Previously unreleased till the release of the SNES Classic Mini.
A ROM image was leaked of an early alpha version of the game, which came from a source code archive dating to when the game was in early development. This version features a rudimentary multiplayer mode. Another ROM, compiled from the latest known source code before the project was canceled, can also be found-this version is nearly complete and contains minor bugs, debug code, and unfinished features, however, it lacks the multiplayer mode found in the alpha version. These ROMs can be played using a SNES emulator and can be run on real hardware if burned to a cartridge with a Super FX chip. Additionally, a fan-made patch can be added to the near-final ROM, which fixes most of the bugs, removes the debug code and the unfinished features, and translates the game's dialog into English, although a version of this patch also exists without the language translation.
According to lead programmer Dylan Cuthbert, after Star Fox 2 was completed, Nintendo canceled its release due to the imminent release of the Nintendo 64; producer Shigeru Miyamoto wanted a "clean break" between 3D games on the consoles. Nintendo also wanted to avoid comparisons with 3D games on the more powerful PlayStation and Sega Saturn consoles.