Co-Op Campaign — Split Joy-Con & GameShare
Last updated: June 2026
Campaign Co-Op Overview
Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 revives split-role co-op for the full story campaign. One player pilots the Arwing, Landmaster, or Blue-Marine while a second player acts as dedicated gunner using Joy-Con 2 mouse targeting. Nintendo designed the mode for Campaign and Challenge — not Battle Mode — so partners can experience every branching stage, both endings, and Expert medals together on one console or across GameShare.
Split Joy-Con Local Co-Op
Local co-op requires only one Switch 2 system and one game copy. From the title screen, choose Co-Op: Local, then assign roles on the squad select screen.
Pilot Responsibilities
- Full flight control: steer, boost, brake, barrel rolls, somersaults, U-turns
- Route objectives — Falco rescue, stone arches, warp rings, Zoness stealth
- Wingmate awareness and shield ring collection
- Radio responses to Peppy and ROB for hidden path hints
Gunner Responsibilities
- Laser fire, charged shots, and smart bombs via mouse or right-stick assist
- Hit count maintenance for Sector Y and medal thresholds
- Priority targeting — missiles on Sector Z, buoys on Zoness, train switches on Macbeth
- Bomb timing on clustered enemies during all-range boss phases
Detach Joy-Con 2 controllers and hand the right unit to the gunner in mouse posture (sensor down). The pilot uses the left Joy-Con horizontally or a Pro Controller. Practice on Corneria before attempting the hard route; co-op pairs often fail Zoness when the pilot outruns the gunner's field of view.
GameShare Campaign Co-Op
GameShare lets a host share campaign access with a friend who does not own the cartridge. On Switch 2, online GameShare runs through GameChat: the host starts a session, invites a guest, and assigns gunner or pilot remotely. The guest downloads a temporary package and plays alongside the host's progress in real time.
Local GameShare also works couch-side — pass a Joy-Con 2 to a visitor on the same couch without Nintendo Switch Online. For online story co-op, both players need NSO membership and stable connections; latency spikes hurt Sector Z missile timing more than on-rails stages.
Progress and Saves
Campaign progress saves to the host profile. Guests participate for the session but do not copy unlocks to their account unless they complete missions on their own save later. Holoviewer logs, Challenge completions, and amiibo Battle Banner unlocks apply to the host file. Medals earned during co-op register on the host stage select screen.
Co-Op by Mission Type
| Mission Type | Pilot | Gunner | Co-Op Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-rails Arwing | Steer through rings and arches | Mouse aim at swarms | Call ring locations aloud |
| All-range (Sector Y, Bolse) | Position for 360° coverage | Sweep reticle behind the ship | Assign left/right sectors verbally |
| Landmaster | Drive and hop-dodge | Turret on pillars / Spyborgs | Pilot circles while gunner clears sky |
| Blue-Marine | Throttle and depth | Torpedoes on Bacoon | Slow passes over weak points |
| Escort (Sector Z) | Intercept missile paths | Focus fire on Copperheads | Prioritize closest threat first |
Difficulty and Continues
Co-op respects the selected difficulty — Novice grants more continues, Expert removes recovery items. Shared lives pool to the campaign; if both players ship out, continue from the stage start or checkpoint after cutscene. Expert co-op on Zoness and Area 6 demands split callouts for stealth buoys and Star Wolf intercepts.
Setting Up for Success
Before a long session, calibrate mouse sensitivity in control settings, disable film grain if glare affects the IR sensor, and agree on route targets using the route map. Pairs hunting Venom II should rehearse Sector Y hit farming — the gunner stacks hits while the pilot loops enemies in all-range mode.
For online hosting steps, voice chat options, and lobby privacy, continue to the online multiplayer guide. Battle Mode 4v4 team fights use separate matchmaking and are documented on the battle mode page.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
From the title screen, select Co-Op: Local. Attach or detach Joy-Con 2 controllers, assign Pilot and Gunner roles, then choose difficulty and starting route as usual.
Yes. Every Campaign and Challenge mission supports co-op, including Landmaster, Blue-Marine, and all-range boss stages. Cutscenes play from the pilot account progress.
Both players share the run; medals unlock for the host save file. Hit counts combine pilot positioning and gunner accuracy — communicate during Sector Y for 100+ hits.
Yes. The host uses GameShare via GameChat to stream campaign access to one guest on Switch 2. Online GameShare co-op requires GameChat; local couch co-op needs only one copy on one console.
Gunner precision helps medal runs, but the pilot must keep targets in view — co-op feels more intense than solo for many pairs. Difficulty scaling is unchanged; enemies do not get extra health.
Yes. Return to the character select screen between stages or after game over to swap roles. Mouse-capable Joy-Con 2 should stay with the gunner for best results.
Local GameShare supports sharing between Switch and Switch 2 for compatible titles. Mouse targeting and online GameShare co-op are Switch 2 features; original Switch can join some local sessions without mouse aim.