Uncovering the Silence: Where Are Metroid Prime 2 and 3 Remasters Hiding?

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Title Change for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is unveiled on the launch of Switch 2, following widespread anticipation that it would appear on both the original Switch and the new system before its discontinuation. Given the pattern of Nintendo’s major game announcements aligning with their flagship consoles, it was logical to expect the upcoming Nintendo title would be destined for the next big Nintendo console. Interestingly, while fans had hoped for remasters of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption following the remaster of the initial game, this has yet to materialize. This seems unusual, and it would be beneficial for Nintendo to address this inconsistency before time runs out.

It seemed like Nintendo was preparing to update this highly desired trilogy prior to the release of Metroid Prime 4. In February 2023, Retro Studios and Iron Galaxy remastered the initial game from 2002 for the Switch. This remaster garnered widespread acclaim and sold over a million copies within approximately a month. The updated control scheme with dual sticks played a significant role in modernizing the game, while the enhanced visuals were impressive, but the remaster largely relied on the strength of its original design, despite some confusing mission instructions at times.

For a while now, there have been whispers about the remastered versions of Metroid Prime 2 and 3. Last summer, well-known leaker Jeff Grubb from Giant Bomb suggested that the remaster of Prime 2 would be coming soonish, with him previously stating that the remasters for 2 and 3 would be less extensive compared to the first one. Other sources have partially supported Grubb’s claims. A user on ResetEra even speculated that Nintendo might outsource the remastering of 2 and 3, as Retro Studios is reportedly too busy working on 4 to complete a full trilogy remake (contradicting the notion that these remasters are already completed). Nintendo has not yet confirmed these rumors, but given their ongoing and scattered nature over multiple years, it seems likely that more remasters might be in development.

If the remasters are indeed on schedule, now would be the ideal time to make them available. As for Metroid Prime 4, a definite release date is yet to be set, with only a tentative 2025 timeline, but every moment counts. They were absent from both the recent Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 presentations, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. However, it’s worth noting that the remaster of the first game was quietly released shortly after the Direct that announced it in 2023, suggesting a possibility that similar surprises might occur with the heavily speculated remasters of the subsequent two games.

Remastering Metroid Prime 2 and 3 would be significant for several reasons. Firstly, updating classic games to run on newer systems allows them to reach a fresh audience that may have missed out on playing them originally. With digital storefronts now supporting multiple generations of hardware, it’s more feasible than ever for older games to find new life. Since Prime 2 is nearly 21 years old and Prime 3 is approximately 18 years old, they’ve missed out on an entire generation or two of gamers.

Furthermore, the recent success of Metroid Dread in 2022 as the best-selling Metroid game to date suggests that there are many new fans who may have only experienced their first taste of the series with the initial remaster. Hardcore fans, who already appreciate the quality of the Metroid series and have been eagerly awaiting new releases, would likely jump at the opportunity to revisit these classics once they’re updated for modern systems.

For gamers, both veterans and newcomers, it’s advantageous to have an entire series accessible on a single platform because it provides additional context, such as witnessing Retro’s transformation of the series into 3D and how the studio evolved through several sequels. Experiencing these games firsthand offers a more enlightening experience compared to watching someone else play them on YouTube. These games remain relevant today due to their uniqueness, as there aren’t many other games like them in the market. While Samus’ 2D legacy has been carried on by numerous titles, 3D games similar to Metroid Prime are scarce. With Journey to the Savage Planet being an exception, exploring and scanning an alien planet in a fully realized 3D world is not a common feature seen often in other games, emphasizing the freshness and originality that the Prime series still offers in gameplay.

In the upcoming game, “Prime 4,” there’s a continuation of storylines from previous games. A character named Sylux, who made an ominous appearance in the recent trailer and extended demo, was first introduced in the DS game “Metroid Prime Hunters” and appeared in special endings for “Prime 3” and the co-op game “Metroid Prime: Federation Force” on the 3DS. While it’s expected that “Prime 4” will provide a summary of past events, some players might appreciate more detailed backstory about Sylux within the actual games themselves.

Having Metroid Prime remasters available for the Switch 2 launch could provide additional high-quality games, as there are already several well-known titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Yakuza 0, Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077, and enhanced Zelda games scheduled. However, a classic first-party game that hasn’t been officially released since the scarce Wii bundle would still be notable. If Nintendo keeps its tradition of offering these remasters at an affordable price, like $39.99 for Metroid Prime Remastered, it could stand out even more due to the higher overall launch prices.

There’s a strong possibility that Nintendo will soon re-release Metroid Prime 2, given the upcoming art book release and the hint of a remastered first game in 2025. It seems less a question of “if” and more a matter of “when.” However, time is running out as the best impact would be felt if these games were re-released before Metroid Prime 4 hits the shelves. Since both Metroid Prime 2 and 3 are excellent games that stand on their own merit without needing a sequel, it would make sense to release them strategically for maximum effect – and now could be the ideal moment to do so.

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2025-04-10 05:14