PlatinumGames Open to Star Fox Zero Port on Nintendo Switch, But Design Choices Rely on Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch has established itself as a home for reviving beloved classics and expanding the reach of previous-generation titles.

A notable omission from its robust library, however, is Star Fox Zero—a divisive yet inventive entry originally released for the Wii U in 2016.

Developed by PlatinumGames in collaboration with Nintendo, Star Fox Zero pushed the series into new territory with a distinctive control scheme and cinematic presentation, but its limited accessibility on the underperforming Wii U hardware left many fans hoping for a second chance on the immensely popular hybrid console. Speaking recently to Video Games Chronicle, Atsushi Inaba, head of PlatinumGames, reaffirmed the studio's willingness to bring Star Fox Zero to Nintendo Switch, should the opportunity arise.

Inaba emphasized Platinum's commitment to preserving access to their gaming catalog.

He stated that the team is "definitely open" to porting the Wii U installment of Star Fox if given the chance, motivated by a desire to make older titles available to a broader audience.

"It's unfortunate when players can't experience games because they're confined to an older platform," Inaba explained, underlining PlatinumGames' interest in updating legacy titles for current hardware "wherever possible." However, Inaba was quick to clarify that any substantial design decisions regarding a potential Switch release of Star Fox Zero would ultimately be in the hands of Nintendo.

"As Star Fox is a Nintendo property, core ideas and direction come directly from Shigeru Miyamoto himself," Inaba said, referencing the legendary Nintendo creator.

Should a Switch project materialize, "it would depend on what Miyamoto-san would want to accomplish this time around, and of course, we'd respect Nintendo’s vision." Star Fox Zero remains an intriguing outlier among the Wii U's library of Switch ports, largely due to its unique implementation of the Wii U GamePad’s dual-screen functionality.

The game represents a rare collaboration between PlatinumGames and Nintendo, adding further interest for fans of both companies.

While the port's future has not been confirmed and remains subject to Nintendo's decisions, Inaba’s remarks signal that PlatinumGames stands ready to work on the project, so long as Nintendo greenlights the initiative and provides creative direction. Star Fox Zero was first released worldwide for the Wii U on April 21, 2016, and, despite polarizing reviews centered around its unconventional controls, the title has since gained a modest cult following among franchise enthusiasts.

As the Switch continues to reach new sales milestones and expand its software lineup, fan demand for a Star Fox Zero port remains strong—especially as it would address accessibility issues for a game that debuted so late in the Wii U’s life cycle. For now, the fate of Star Fox Zero on modern Nintendo hardware rests with the Kyoto-based company.

Nevertheless, PlatinumGames’ public interest keeps hope alive for those eager to revisit Corneria's iconic starfighter action on the Switch.

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