Star Fox Returns on Switch 2, But Nintendo’s Forgotten Franchises Deserve a Comeback Too
Meta Description: Nintendo is bringing Star Fox back for Switch 2, but fans are still waiting for F-Zero, Kid Icarus, EarthBound, Golden Sun, Punch-Out, Wave Race, and other forgotten Nintendo franchises. Here is why classic Nintendo IP deserves a modern revival for 2026 and beyond.
Nintendo has one of the most powerful libraries in gaming history, but not every franchise receives the same level of attention. Mario and Zelda continue to dominate every generation, while many other beloved Nintendo properties disappear for years, sometimes decades, with no clear sign of return. That is why the rumored and highly discussed return of Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 feels both exciting and frustrating.
On one hand, Star Fox fans finally have a reason to celebrate. Fox McCloud, Falco, Peppy, Slippy, and the Arwing squad appear ready to return to the spotlight after years of uncertainty. On the other hand, the revival raises an obvious question: if Star Fox can come back, why not F-Zero, Kid Icarus, Golden Sun, EarthBound, Punch-Out, Wave Race, Pilotwings, Chibi-Robo, Advance Wars, or Sin and Punishment?
For players searching for Nintendo Switch 2 games, best Nintendo games 2026, Star Fox Switch 2, F-Zero comeback, classic Nintendo franchises, Nintendo remakes, gaming console deals, cloud gaming, game subscription services, and video game deals, this is one of the biggest conversations surrounding Nintendo’s future.
Star Fox Is Back, But Why Now?
Star Fox has always occupied a strange place in Nintendo’s lineup. It is iconic, recognizable, and historically important, yet it has never been as commercially dominant as Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, or Animal Crossing. The series began as a technical showcase, pushing 3D graphics forward on the Super Nintendo before becoming a true classic with Star Fox 64 on Nintendo 64.
Since then, the franchise has experimented constantly. Star Fox Adventures turned Fox McCloud into a ground-based action-adventure hero. Star Fox Assault mixed Arwing combat with on-foot missions. Star Fox Command used touch controls and strategy elements. Star Fox Zero attempted to use the Wii U GamePad in a bold but controversial way.
That history makes the new Star Fox revival interesting. Instead of introducing a wild new gameplay gimmick, the upcoming direction appears to be more of a fresh start: a return to what made Star Fox 64 beloved, with modern visuals, cinematic presentation, smoother controls, and a more accessible structure for new players.
That is not a bad idea. In fact, it may be exactly what Star Fox needs. But it also weakens one of the oldest explanations for why Nintendo leaves certain franchises behind.
Does Every Nintendo Revival Need a “Grand New Idea”?
For years, Nintendo has often suggested that a dormant franchise needs a major new idea before it can return. That philosophy makes sense in theory. Nintendo is known for innovation, and many of its best games succeed because they rethink old formulas instead of simply repeating them.
However, that approach can also become a trap. If every comeback needs a revolutionary concept, then many classic franchises may never return at all. Not every series needs a radical reinvention. Sometimes fans simply want a polished, modern, high-quality version of what they already love.
This is where the Star Fox revival becomes important. If Star Fox can return with a back-to-basics approach, then the same logic should apply to other Nintendo franchises. A new F-Zero does not need to reinvent futuristic racing. A new Punch-Out does not need to become an open-world RPG. A new Wave Race does not need a massive online social hub. These franchises already have strong identities. They need modern execution, not unnecessary gimmicks.
F-Zero Is the Most Obvious Comeback Candidate
Of all Nintendo’s dormant franchises, F-Zero may be the one fans ask for the most. The series is fast, stylish, difficult, and visually distinct. F-Zero GX on GameCube remains one of the greatest racing games Nintendo has ever published, yet the franchise has not received a full traditional new entry in decades.
The release of F-Zero 99 proved that Nintendo has not completely forgotten the brand. It also proved that people still care. But F-Zero 99 feels more like an experiment than a full revival. It is clever and fun, but it does not replace the dream of a modern 3D F-Zero with high-speed racing, sharp track design, online multiplayer, 4K visuals, and a full roster of iconic machines.
A new F-Zero for Switch 2 would not need to chase every modern racing trend. It could focus on what the series already does best: extreme speed, dangerous tracks, perfect boosting, aggressive rivalries, and high-skill racing. That alone would be enough to excite longtime fans and introduce new players to Captain Falcon beyond Super Smash Bros.
Kid Icarus, Golden Sun, and EarthBound Still Have Strong Fanbases
Racing is not the only genre Nintendo could revisit. Kid Icarus made a strong return with Kid Icarus: Uprising on Nintendo 3DS, but the series disappeared again despite its memorable characters, humor, music, and action design. A Switch 2 version could modernize the controls and finally make the game more accessible to players who struggled with the 3DS layout.
