Key Highlights:
- Velan Studios has been confirmed as the developer behind Star Fox Remake on Switch 2.
- A free demo is available now via the Nintendo eShop.
- The game runs at 60fps and uses Velan’s proprietary Viper engine.
Nintendo has officially revealed that the new Star Fox Remake for Switch 2 is being developed by an unexpected studio, and players can try it out right now thanks to a newly released demo.
Rather than being handled internally by Nintendo or by one of the studios fans had previously speculated about, development duties have fallen to Velan Studios. The team is best known for Knockout City and its collaboration with Nintendo on Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.
Velan confirmed its involvement in a statement, saying it had been “passionately working” on the project for some time and called the opportunity to bring Fox McCloud and his crew to Switch 2 “an honour.”
According to the studio, the game is powered by its in-house Viper engine, allowing for higher visual fidelity than previous entries while maintaining 60fps gameplay. Cinematics are rendered entirely in real time.
The reveal comes alongside the surprise release of a free demo on Nintendo Switch 2. Available now through the Nintendo eShop, the demo gives players an early look at the remake ahead of its full launch on June 25.
While Nintendo hasn’t detailed the complete contents of the demo, it includes the tutorial and one of the game’s opening missions. That should give players a chance to see whether the latest take on the classic rail shooter offers enough beyond its graphical overhaul and redesigned characters.
The upcoming title is another reimagining of Star Fox 64, one of the most beloved entries in the series. From what has been shown so far, Nintendo and Velan appear to be focusing on preserving the fast-paced arcade action while modernising the presentation for Switch 2 hardware.
If I’m being honest, Velan’s involvement is an unexpected choice, but the studio already has experience working with Nintendo and its Viper engine could prove to be a strong fit for Star Fox’s smooth, cinematic gameplay. The immediate release of a demo also suggests Nintendo is confident enough to let players judge the game for themselves.
Star Fox launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25.