Metroid Prime 2 and 3 Could Come to Switch Before Prime 4?

The excitement surrounding Metroid Prime 4 is building, with its release date set for December 4, but I can't help but ask, could Metroid Prime 2 and 3 be re-released before the next chapter hits? This time through the recently released Metroid Prime 1 through 3 visual retrospective book, which went live on October 28, this possibility is looking more real as each day passes.  

This book dives deep into the development of the trilogy, particularly focusing on Prime 2 and 3, and includes comments that might hint at the series producer's desire to re-release Prime 2. 

The retrospective book sheds light on the development process and creative decisions behind Prime 2 and 3, and some comments from Kensuke Tanabe, the series producer, suggest that he's aware of the interest in Prime 2. Tanabe points out that Retro Studios finished Prime 2's multiplayer mode without sacrificing quality.  

At the time, the mode was designed for local play, meaning few players actually experienced it. Tanabe expressed a desire for more players to experience this multiplayer in the future, which my wishful soul thinks could hint at a remake or re-release. 

Sources like Nash Weedle claim that every Metroid Prime game could eventually make its way to Nintendo Switch, including lil-bro titles like Prime Hunters and Prime Pinball. If these leaks are accurate, these games would likely be released as a collection.  

Looking into the book, one section specifically highlights Prime 2's local multiplayer mode.  

Tanabe writes, "Retro finished the multiplayer mode without compromising on quality, even under such challenging conditions. Being of its time, it was designed for local play, so the number of players who actually experienced it might not have been very large. If it is remade, I’d be delighted for more people to have the chance to experience it." 

The book also reveals that a full multiplayer-focused follow-up to the original Metroid Prime was initially proposed due to the tight development schedule for the sequel. After completing the first Prime, Nintendo tasked Retro Studios with moving quickly on the next project.  

There was even a proposal to develop a multiplayer-focused "Prime 1.5," but ultimately, multiplayer features were incorporated into Prime 2. Retro Studios aimed to create a robust standalone sequel under a strict schedule, making quick decisions during the final three to four months of development.  

Translators at Nintendo had to read different sections of Retro's English design materials simultaneously to make rapid decisions. 

The Metroid Prime 1-3 visual retrospective is now available for purchase. Tanabe's comments regarding the multiplayer mode suggest he wants more players to experience it than originally did. Today, multiplayer games are often played online by large audiences. Back when Prime 2 launched, its multiplayer was relatively niche.  

As we approach the release of Metroid Prime 4, the marketing leading up to it has been sort of quiet. Since the last trailer revealing the Vi-O-La bike, information has been scarce. Nintendo Dream magazine recently provided some updates on Prime 4. Based on the current situation, there's a 50/50 chance we'll see a dedicated Metroid Prime 4 Direct about a month before its release. 

Some amiibo release dates are already known, including Samus and Samus with Vi-O-La, scheduled for November 6. This timing coincides with the release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, so Nintendo's got to figure out what to prioritize. If Nintendo plans to release Prime 2 and 3 in the lead-up to Prime 4, this window would give players a chance to revisit the older titles.  

Some insiders who previously had inside information on Metroid Prime 1 Remastered suggested that Prime 2 and 3 could see releases. It was later clarified that if these games do release, they might come through Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). This could apply to Prime 2 and 3, as the NSO service has already added GameCube titles. 

Nintendo has experience with simple HD ports leading up to major releases.  

For instance, Pikmin 1 and 2 received HD updates in a Nintendo Direct before Pikmin 4 launched. So I have even more reason to believe that Prime 2 and 3 will follow that pattern. While Prime 1 Remastered is already available for $40 on Switch, Prime 2 and 3 remain absent. These games are significant for the storyline and could provide essential context leading into Prime 4. 

But, mind you, details can shift as release plans evolve. Recently, we considered a potential Metroid Prime 4 Direct after hearing conflicting reports. If Nintendo can offer nearly two hours of pre-release content for other games like Kirby Air Riders, it seems reasonable that Prime 4 would receive a similar focus. A dedicated Direct seems like the best way to honor the title. 

Holiday-season advertising has hinted at Prime 4's impressive technical capabilities, such as 4K at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, which could become talking points in a potential focus Direct. This event would also be an ideal opportunity for Nintendo to finally reveal remastered versions of Prime 2 and 3. 

With Metroid Prime 4 just over a month away, this could be the perfect time for Nintendo to give fans one last chance to revisit the older games before diving into the next chapter.