Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is Almost Here, Where Are Prime 2 and 3 Remastered?

by

This week’s Nintendo Direct was underwhelming for many viewers, but fans were delighted by the unveiling of a new Metroid Prime 4: Beyond trailer. Although no official release date has been announced, it appears that Nintendo is aiming for a 2025 launch window, with gamers able to play the shooter on their Switches later this year.

Given that Beyond is now slated for a 2025 launch, fans can’t help but ponder the reasons behind the absence of re-releases for Metroid Prime 2 and 3 on the Nintendo Switch.

Following the surprise launch of the original Prime Remaster, which left fans spellbound with its stunning graphics, there was widespread anticipation for subsequent installments in the series. Whispers soon began circulating that Prime 2 and 3 might make their way onto the Switch platform. However, these rumors hinted at a straightforward re-release rather than an upgraded remaster.

As the launch of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond approaches, fans can’t help but ponder why the sequels two and three haven’t been ported to the current system so far.

As a dedicated gamer, let me tell you this: The narrative flow seems to have taken a leap between Prime and Beyond in the Metroid series. Now, don’t get me wrong, these games aren’t always about the story, but having the other games available on the Switch would fill that gap, providing an engaging gaming marathon. It also allows us fans to witness the evolution of the series with each new installment, another reason why preserving games is crucial.

It would have been great if Prime 2 and 3 were given an update, ensuring the series maintained a unified visual style. Since Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Prime Remastered utilize the same graphics engine, it would be pleasing to see this consistency extended to the earlier games as well. However, we realize that creating a new graphics engine is no small feat, so simple high-definition remasters of Prime 2 and 3 would have sufficed in maintaining visual cohesion across the series.

If Nintendo had taken the approach they used for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword by offering a version with button controls and enhanced quality-of-life features for both Prime 2 and 3, fans likely would have accepted it without much issue.

It’s likely that Nintendo aims to maximize their earnings by offering each game individually rather than in a bundle, similar to how they marketed Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD on its own instead of as part of a collection with the original game.

It’s unfortunate that the Nintendo Switch appears to be receiving Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and a remake of Prime, but not Prime 2 and 3. Although there’s always a chance Nintendo might secretly launch those games too, it seems unlikely given how close we are to Beyond’s release.

In simpler terms, the release of Metroid Prime Beyond is expected to be top-notch and delight many fans. However, if all games from this series were available on a single platform, it would bring even more joy to the enthusiasts.

Read More

2025-03-28 15:43