Star Fox on Switch 2 is best without mouse controls

The latest remake from Nintendo Star Fox brings Fox McCloud and his gang to the Switch 2 with improved graphics and gameplay, but the console's mouse control implementation falls short of expectations. Star Fox is one of the biggest Switch 2 releases of the year, so it makes sense that Nintendo would want to use it as a way to show off as many of the console's features as possible. However, some gamers may find mouse control more of a pain than something truly useful.

Last year when the Switch 2 was officially announced, the reveal of the Joy-Con mouse functionality was one of the most exciting features of the console. It was perfect for games like Stardew Valleybecause these kinds of games feel better when played on PC. The Joy-Con feature also opened the door for developers to be creative with the use of mouse controls and Star Fox it comes close to making it work, but not quite.

After Ocarina of Time and Star Fox, the next N64 Switch 2 remake is clear

After Ocarina of Time and Star Fox, Switch 2 already has the perfect opening to give another classic N64 title the remake it deserves.

Star Fox tries to show off the Switch 2's mouse controls properly

Big game play problem Star Fox with mouse control is that it will automatically change the game to first person mode. Flying in first person sounds like a fun idea at first, but it's incredibly difficult to see what's going on around you. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Switch 2 mouse control issues.

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One thing that makes the experience even more frustrating is that you can't move the ship around in the same way you would in third person. Instead, players have to move the reticle all the way to the edge of the screen to actually get anywhere. Maneuvers like barrel rolling seem really out of place and the overall execution is unfortunately quite clumsy. It's great that this Star Fox the remake brings the series to a new audience, but both longtime fans and newcomers to the series may find using the mouse controls more trouble than it's worth.

Flying with the Arwing Star Fox it's supposed to look amazing and the mouse control just doesn't work. However, there is one big exception when it comes to weird mouse controls. They can be annoying to use as a solo player, but when it comes to playing in multiplayer, they can be a lot of fun.

Star Fox was supposed to make mouse control a multiplayer only feature

Star FoxMultiplayer is the opposite of single-player, and offers a great example of why the Switch 2's mouse functionality is still worth developers' time. When playing in this mode, one player uses the Joy-Con mouse to pilot the ship while the other is in charge of shooting with the second controller. Even better, players can also do this in third-person mode if they find the first-person cockpit perspective more disorienting than immersive.

For those not interested in two-player co-op, Star FoxOnline multiplayer can support up to eight players.

Despite Star Fox's issues with technology, Nintendo's mouse control is the Switch 2's most underrated feature

For the most part, the Switch 2's mouse controls felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful evolution of Nintendo's design. There have been many innovative ideas from Nintendo over the years, and the Joy-Con mouse still feels like it has what it takes to be a diamond in the rough. Several popular Switch 2 games with mouse controls were fun, e.g Metroid Prime 4: Beyondbut there's still a long way to go before this feature becomes a defining part of Nintendo's console identity.

Whether or not mouse controls work for certain games is deeply subjective, but games like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortniteand Mouse: PI for Hire there are only a few games that have had mixed feedback regarding how these controls are used. Due to the small size and mapping of the Joy-Con, it can feel incredibly awkward, although the feedback is great. One of the notoriously clumsy uses of the Switch 2's mouse controls is, surprisingly, a game that was supposed to serve as the main demo feature.

Drag x Drive failed to switch 2 mouse controls

Use Drag x DriveApproaching a wheelchair sports game as a way to emphasize mouse control was a great idea on Nintendo's part, but it also made for a bumpy first impression. While some found the controls to be a wonderful innovation from Nintendo, others found Drag x DriveThe game is uncomfortable and too physically demanding. Nintendo is no stranger to encouraging players to get physical while playing video games. The best example of this is the Nintendo Wii, but Drag x DriveThe mouse-centric mechanics just weren't as engaging as some of the best Wii games over the years, e.g. Just Dance and Wii Sports.

Star Fox may have stumbled upon mouse controls, but it also proves that there is still so much potential

If Star Fox reviews proved anything, is that the Switch 2's mouse control feature could be better suited for multiplayer mechanics. It's true that controls are great for first-person shooters, but many developers just don't seem to know how to make them a natural part of the gaming experience. The Joy-Cons are a great way to grab the attention of the PC gaming crowd. However, if Nintendo really wants to succeed on this front, their use needs to feel less gimmicky and more integral to the entire Switch 2 experience.

Fox looks at his console in Star Fox (2026)

This iteration Star Fox it's the fourth time Nintendo has remade the original game that started the franchise.

Star Fox it may not be a perfect use of the Switch 2's mouse controls, but at least it has a clear point that's a solid reminder that there's still progress to be made. The console was only recently a year old, so there's plenty of time for it to grow and for the developers to get used to this new take on the Joy-Cons.