As players wait in anticipation of theNintendo Switch 2’s reveal, there will surely be lots of discussion on the huge game releases that could be heading to the new console. With the Switch having achieved an incredible line-up of critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking titles, Nintendo will surely be looking to keep up that momentum with the Switch 2 to ensure its success. As such,players can come to expect some major releases from Nintendo’s most popular franchises, fromSuper MariotoThe Legend of Zelda.
It would be no surprise for Nintendo to prioritize games based on these franchises to ensure the success of their new console moving forward. That being said,the Switch 2 also proves to be the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to revive one beloved franchisethat has remained dormant for many years. A revival that, if done correctly, could allow the franchise to return to its former glory.
Star Fox Has Been Dormant For Years
Despite being one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises,Star Foxhas a fairly rocky history. Following the initial success of the originalStar FoxandStar Fox 64,the series continuously struggled to find its footing, resulting in a range of underwhelming and confusing titles. Developer Rare’s ambitious action-adventure gameStar Fox Adventuresstrayed too far from the series' signature elements to a point where the title felt alien. While its follow-up,Star Fox Assault, directed focus back to the traditional on-rails shooting gameplay, it failed to offer anything new that separated the title from the classics.
This all culminated withStar Fox Zero, Nintendo’s last attempt at revitalizing the franchise.Zerowas admittedly doomed from the start, with its release on the failing Wii U console – andno subsequent port ofZeroto the Switch– which made it extremely difficult for the game to have a big enough impact. This initial setback was only built upon byZero’s negative reception upon release, with criticism largely pointing towards the game’s difficult control scheme and lackluster campaign, which has resulted in theStar Foxseries' nearly 9-year absence.
It’s Time To Lower Your Expectations For Nintendo Switch 2
With fans waiting years for its release, expectations for the Switch 2 have snowballed beyond what’s likely for Nintendo to release.
It’s hard not to be too shocked atStar Fox’s unfortunate fate. The string of subpar entries released for the series were all emblematic of this struggle by Nintendo to push the series forward in a meaningful way. Either the game would stray too far from the beaten path and lose sight of the series' identity, or the classicStar Foxexperience was continuously replicated to a point where it had become redundant.Star Foxfound itself at a stalemate, and Nintendo’s inability to free the franchise from this resulted in the series' current dormancy.
Star Fox Could Return For Switch 2
The Series Will Already Have A Presence On The New Console
Luckily, theStar Foxseries could have another chance of a revival with the Switch 2. The arrival of a new console will naturally stir up high levels of excitement among players, putting a huge number of eyes on the Switch 2.This immediately gives a possiblenewStar Foxgamean edge over its predecessorwith increased attention surrounding Nintendo’s upcoming console compared to what the Wii U had whenZerowas released, giving another revival a greater chance of success.
Moreover, the chances of success for aStar Foxrevival are already boosted by the series' presence on the new console.The Switch 2’s compatibility with Nintendo Switch Online means the new console will include bothStar FoxandStar Fox 64, allowing players to discover what made the series so beloved to begin with. As more players become invested in theStar Foxseries, a new game would create far more excitement and interest, making the Switch 2 an ideal platform for the sci-fi series to attempt another revival.
10 First-Party Exclusives The Switch 2 Needs At Launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 will need to launch with several impressive first-party titles, many of which should come from these franchises.
As exciting as a new entry may be, there would still be concern over the developers repeating the same mistakes that were made withStar Fox’s last attempted revival. Beyond the game’s awkward controls and short campaign, one ofZero’s biggest flaws, likeAssaultbefore it, was its over-reliance on previous entries, resulting in a lack of originality and ambition. While a potential newStar Foxgame wouldn’t be tied down to a failing console likeZerowas,its development would be a hopeless endeavor if the title fails to push the series forwardin a meaningful way.
How Star Fox Could Learn From Metroid
Metroid Shows How A Revival Is Done Right
In order for a newStar Foxgame to avoid the same mistakes made withZero,lessons could be taken from the revival of Nintendo’s other signature sci-fi series,Metroid. Similar toStar Fox, theMetroidseries suffered multiple long hiatuses between games before making a triumphant return on Switch.Metroid Dread, the first original 2D entry in 19 years, catapulted the series back into the limelight, quickly becoming the series' most successful game to date.
One reason forDread’s enormous success was the game’sbalance of traditionalMetroidgameplay and brand-new elements.Metroid’s signature labyrinthine world design and consistent item progression was mixed with entirely new abilities that shook up the gameplay, alongside the terrifying E.M.M.I. chase sections that elevated the game’s tension. Developer MercurySteam was able to prove the wealth of untapped potential in theMetroidseries, showing an understanding of the series' core tenants while crafting an ambitious path forward for future games to follow.
It’s that balance of old and new that theStar Foxseries should adapt for a potential new entry. LikeMetroid, a newStar Foxgame should utilize the series' strongest aspects while challenging it to evolve at the same time. If a potential new game could strike that balance, then its appearance on theNintendo Switch 2could be the perfect opportunity for theStar Foxseries to receive the revival it deserves.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to 2012’s Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED screen.
