Star Fox 2 Now Playable on Nintendo Switch Online: Celebrating Five Years Since Its Official Release

Star Fox 2, the once-shelved sequel in Nintendo's renowned Star Fox series, has officially reached five years of public availability, having first made its historic debut on the SNES Classic Edition in September 2017.

Developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Star Fox 2 was completed in the mid-1990s but remained unreleased for over two decades.

The game was originally set to launch in 1995, but with the gaming landscape rapidly evolving due to the entry of Sony's PlayStation and the upcoming Nintendo 64, Nintendo chose to hold the title back.

Instead, the focus shifted to creating a next-generation experience, which would eventually become Star Fox 64 (also known as Lylat Wars in certain regions). A surprise move in 2017 saw Nintendo celebrate the legacy of its console history by including Star Fox 2 as a marquee feature on the Super NES Classic Edition.

For the first time, longtime fans and newcomers alike were able to experience the long-lost chapter of the Star Fox saga.

Building on this momentum, Nintendo made the game accessible to an even wider audience by adding Star Fox 2 to its Nintendo Switch Online service in 2019.

As of September 2022, it has been five years since Star Fox 2's official public release, a milestone celebrated by many in the Nintendo community. Nintendo describes Star Fox 2 as a revolutionary 3D rail-shooter and the second entry in the Star Fox series.

The game pits the Star Fox team against the villainous Emperor Andross, who threatens to conquer the Lylat system.

After years in development limbo, the title finally offered fans a chance to see how Nintendo had pushed the technical capabilities of the SNES, introducing new gameplay mechanics and a unique level structure that set it apart from its predecessor. Today, the optimal way to play Star Fox 2 is via Nintendo Switch Online, available to subscribers who wish to revisit this pivotal release in Nintendo's history.

The service continues to deliver classic gaming experiences, ensuring preservation and access to iconic titles for both veteran players and new generations.

For those who still have access to the SNES Classic Edition, the game remains available through that platform as well. Celebrating its fifth anniversary as an officially released game, Star Fox 2 stands as a testament to Nintendo's commitment to honoring its past while embracing new technology.

The availability of a digital manual, alongside the classic title on Switch Online, further enhances the experience for both collectors and first-time players.

With the continued success of Nintendo Switch Online and the enduring appeal of the Star Fox franchise, Star Fox 2 remains an essential chapter in the company’s storied history.

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