Star Fox returns after 10 years, simultaneous development of large-scale Zelda remake

According to multiple foreign media, Nintendo is reportedly simultaneously developing a new Star Fox game and a large-scale remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the next-generation console Switch 2. Both works are targeted for release in 2026, and no official announcement has been made yet.

If the new Star Fox work is true, it will be the first completely new work in about 10 years since 'Star Fox Zero', which was released on Wii U in 2016. Star Fox Zero received a negative response at the time and failed to revive the series.

Why Retro IP now?

Nintendo's latest move is analyzed as a strategic choice in conjunction with the release of Switch 2. According to related industry reports, Star Fox will provide a modern reinterpretation of the classic style from the N64 era and will also support multiplayer mode. With the main character 'Fox' appearing in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie, the movement to reexamine the franchise is in full swing.

The Zelda Ocarina of Time remake is a project that is receiving more attention. The 1998 original is considered one of the most influential works in gaming history, and a remake was released for Nintendo 3DS in 2011. However, this project has been described as a 'large-scale remake' and is expected to be a complete rebuild rather than a simple remaster.

A live-action Legend of Zelda movie is also scheduled to be released in 2027, which appears to be part of a large-scale marketing strategy around the 40th anniversary of the franchise (2026).

3D Mario postponed to 2027

What's interesting is that Nintendo has no plans to release a new 3D Mario game around the same time. This is in contrast to the fact that Mario titles played a key role in the early days of existing console releases. It is reported that the new 3D Mario game will not be released until 2027.

Nintendo appears to have chosen a strategy of strengthening the initial Switch 2 lineup with proven franchises and titles that stimulate nostalgia. However, all details have not yet been officially confirmed, and the development plan may change at any time.