Golden Sun is another franchise that feels perfect for a revival. Nintendo does not have many traditional turn-based RPG series under its own banner, and Golden Sun’s elemental puzzles, summon animations, world-building, and Djinn system still feel unique. With the continued popularity of RPGs, a new Golden Sun could stand out as a premium Nintendo adventure.
EarthBound, also known through the Mother series, is more complicated because of its creator-driven identity and unusual tone. Still, Nintendo could preserve the series through remasters, collections, or spiritual follow-up projects. The demand is clearly there. EarthBound remains one of the most influential RPGs ever made, especially among indie developers and fans of quirky storytelling.
Punch-Out, Wave Race, Pilotwings, and Chibi-Robo Could Fill Gaps in Nintendo’s Lineup
One reason Nintendo should revisit older franchises is variety. Modern Nintendo releases are often excellent, but the company’s active lineup can feel narrower than its historical library suggests. Reviving smaller franchises could fill genre gaps and keep the Switch 2 catalog more diverse.
Punch-Out could return as a stylish arcade boxing game with modern animation, online challenge modes, and new opponents. Wave Race could offer a beautiful water physics showcase for Nintendo’s next hardware. Pilotwings could become a relaxing flight game built around exploration, skill challenges, and scenic environments. Chibi-Robo could return as a charming small-scale adventure with environmental puzzles and cozy household exploration.
None of these games need to be massive open-world blockbusters. In fact, they may work better as focused, polished, mid-sized games. Not every Nintendo release has to be a 100-hour adventure. Sometimes a creative, well-made 10-hour game can become just as memorable.
Nintendo’s Biggest Challenge Is Business Risk
The harsh reality is that Nintendo is not ignoring these franchises by accident. Some of them may simply not look like guaranteed moneymakers. Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing are safe bets. Smaller franchises require more careful planning, especially when development costs continue to rise.
However, modern gaming gives Nintendo more options than ever. The company could release smaller digital-first games, remake older classics, test interest through Nintendo Switch Online, or use limited-budget revivals to rebuild awareness before committing to bigger projects. Not every dormant IP needs to return with a full $70 release.
There is also value beyond immediate sales. Reviving old franchises keeps Nintendo’s history alive. It gives fans more reasons to stay inside the Nintendo ecosystem. It creates fresh merchandise opportunities, strengthens Nintendo Switch Online libraries, and prevents beloved characters from existing only as Super Smash Bros. cameos.
Switch 2 Is the Perfect Time for Legacy Nintendo Revivals
The launch window and early years of Nintendo Switch 2 could be the perfect opportunity to bring back forgotten franchises. New hardware always needs a strong mix of familiar hits and surprising releases. Mario and Zelda will sell systems, but legacy revivals can build excitement among longtime fans and create a richer software lineup.
A modern Star Fox can introduce younger players to Fox McCloud. A new F-Zero can show off speed and performance. A Kid Icarus remaster can bring a beloved 3DS game to a wider audience. A Golden Sun remake can attract RPG fans. A Punch-Out revival can deliver quick, replayable arcade fun.
These games would not need to compete directly with Nintendo’s biggest franchises. They could complement them.
Fans Do Not Always Need Reinvention
Nintendo’s commitment to innovation is one of its greatest strengths, but fans do not always demand reinvention. Sometimes they want respect for what already worked. The success of remakes, remasters, retro collections, and faithful sequels across the industry proves that nostalgia can be powerful when handled with care.
The key is quality. A back-to-basics revival should still feel modern, smooth, and complete. Players do not want lazy nostalgia. They want classic ideas rebuilt with current technology, better accessibility, sharper visuals, strong performance, and smart design improvements.
If Star Fox can return without a massive new gimmick, then Nintendo has opened the door. The question now is whether the company is willing to let more franchises walk through it.
Final Thoughts
The return of Star Fox is exciting, but it also highlights how many beloved Nintendo franchises remain trapped in the past. F-Zero, Golden Sun, Kid Icarus, EarthBound, Punch-Out, Wave Race, Pilotwings, Chibi-Robo, Sin and Punishment, and others still have fans waiting for good news.
For players searching for Nintendo Switch 2 games, best Nintendo games 2026, Star Fox Switch 2, F-Zero revival, classic Nintendo games, Nintendo remakes, gaming console deals, cloud gaming, game subscription services, and video game deals, the message is clear: Nintendo has more than enough history to build an incredible future.
Star Fox deserves its comeback. But it should not be the only one. If Nintendo is willing to revive one legendary series with a modern, back-to-basics approach, then maybe it is time for the rest of its forgotten classics to finally get another chance.