Ethan Crossfield 
Star Fox is back this weekend in a way that matters right now: a Switch 2 remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 classic is available, giving players an accessible entry point into a beloved format while the rest of the platform lineup stays busy with demos, story-driven adventures, and quick-play diversions.
What happened
The headline arrival is Star Fox, a remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 game that has landed on Switch 2. The release is positioned as a faithful revisitation rather than a reinvention, and the early pitch is simple: if you already know and love Star Fox 64, the remake aims to deliver that same appeal with modern presentation.
Beyond the main release, the weekend lineup is rounded out by several Switch/Switch 2-friendly options. The Drifter—originally released on Steam in July of the previous year—now shows up on both Switch and Switch 2, with an emphasis on its mystery premise and point-and-click structure that’s designed to be played with a controller.
If you want something lighter and more “feel-based,” Rhythm Heaven Groove offers a free demo on Switch. It’s centered on rhythm minigames, and the weekend hook is that you can sample the first collection without committing to the full purchase.
For action fans, Dark Scrolls is an auto-scrolling experience from Doinksoft, offering three different starting characters with different offensive styles, plus upgrades that can change how your runs play out.
Why it matters
This weekend’s value proposition is about variety—and platform momentum. Star Fox’s remake gives Switch 2 owners a major nostalgia-driven release that also highlights what the genre does well: flying the Arwing “feels right,” and the remake’s presentation aims to refresh each world without losing the core identity of the original.
At the same time, the rest of the picks cater to different play sessions. The Drifter’s controller-first point-and-click approach is a strong fit for players who want a slower, thoughtful mystery rather than another fast twitch experience. Rhythm Heaven Groove’s demo is also a practical choice: rhythm games can be hard to judge from trailers, and the recommendation here is to experience the “playing music” sensation directly.
Dark Scrolls, meanwhile, leans into structure that rewards persistence. Auto-scrolling can be polarizing, but the game’s upgrades and branching goals are presented as the reason it clicks after a few attempts—especially if you like squeezing in a run between larger titles.
Finally, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is framed as the best current place to experience the sixth mainline entry, keeping the series’ core fighting mechanics while adding mission-driven DOA Quest content and a larger character roster, plus a free-to-play Core Fighters edition for sampling.
What to watch next
If you’re playing on Switch or Switch 2, the immediate “watch next” items are the demos and entry points: Rhythm Heaven Groove’s free demo and The Drifter’s availability on both platforms make it easy to test new genres without overcommitting.
For players who want a longer weekend arc, Dark Scrolls is positioned around run-to-run progression and a goal of reaching a castle, along with a focus on improving survival across repeated attempts.
And for fighting game fans, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is set up as a convenient re-entry: the package includes a full roster and supports a limited free sample via Core Fighters, which can help determine whether you want the complete experience before you dive deeper.
Weekend takeaways
- Start with Star Fox if you want a Switch 2 remake that prioritizes faithful feel—especially if you played Star Fox 64 on Nintendo 64.
- Try Rhythm Heaven Groove via its free Switch demo first; rhythm games are best judged by how they play, not how they look in trailers.
- If you’re in the mood for a controller-friendly mystery, The Drifter is available on both Switch and Switch 2 now.
- For quick but challenging sessions, Dark Scrolls’ auto-scrolling runs and upgrade-driven progression are built for repeat attempts.
- Fighting game newcomers can sample Dead or Alive 6 Last Round through the free-to-play Core Fighters edition before committing to the full roster.
Expert View
Star Fox landing on Switch 2 feels like the right kind of “platform moment”: not just a remaster-style convenience, but a reminder that faithful remakes can still be persuasive when they preserve the feel of the original. Meanwhile, the rest of the weekend recommendations are smartly segmented—demos for rhythm, controller-friendly mystery for slower evenings, and run-based action for players who want momentum without a massive time sink. For Switch/Switch 2 owners, that mix is exactly what makes a weekend lineup worth chasing.
