Star Fox Switch 2 gets free update with 4-player split-screen, new stages

Nintendo is releasing a free update for Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 that adds four-player split-screen support and new multiplayer content. The update arrives on September 29, after which up to four players will be able to play together in Battle Mode on a single Switch 2 system, either competing against each other in local play or forming a team to join online battles.

The update also adds three new stages to the game: Katina, Sector X, and Venom, each with its own unique objectives. Nintendo announced the update during a Nintendo Direct live stream on Wednesday, alongside the addition of the GameCube classic Star Fox Adventures to the Nintendo Switch Online library.

Star Fox, released earlier this year, is a remake of the Nintendo 64 rail shooter Star Fox 64, developed by the American studio Velan. VGC's review called it a "stunning Lylat Wars revival" that "isn't quite a perfect remake" but is still "an audio-visual stunner." The review praised the Switch 2 version's visuals, orchestral soundtrack, and cinematic touches, while noting it would have liked more care put into restoring the game's smaller parts.

The free update continues Nintendo's pattern of supporting its Switch 2 launch titles with post-release content. The announcement came alongside other Nintendo Direct news, including the Star Fox Adventures addition to the subscription service's library, which gives Nintendo Switch Online members access to the 2002 GameCube adventure that departed from the series' rail-shooter format.

Nintendo has not detailed the specific objectives for the three new stages beyond noting they are unique to each map. The company also has not said whether the update will include any balance changes or fixes to the base game beyond the multiplayer and stage additions.

The update's September 29 release date means Star Fox players will get the new content roughly six months after the remake's launch earlier this year. Nintendo has not announced any further post-launch plans for the title beyond this update.