now |
The pricing positions the new game as a budget-friendly entry point for newcomers. It’s also a smart play for Nintendo: if the game sells well, it justifies a full sequel.
If it doesn’t, the lower price minimizes losses. As a buyer, your decision hinges on how much you value online multiplayer.The core campaign is essentially the same as Star Fox 64—if you’ve played that, you’ve played 80% of this game. But the Battle Mode is new, and for competitive players, that alone could be worth the price of admission.The Online Multiplayer Factor Why 4v4 Dogfights Change Everything
The most significant new feature in the 2026 Star Fox is online multiplayer. Nintendo confirmed that the game includes 4v4 dogfights in a new Battle Mode.
This is the first time the series has offered online competitive play. Star Fox 64 had a split-screen battle mode, but it was limited to local play—a relic of the N64 era. Star Fox Zero lacked any multiplayer component beyond local co-op. The addition of online play brings Star Fox into the modern gaming landscape, where multiplayer longevity often determines a game’s shelf life.The implications are huge. For years, fans have wanted a Star Fox game that could compete with titles like Star Wars: Squadrons or even Overwatch’s aerial combat modes.The 4v4 format suggests a focus on team-based tactics: players choose from the classic team (Fox, Falco, Slippy, Peppy) and cooperate to take down the enemy team. The Direct footage showed Arwings zipping through familiar environments like Corneria and Venom, but with a competitive twist.If the netcode is solid—a big if for Nintendo—this could become a sleeper hit in the competitive multiplayer scene. Compare this to the alternatives:| Multiplayer Feature | Star Fox 64 | Star Fox Zero | Star Fox (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Split-Screen | Yes (4-player) | Yes (2-player co-op) | Not confirmed |
| Online Multiplayer | No | No | Yes (4v4 battles) |
| Battle Modes | Timed deathmatch | None | Team-based dogfights |
| Player Count | Up to 4 | Up to 2 | Up to 8 |
The addition of online play alone makes the 2026 version more relevant than either of its predecessors. In 2025, local multiplayer is a niche feature—most players want to compete with friends online.
Nintendo has been slow to adopt robust online infrastructure, but the Switch 2’s improved networking capabilities suggest this time might be different. If the Battle Mode is well-designed and the servers are stable, the new Star Fox could have legs long after the campaign is completed.That’s something neither 64 nor Zero could claim.The Verdict Which Game Holds Up Better in 2025?
As of May 26, 2026, Star Fox 64 remains the superior game—but only just. The 2026 remake hasn’t been released yet, so any judgment is based on announced features and the legacy of the original.
However, the evidence points to a clear hierarchy: Star Fox 64 is the gold standard for on-rails shooters, Star Fox Zero is a well-intentioned failure, and the new game is a cautious return to form. Here’s a final score breakdown based on available data:| Criterion | Star Fox 64 (1997) | Star Fox Zero (2016) | Star Fox (2026, pre-release) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controls | 9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 (based on Direct footage) |
| Replayability | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 (online may boost) |
| Graphics (for era) | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 (modern engine) |
| Multiplayer | 7/10 (local only) | 4/10 (limited) | 9/10 (online 4v4) |
| Innovation | 9/10 (for 1997) | 6/10 (gimmicky) | 7/10 (safe remake) |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | 8.0/10 (projected) |
The key takeaway: if you own a Switch 2 and want the definitive Star Fox experience, wait for June 25. The online multiplayer and modern graphics make it the most accessible version ever.
But if you’re a purist who values original hardware and tight controls, the N64 version still holds up remarkably well—it’s available on Nintendo Switch Online for a fraction of the price. Star Fox Zero, however, is only worth playing if you’re a completionist or curious about what went wrong.It’s a historical footnote, not a timeless classic.What Should You Do Next? Your Decision, Broken Down
You have three options, and the right one depends on your priorities. First, if you own a Switch 2 and want the most complete package, pre-order Star Fox now.
The $50 digital price is reasonable for a game that offers both a polished campaign and online multiplayer. Pre-orders are available now on the Nintendo eShop, and the June 25 release date is close enough that you won’t wait long.This is the safest bet for most players. Second, if you’re on a budget or skeptical of remakes, play Star Fox 64 via Nintendo Switch Online.It’s included in the Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $49.99 per year. That gives you access to dozens of N64 games, including the original Star Fox 64.The controls still feel great, and the lack of online multiplayer is offset by the game’s tight design. This is the cost-effective choice, but you miss out on the new Battle Mode and improved visuals.Third, avoid Star Fox Zero unless you already own a Wii U and can find it for under $20. The game’s control scheme is frustrating, and its lack of online play makes it feel outdated.It’s not a bad game per se—it has moments of brilliance—but it’s not worth seeking out in 2026. If you’re curious, watch a let’s play or read a review.Don’t pay full price.| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-order Star Fox (2026) | $50 digital / $60 physical | Online multiplayer, modern graphics | No innovation over 64 | Switch 2 owners, competitive players |
| Play Star Fox 64 on Switch Online | $49.99/year (Expansion Pack) | Classic design, low cost | No online, dated graphics | Purists, budget-conscious players |
| Play Star Fox Zero | $10–$20 used (Wii U) | Unique vehicle forms | Frustrating controls, no online | Collectors, franchise historians |
Your next step is clear: decide whether online multiplayer matters to you. If it does, the new game is a no-brainer.
If it doesn’t, the original 64 is still a masterpiece. Either way, you’re getting a great game—just make sure you’re not paying for features you won’t use.The Star Fox franchise has finally returned, and for the first time in a decade, the future looks bright.Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.