Star Fox (Switch 2) Controls & Aiming
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Star Fox on Switch 2 is easy to pick up but rewards a few advanced moves — and adds Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming for pinpoint shots. Lock these in and bosses, dodging and medals all get easier. Peppy's famous line is real advice: the barrel roll is your best defense.
Core flight controls
| Action | Input | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Move | Left stick | Steer your vehicle |
| Fire | Fire button | Lasers (hold to charge) |
| Bomb | Bomb button | Smart bomb — big AoE |
| Boost | Boost button | Burst of speed |
| Brake | Brake button | Slow down / drop back |
| Barrel roll | Roll button, twice | Deflect lasers, brief shield |
| Somersault | Brake + Boost | Flip to face behind you |
| Loop / U-turn | Boost + pull back | Vertical dodge / reverse |
Exact button layout follows your controller; remap in the options. The moves above exist on Pro Controller, Joy-Con 2, and the N64 Wireless Controller.
Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming (new)
Switch 2's headline addition: slide a Joy-Con 2 like a mouse to move the reticle independently of your flight path. It's great for:
- Snapping onto boss weak points.
- Padding your hit count for medals.
- Precise shots in tight corridors (Sector X) and all-range battles.
It's optional — stick aiming works fine, and the N64 Wireless Controller is there for purists.
How to do a barrel roll (the important one)
Press the roll button twice, fast. The vehicle spins and:
- Deflects enemy lasers entirely while spinning.
- Gives a short defense boost.
- Helps you slip between obstacles.
Use it constantly during boss laser volleys — it's how you survive Star Wolf and Andross.
Charged shots = more damage
Hold fire until the reticle flashes, then release for a lock-on charged shot that tracks a target and splashes nearby enemies. Use it on boss weak points and enemy clusters.
Vehicle controls
Three vehicles return:
- Arwing — air and space combat (barrel roll, somersault, loop).
- Landmaster tank — Titania and Macbeth; it can hover-boost and roll too.
- Blue-Marine submarine — Aquas; fire torpedoes and dodge in 3D.
Next: put these moves to work in the walkthrough and against every boss.
FAQ
- How do you do a barrel roll in Star Fox (Switch 2)?
- Tap the roll button (a shoulder button) twice quickly. The Arwing spins, deflecting incoming lasers and briefly boosting your defense — it's the most important move in the game.
- Does Star Fox on Switch 2 have mouse aiming?
- Yes. The game supports Joy-Con 2 mouse-mode targeting, letting you aim the reticle precisely by sliding the Joy-Con like a mouse. It's optional — you can still play with sticks.
- Can you use an N64 controller for Star Fox on Switch 2?
- Yes. Star Fox supports the Nintendo 64 Wireless Controller (the Switch Online accessory) for a classic feel, alongside the Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2.