Star Fox on Switch 2 is best without mouse controls

Nintendo's latest remake of Star Fox brings Fox McCloud and his gang to the Switch 2 with improved graphics and gameplay, but the implementation of the console's mouse controls falls short of expectations. Star Fox is one of the biggest Switch 2 releases of the year, so it only 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 the mouse controls more of a hassle than anything actually useful.

Last year when the Switch 2 was officially announced, the reveal of the Joy-Con's mouse functionality was one of the most exciting features included in the console. It was perfect for games like Stardew Valleybecause those types of games feel better when played on a PC. The Joy-Con feature also opened the door for developers to get creative with how the mouse controllers are used, and Star Fox getting close to getting it to work, but not quite.

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After Ocarina of Time and Star Fox, Switch 2's next N64 remake feels obvious

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 struggles to properly display the Switch 2's mouse controls

The big problem with playing Star Fox with mouse controls is that it automatically changes the game to first person mode. Being able to fly in first person sounds like a fun idea at first, but it makes it incredibly difficult to see what's going on around you. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Switch 2's mouse controller issues.

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One thing that makes the experience even more frustrating is that the ship can't be moved around the way it would be in third person. Instead, players must move the crosshairs all the way over to the edge of the screen to actually go anywhere. Maneuvers such as barrel rolls feel really off, and the overall execution is unfortunately rather clumsy. It is good that this Star Fox 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.

To fly in Arwing Star Fox should feel great, and the mouse controls just don't do the trick. However, there is one big exception to the weird mouse controls. They can be offensive to use as a solo player, but they can be a lot of fun when it comes to playing in multiplayer.

Star Fox should have made their mouse control a multiplayer only feature

Star Foxs multiplayer does the opposite of single-player mode and offers a good demonstration of why the Switch 2's mouse functionality is still worth developers' time. When playing in this mode, one player uses a mouse Joy-Con to pilot the ship while the other is responsible for shooting with the other controller. What's even better is that players can even 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 Foxs online multiplayer can support up to eight players.

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

For the most part, the Switch 2's mouse controller has felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful evolution of Nintendo's design. There have been a lot of 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. Some popular Switch 2 games with mouse controls have been fun, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyondbut there's still a long way to go before the feature becomes a defining part of the Nintendo console's identity.

Whether or not the mouse controls work for certain games is deeply subjective, but games that Cyberpunk 2077, Fortniteand Mouse: PI for hire are just some of the games that have received mixed feedback when it comes to how these controls are used. Due to the Joy-Con's small size and mapping, it can feel incredibly awkward, although the feedback is good. One of the most notoriously awkward uses of the Switch 2's mouse controller is, surprisingly, a game that was intended to serve as the feature's main demo.

Drag x Drive failed to make the Switch 2 mouse controls appealing

Using Drag x Drives wheelchair sports game as a way to highlight the mouse controls was a good idea on Nintendo's part, but it also made for an uneven first impression. While some saw the controllers as a wonderful innovation from Nintendo, others found Drag x Drives gameplay uncomfortable and too physically demanding. Nintendo is no stranger to encouraging players to get physical when it comes to playing a video game. Nintendo's Wii is the prime example of this, though Drag x Drives mouse-focused mechanics just weren't as engaging as some of the best Wii games over the years, like Just dance and Wii Sports.

Star Fox may have stumbled with its mouse control, but it also proves that there is still so much potential

If Star Fox reviews have proven anything, it's that the Switch 2's mouse control feature might be better suited for multiplayer mechanics. Sure, the controls are great for first-person shooters, but it seems like many developers just don't know how to make them a natural part of the gaming experience. The mouse Joy-Cons are a brilliant way to get the attention of PC gamers. However, their use needs to feel less gimmicky and more integrated into the entire Switch 2 experience if Nintendo really wants to succeed on that front.

Fox looks at his console in Star Fox (2026)

This iteration of the Star Fox marks the fourth time Nintendo has remade the original game that started the franchise.

Star Fox may not be the perfect use of the Switch 2's mouse controls, but at least it has one bright spot that's a solid reminder that there's still progress to be made. This console recently turned a year old, so there's plenty of time for it to grow and for developers to get more comfortable with this new version of the Joy-Cons.