Star Fox 1.2.0 Update Adds Four-Player Battle Mode and New Stages

Key points

• Version 1.2.0 enables up to four players to play Battle Mode locally on a single Switch 2 console using split-screen, with support for Joy-Con 2 and standard Joy-Cons in horizontal grip.
• Three new stages, Katina, Sector X, and Venom, have been added to Battle Mode, along with new items that appear during matches.
• Online Battle now allows teams formed via split-screen to join random matches, and lobbies no longer disband when the host disconnects.
• The update fixes multiple freezing bugs in Campaign and Challenge Modes, including issues involving bosses Bacoon, Gorgon, and Goras, as well as a scoring error where points exceeding 1200 were miscalculated.
• Visual adjustments make boss weak points easier to see, and a confirmation dialog now appears when abandoning a campaign after a game over.
• Third-party USB camera compatibility issues have been addressed, though Nintendo advises using the official Switch 2 Camera if problems persist.

Background

This update follows the initial release of the Star Fox remake on Nintendo Switch 2 and was first teased during a recent Nintendo Direct. It arrives alongside the addition of the game's soundtrack to Nintendo Music, as noted by GoNintendo. Previous patches for other Switch 2 titles, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pikmin 3 Deluxe, have similarly focused on optimizing visuals and expanding multiplayer capabilities for the new hardware.

How outlets are covering it

Nintendo's official site emphasizes the new multiplayer capabilities and the narrative context of Dr. Andross's return, framing the update as a major content addition. Nintendo Everything and My Nintendo News provide detailed technical breakdowns of the patch notes, highlighting specific bug fixes and gameplay adjustments. While Nintendo focuses on the excitement of the new Battle Mode features, the other outlets note the extensive list of stability fixes, particularly regarding game freezes and online connectivity issues. Community comments on My Nintendo News suggest some players are still dissatisfied with certain voice acting choices, though this was not addressed in the patch notes.

Why it matters

The update significantly enhances the multiplayer experience for Star Fox on Switch 2, making it more accessible for local groups and improving online stability. The inclusion of new stages and items adds replay value, while the bug fixes address critical issues that could disrupt gameplay. This update also reflects Nintendo's ongoing efforts to optimize its Switch 2 titles for the new hardware's capabilities, including camera integration and improved performance.

What to watch

Players should update their Star Fox games to version 1.2.0 to access the new Battle Mode features and stages. Those using third-party USB cameras should test their compatibility, as Nintendo has addressed some issues but does not guarantee support for all devices. Future updates may continue to refine gameplay and address any remaining bugs, particularly in online modes.