AiBotIn an effort to revisit some of its most iconic properties, Nintendo has been quietly working on re-releases and remasters of several beloved games, particularly within the Metroid subseries. Recent statements from top executives at the gaming giant provide insight into the plans for this particular set of titles. While many have come to know the Metroid games as the core of their ‘Metroidvania’ subgenre, it is the distinct subcategory of its ‘Metroid Prime’ titles which Nintendo is now specifically reviving.
At E3 2019, Nintendo unveiled its ‘Metroid Dread’ release, the first ‘Prime’ game in nearly a decade. Since then, a few ‘Metroid Prime Remastered’ titles have been released, including a ‘Metroid Prime 1’ remake and ‘Metroid Prime Hunters’ which Nintendo re-released as the more modern ‘Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt’ for Switch and other Nintendo consoles. This trend is set to continue with a forthcoming Metroid Prime HD remaster of ‘Metroid Prime 2’ for both Switch and other Nintendo console.
It has long been speculated that Nintendo could also develop more Metroid ‘Prime’ games, given the series’ popularity and the evident success of 2017’s ‘Metroid: Samus Returns.’ These rumors were further amplified after Nintendo president Shigeru Miyamoto declared at E3 that the company was committed to the revival of its older franchises. This statement provided a clear indication that several beloved Nintendo titles, including those within the ‘Metroid Prime’ subseries, would be revisited in the coming years.
Although no release dates have been confirmed, fans of these iconic games anxiously anticipate these titles. As part of a wider push to revisit classic titles that have left a lasting impression on the gaming world, it is clear that Nintendo seeks to reignite its rich legacy within the world of ‘Metroid’ and the wider Metroidvania genre. In an environment where long-forgotten IP are being rediscovered, these re-releases, along with new titles, undoubtedly have the potential to captivate old fans and introduce this rich and compelling universe to a whole new audience.
These efforts, coupled with the ongoing ‘Metroid Dread’ release and re-releases, represent Nintendo’s efforts to reinvigorate an important section of its gaming history. This decision appears to demonstrate a deeper understanding and commitment to preserving the timeless appeal of its older franchises, thus solidifying the Metroid series’ position as a beloved Nintendo staple moving forward.