Star Fox CD Integrates Daytona USA's Hornet: A Unique Nintendo Switch Homebrew Enhancement

Star Fox CD, the highly anticipated homebrew project from developer @RealSunlitSpace, is capturing the attention of retro gaming enthusiasts and Nintendo fans alike.

This ambitious reimagining of Nintendo’s iconic space shooter Star Fox is designed for the Super NES and makes innovative use of the MSU-1 chip, allowing for enhancements including CD-quality music and expanded gameplay features.

The project showcases the creative passion within the Nintendo homebrew community, merging legendary franchises and next-generation retro experiences for modern and classic hardware. In a recent announcement, @RealSunlitSpace revealed an exciting crossover feature: Star Fox CD will include the iconic Hornet race car from Sega’s acclaimed arcade racer Daytona USA.

This surprising addition replaces the traditional Landmaster tank, offering players a playful new way to experience Star Fox’s vehicle-based missions.

In a statement shared on social channels, the developer explained that after spending considerable time engaging with Daytona USA during development, the idea emerged that it would be both humorous and engaging to bring the famous Hornet into the Star Fox universe.

The developer noted, “Our recent enthusiasm for Daytona USA inspired us to include the Hornet as a fun in-game bonus.” Not only does the Hornet feature as a drivable vehicle, but the adaptation also introduces one of four memorable songs from Daytona USA, adding a distinctively Sega-flavored musical touch to the Star Fox experience.

This blend of brands and gameplay elements demonstrates the technical prowess and imagination present in the homebrew scene, especially through the use of MSU-1 technology—an upgrade that audio fans and preservationists especially appreciate for its high-fidelity music support on SNES hardware. Star Fox CD is just one example of the dynamic projects leveraging Nintendo platforms, engaging both dedicated gamers and preservationists seeking new life for classic games.

While not an official Nintendo release and only distributed via homebrew channels rather than the Nintendo eShop or direct Nintendo Direct announcements, this project underscores continued community enthusiasm and expertise around Nintendo’s legacy IPs. Both Star Fox and Daytona USA represent significant milestones in gaming history—Star Fox as a Nintendo trailblazer in 3D graphics and Daytona USA as a hallmark of Sega’s arcade success.

By combining the beloved Hornet with the SNES classic, @RealSunlitSpace pays homage to both companies’ lasting influence and gives fans a distinctive way to enjoy Nintendo Switch and retro systems alike. There is no official release date for Star Fox CD at the time of writing, but its developer’s innovative approach and inclusion of rare features make it one of the most notable fan-driven projects in the retro gaming landscape.

As interest grows, this project promises to further unite cherished franchises and expand the boundaries of homebrew game development on Nintendo platforms.