Metroidis undeniably one of the most influential video game franchises of all time, but for a while, it felt like it was being neglected by Nintendo. During the 2010s,Metroidfans had barely anything to look forward to. The only new mainline entry in the series that was released in this decade wasMetroid: Other M, a Team Ninja-developed third-person shooter that came out on the Wii in 2010. As many may know by now, the reception toMetroid: Other Mwasn’t exactly glowing. While it did garner modest sales and decent reviews from critics, the game was considered a resounding failure by Nintendo. After its debut, the Japanese company released a mere twoMetroidgames over the next 10 years: the critically panned spin-off,Metroid: Federation Force, and the well-received remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.
Luckily, things have gotten a lot better for theMetroidfranchise in recent times. In 2021,Nintendo announced and releasedMetroid Dread, the once-canceled 2DMetroidgame that had been lingering in development for several years. Afterward, it shadow-droppedMetroid Prime Remasteredduring a Nintendo Direct in early 2023. Nintendo also announced earlier this year that the long-awaitedMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwould finally come out sometime in 2025. Apparently, this game won’t be the onlyMetroidtitle hitting the Switch next year because, if recent rumors are to be believed, remasters ofMetroid Prime 2: EchoesandMetroid Prime 3: Corruptionmay be released in the coming months, as well.
Nintendo May Release Both Metroid Prime 4 and Metroid Prime 2+3 Remasters in 2025
A New Rumor Suggests That Metroid Prime 2 and 3 Will Come to Switch Early Next Year
In response to a tweet from a Nintendo news account about the recently-announcedMetroid Prime 1-3art book, an insider named Samus Huntermade a post on X (formerly) Twitterdiscussing the future ofMetroid.In this tweet, they alleged that the entireMetroidPrimetrilogy would be playable on the Nintendo Switch sometime before summer 2025. They then claimed thata remaster ofMetroid Prime 2was meant to come out as a standalone title, but it was hit by a few delays and is now planned for release early next year. Samus Hunter’s use of the phrase “was planned as a standalone release” suggests that theMetroid Prime 2remaster is no longer going to be sold separately. Instead, it’ll be bundled and released alongside the rumoredMetroid Prime 3remaster.
…[Metroid Prime 2 Remastered] was planned as a standalone release but got moved a couple of times and now is planned for early next year, likely between DKCRHD and Xenoblade Chronicles X.
It’s not exactly clear when these rumored remasters will be announced or released, assuming they even exist, but Samus Hunter does have some theories on the matter. According to the insider, it’s likely thatMetroid Prime 2 Remastered(and presumablyMetroid Prime 3 Remastered, as well) will be released sometime betweenthe launches ofDonkey Kong Country Returns HDandXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. The former of these two games is scheduled to debut on Jun 08, 2025, while the latter is meant to come out on March 20. Samus Hunter says that they “wouldn’t rule out an announcement” of theMetroid Primeremasters at The Game Awards, but they state that they “have no information on that.”
Metroid Prime 2 and 3 Are Still Great, But Remasters of Them Would Be Very Welcome
TheMetroid Primegames still hold up in terms of gameplay and narrative, but they’re definitely not new.Metroid Prime 2:Echoeslaunched asa GameCube exclusivein 2004. Meanwhile,Metroid Prime 3: Corruptionwas released for the Wii in 2007. If these games are being planned for the Switch, as Samus Hunter says, then it would be great if they get the same treatment that the firstMetroid Primeinstallment received in its modern re-release. 2023’sMetroid Prime Remasteredwas labeled as a simple remaster, but it felt like more of a remake since its graphics were greatly improved compared to the base game. Instead of slightly upgraded ports, “remasters” ofMetroid Prime 2and3in this manner would be ideal.
TheMetroidseries has long been underutilized by Nintendo. However,withMetroid Prime 4: Beyondscheduled to release next year, and remasters ofMetroid Prime 2and3reportedly on the horizon, 2025 has the potential to be the greatest year inMetroidhistory since 2004.
Metroid Prime Remastered
WHERE TO PLAY
Intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran receives a distress signal from a wrecked frigate in orbit around planet Tallon IV. Upon investigation, the frigate reveals itself to be a Space Pirate research vessel home to terrifying genetic experiments using the mysterious Phazon substance. There, Samus encounters her nemesis, Meta Ridley, whom she pursues to the surface of Tallon IV. It’s up to her alone to explore the planet’s interconnected regions, investigate its dark secrets, and end the intergalactic threat posed by Phazon.Experience this critically acclaimed first-person adventure like never before with remastered visuals, audio, controls, and more.
