4-Player Split Screen and Online Squads: Star Fox Update 1.2.0 Brings Couch Multiplayer Back to Switch 2
The Arwing dogfight experience on Nintendo Switch 2 just received its most anticipated upgrade. Nintendo has officially deployed version 1.2.0 of Star Fox, introducing full 4-player local split screen to Battle mode.
Starting today, pilots can gather on the same couch and jump straight into local dogfights on a single console. It marks an authentic revival of the legendary living-room showdowns first made famous during the Nintendo 64 era.
Couch Multiplayer Returns on a Single Console
Launching a local match requires only a controller for each pilot. Official patch notes confirm native support for both Joy-Con 2 and original Joy-Con controllers held horizontally in solo single-pad orientation.
Performance remains locked at a rock-solid 60 frames per second in docked mode, delivering fluid action without compromising volumetric lighting or planetary backgrounds. It represents a stellar showcase for owners of the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware bundles.
Online Squad Matchmaking and Three Classic Arenas
Online competitive play receives an equally substantial overhaul. Couch pilots playing in split-screen can now party up as a local squad and queue directly into global online matchmaking together.
To celebrate the competitive expansion, Nintendo added 3 iconic arenas to Battle mode. Combat now extends across the orbital platforms of Katina, through the dangerous mechanical debris of Sector X, and around the perimeter of Venom, expanding the total arena pool to 6 maps.
New offensive and defensive pickups also enter rotation. Deployable deflector barriers and reverse-lock thermal missiles give sharp pilots new tactical tools to reverse dogfight momentum instantly.
Campaign Polish and Lobby Host Migration
Campaign pilots also benefit from targeted quality-of-life improvements. Boss attack telegraphs and laser projectile visuals have been refined, providing clearer threat indicators during chaotic encounters.
Network reliability gains a vital safeguard as well. Matchmaking lobbies no longer dissolve when the host leaves early, as the server now migrates host privileges automatically without disconnecting active players.
This aggressive update pace reinforces the ambitious vision Nintendo outlined when unveiling the title, previously covered in our breakdown of the September 2026 Nintendo Direct.
My Take: Pure Nintendo Arcade Magic
By delivering full four-player split screen on a single console without requiring separate systems, Nintendo brings Star Fox back to its purest social roots.
Star Fox was easily one of my favorite go-to games back in the day. Like many of us veteran gamers running on pure nostalgia, I definitely will not resist jumping straight back into the Arwing cockpit for a few dogfights tonight!
Combining chaotic local multiplayer with online squad matchmaking gives the Switch 2 its definitive arcade dogfight showcase. Couch multiplayer has officially reclaimed its throne.
SEO consultant for over 20 years and digital entrepreneur, Charles 'Grimtag' Ronchain is the founder of Pro-Gamer.gg, Retrocharting.com, and Gamescharting.com. A competitive gamer, streamer, and retro game collector, he has worked in the video game industry for over 15 years, notably as a consultant for leading game price comparison platforms. Passionate about real-time performance data and gaming technology, he analyzes competitive esports, gaming hardware benchmarks, and creator workflows on Pro-Gamer.gg with an authentic player perspective.
