Star Fox Switch 2 amiibo Support Lets Fox, Falco, and Wolf Unlock Battle Banner Cosmetics

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This article first appeared on Game Empress, a website dedicated to gaming news. You can find more articles and updates at gameempress.com.

The new Star Fox game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 will work with amiibo figures. Players who use Fox, Falco, or Wolf amiibo from Super Smash Bros. will be able to unlock special cosmetic items in the game. Nintendo Life reports that Nintendo’s Japanese website confirms these amiibo will unlock unique backgrounds and emblems when scanned using the right analog stick of either the new Joy-Con 2 controller or the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

As a Star Fox fan, I’m really excited about how Nintendo is handling rewards – they’re tied to the multiplayer Battle Banner system, which is cool, instead of just how far you get in the game. And get this – there’s a 4-vs-4 Battle Mode for up to eight players! You can also play with up to four friends either online or locally with GameShare, and even connect with people who have the original Nintendo Switch, which is awesome for local multiplayer.

Star Fox launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.

What Star Fox amiibo Unlock on Switch 2

If you’re a Star Fox fan and have a Nintendo Switch, you’ll be happy to know that scanning the new Fox, Falco, and Wolf amiibo figures will unlock exclusive cosmetic items in the game. Specifically, they’ll add new backgrounds and emblems you can use to customize your Battle Banner in multiplayer matches. This information comes from Nintendo’s Japanese website and has also been confirmed by listings on Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Currently, using amiibo figures won’t give players any advantages in the game. Nintendo hasn’t revealed any plans for unlocking ships, weapons, characters, or upgrades through amiibo. It seems the feature is just for minor cosmetic changes for those who already collect the compatible figures.

Which amiibo Figures Are Confirmed?

The three characters confirmed to be getting amiibo figures are Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, and Wolf O’Donnell. These are Super Smash Bros. versions of the characters, and are existing amiibo figures – not new releases tied to the Star Fox game.

The Fox and Falco amiibo figures were released before Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but Wolf’s amiibo came out with the game. All three work with Star Fox on the Switch. To be clear, it’s best to refer to them as “Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures” instead of linking them only to Ultimate.

According to Nintendo Life, the new Switch 2 scans figures by simply placing them on the analog stick of either a Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller – this is where the NFC reader is positioned on the new hardware.

Are the Rewards Gameplay-Changing?

Okay, so I’ve been checking, and it looks like owning amiibo doesn’t actually give you any edge in battles or anywhere else in the game. Those cool backgrounds and emblems you get for your Battle Banner? They’re just for show – a way to customize how you look online, but they don’t affect gameplay at all. Basically, it’s all cosmetic – no unfair advantages here!

Okay, so as of right now, Nintendo hasn’t said anything about needing amiibo to unlock ships, characters, or better weapons in the new Star Fox game, or to change how it plays at all. Basically, it seems like you can enjoy the game fully without them. But hey, if that changes before or after the game comes out on June 25th, I’ll be sure to update you all!

Star Fox Returns as a Switch 2 Exclusive

The next Star Fox game for Nintendo Switch 2 will be a fresh take on the classic Star Fox 64 from 1997. Announced on May 6, 2026, this new version boasts updated graphics designed for the Switch 2, completely re-recorded voice acting, and a grand orchestral score.

The game’s levels are inspired by the classic Star Fox 64 (called Lylat Wars in Europe and Australia), but now feature more detailed storytelling with new cutscenes and briefings before each stage. Familiar faces like Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Wolf O’Donnell, General Pepper, and Andross all return to play important roles in the ongoing conflict across the Lylat System.

Beyond the campaign, the game adds a brand-new multiplayer component:

As a huge Star Fox fan, I’m so excited about Battle Mode! It’s a 4-on-4 dogfight where you pick a side – Team Star Fox or Team Star Wolf – and battle it out with up to seven other players. There are three different objectives you’ll be fighting over: you can try to control zones on Corneria, collect energy crystals on Fichina, or grab cargo in Sector Y. You can jump into matches quickly through matchmaking, or create a private lobby with friends.

Players can easily switch between using buttons and a mouse with the Joy-Con 2. In Campaign and Challenge Mode, two players can team up: one flies the vehicle using a Joy-Con 2, while the other controls the weapons with the second Joy-Con.

GameChat lets players transform into characters from Star Fox using interactive avatars that copy their facial movements. They can also use augmented reality filters to add Star Fox features like ears or even a beak that moves when they speak.

With GameShare, up to four players can team up in Star Fox, either locally or online through GameChat. While playing online with GameShare needs the Nintendo Switch 2, local play lets you share the game with both the new Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.

What Nintendo Has Not Announced Yet

Just so we’re all on the same page and avoid any confusion, I wanted to quickly list everything Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed as of May 10th, 2026. It helps keep things clear and accurate, you know?

  • No new Star Fox amiibo line has been announced. The confirmed examples are existing Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures of Fox, Falco, and Wolf; Nintendo has not announced a new Star Fox-branded amiibo wave for the Switch 2 release.
  • No gameplay bonuses. No amiibo-unlocked ships, weapons, characters, or stat changes have been confirmed.
  • No full compatibility chart has been published. Retail copy says existing amiibo figures of Star Fox characters can be used and specifically names Fox, Falco, and Wolf, but it does not provide a wider figure-by-figure compatibility chart.
  • No Starlink Arwing toy support. There is no evidence that Starlink: Battle for Atlas Arwing accessories are compatible with Star Fox on Switch 2.
  • No post-launch amiibo wave confirmed. While the possibility of a future Star Fox amiibo line has not been ruled out, nothing has been announced.

We’ll keep this article updated with new information as Nintendo shares it before the game releases on June 25, 2026.

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2026-05-10 18:59