Star Fox Switch 2 Free Update Adds 4-Player Split-Screen and 3 Battle Stages

Nintendo is giving Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 a substantial multiplayer upgrade later this month. The free update expands Battle Mode with four-player local split-screen, lets a local team head into online battles together, and adds three new multiplayer stages.

For U.S. players, Nintendo’s North American store lists the update for September 29, 2026. Nintendo’s September 16 regional announcement lists September 30, reflecting the rollout date in that market. That regional difference is worth noting if you see both dates online.

What the Star Fox free update adds

The headline change is support for up to four players competing together on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system in Battle Mode. Nintendo also says players on the same system can form a team and join online battles.

Four-player split-screen Battle Mode in Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2

That makes the update especially notable for local multiplayer. The base game already supports online play, but the expanded split-screen option gives groups another way to play without requiring four separate systems.

Three new Battle Mode stages: Katina, Sector X and Venom

The update adds Katina, Sector X and Venom, and each stage has its own objective rather than simply changing the scenery.

  • Katina: Teams battle for control of a powerful laser.
  • Sector X: Players destroy asteroids while avoiding destructive energy waves.
  • Venom: Players scan data modules and must escape a deadly surge.

Star Fox Battle Mode gameplay on Katina

The objective-based design should give the expanded Battle Mode more variety than a straightforward dogfight. Nintendo’s U.S. product page says the three additions join the existing Corneria, Sector Y and Fichina Battle Mode stages.

Venom adds a race against the clock

Venom’s data-scanning objective stands out because it asks players to collect information and get back out before the stage’s damaging surge catches them.

Star Fox Battle Mode gameplay on Venom

Combined with Katina’s control-point-style laser objective and Sector X’s environmental hazards, the update appears designed to make the three new arenas play differently instead of functioning as cosmetic map additions.

Star Fox Adventures is also on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo is pairing the multiplayer news with another Star Fox release for subscribers. Star Fox Adventures, the 2002 Nintendo GameCube game, is now part of the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library on Nintendo Switch 2 for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.

That gives fans two very different ways to revisit the series: the modern Switch 2 Star Fox game’s expanding multiplayer modes and Rare’s exploration-focused GameCube adventure.

What you need to play

The Battle Mode update itself is free for Star Fox owners, but Nintendo notes that an internet connection is required to download it. Online features require a Nintendo Account and a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Additional accessories may also be required depending on the local multiplayer setup.

Images: Official Nintendo promotional imagery for Star Fox and its free Battle Mode update.

Sources: Nintendo’s official September 16 Star Fox update announcement, Nintendo of America’s Star Fox product page, and Nintendo’s September Direct announcement roundup.

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