Do I need the original game files to run Star Fox Enhanced PC Port?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

Why doesn't ORIGINAL speed exactly match an SNES replay?

SNES speed varies with the number of models on screen. ORIGINAL pace is an average speed without overload, intended to be as close to original as possible; an ACCURATE option may come in the future.

Will Starfox 2, SF Contest, or Starglider be added?

Starfox 2: yes. SF Contest: maybe. Starglider: maybe.

How do I reset settings to default?

Hold L+R on the pre-game menu until settings reset.

What has the author personally tested the game on?

Retroid Pocket Flip, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Steam Deck, Quest 3, and PC.

Star Fox Enhanced PC Port

PortActive

An existing game or its source code brought to another platform.

Links, repository & details

About

Star Fox Enhanced is a native C++/SDL3 port of UltraStarFox with Original Star Fox and Star Fox EX experiences, high frame rate presentation, widescreen support and optional visual enhancements. The README calls it an alpha release and not a cycle-accurate SNES emulator. It was ported and coded with AI assistance, and a supported unmodified retail ROM is required.

How it differs from the original

Adds presentation rates from 20 to 480 FPS, several aspect ratios up to 32:9, 1x to 4x render upscaling, bloom, enhanced lighting and optional ray-traced shadows, draggable HUD layouts, controller remapping and six language options.

Getting started

Download the package for your platform, place your supported .sfc or .smc ROM beside the executable (or set STARFOX_RETAIL_ROM), and launch; the game validates the ROM and creates a local assets file. Supported ROMs are Star Fox Japan 1.0 and 1.1, USA 1.0 to 1.2, Starwing Europe 1.0 and 1.1, and Starwing Germany 1.0. Then choose Original or Star Fox EX and select Start Game.

Known issues & limitations

This is an alpha release and is not a cycle-accurate SNES emulator.
Hacks, betas, competition cartridges, Star Fox 2, and unknown revisions are unsupported.
Build success does not guarantee identical behavior on every device.
Android/Quest validation APKs use temporary signing keys, are not in release downloads, and cannot update an existing installation.
Higher render scales and additional effects can increase CPU, GPU, and memory use.
HDR Effect processes brightness and contrast; it is not HDR display output.
Ray Tracing replaces original shadows rather than adding a second set.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Windows, Linux, macOS version).

You must supply a supported, unmodified retail ROM; no retail ROM is included.
A 512-byte copier header is accepted.
Optional Original MSU-1 music requires the Starfox-MSU1.PAK file.

Features

Game pace is independent of render FPS; Original Speed preserves source-style slowdown.
The game has a live graphics preview; hold Tab to hide its menu temporarily.
God Mode is optional.
Optional Original MSU-1 music is supported; native SPC music remains available without it.
Packages are listed for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, PS5, Xbox UWP, and VR platforms.

How to install

Download the package for your platform; desktop users should extract it into a writable folder before launching.
On desktop, put the supported .sfc/.smc ROM beside the executable or set STARFOX_RETAIL_ROM to its path; mobile apps provide a first-launch file picker.
Windows users can extract and run starfox_pc.exe.

Controls

Arrow keys or the D-pad/left stick control the D-pad.
Controls can be remapped under Options → Controller.
Escape opens exit confirmation.
Outside setup, Tab, Ctrl+Tab, and Ctrl+Shift+Tab activate 2×, 3×, and 5× fast-forward.
Ctrl+F1 saves and Ctrl+F2 loads the selected state slot.

Summarised from the project's README.

Additional notes

Platforms: Packages are listed for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, PS5, Xbox UWP, and experimental PCVR, Quest 3 and Steam Frame builds.
Not supported: Hacks, betas, competition cartridges, Star Fox 2 and unknown ROM revisions are not supported.

FAQ

What is Star Fox Enhanced PC Port?: Star Fox Enhanced PC Port is an open-source port. An existing game or its source code brought to another platform. The original game ran on Windows, Linux and macOS.
Do I need the original game files to run Star Fox Enhanced PC Port?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
Why doesn't ORIGINAL speed exactly match an SNES replay?: SNES speed varies with the number of models on screen. ORIGINAL pace is an average speed without overload, intended to be as close to original as possible; an ACCURATE option may come in the future.
Will Starfox 2, SF Contest, or Starglider be added?: Starfox 2: yes. SF Contest: maybe. Starglider: maybe.
How do I reset settings to default?: Hold L+R on the pre-game menu until settings reset.
What has the author personally tested the game on?: Retroid Pocket Flip, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Steam Deck, Quest 3, and PC.