Metroid news: Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch / Metroid: Samus Returns for Nintendo 3DS

16 June 201716 June 2017 Lite_Agent E3, E3 2017, MercurySteam, Metroid Prime 4, Metroid: Samus Returns

Metroid Prime 4

It’s been almost 10 years since the last Metroid Prime game was announced, and there is no sign of another one coming any time soon and… wait a minute, what’s this?!

That’s right: a new Metroid Prime game, logically called Metroid Prime 4 is now in development for the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, we know absolutely nothing about it, and it’s not even clear when it will be released (not this year, that’s for sure!).

According to the fact sheet, this new entry in the series returns to the “First Person Adventure” roots of the original Metroid Prime game. As far as the story is concerned, the new storyline is said to tie together the events of the Prime universe, and takes it in new directions.

To the surprise of no one, this new project is helmed by the one and only Kensuke Tanabe (Producer), who already worked on all the previous Metroid Prime games. As for who is developing this game, the answer is Retro Studios!…. not. The game is developed by a “talented new development team”, who is working hard on bringing the “action, isolation, and exploration” of the Prime universe to the Nintendo Switch.

Metroid Prime 4 (Switch) does not have a release date yet.

Metroid: Samus Returns

Nintendo had not one, but two new games featuring Samus Aran to reveal during today’s Nintendo Spotlight at E3 2017. The second one is for the Nintendo 3DS, and it’s called Metroid: Samus Returns. It’s actually a remake of the second entry in the series, though it’s obviously barely recognisable.

Here’s the debut trailer for the game:

A classic Metroid adventure returns, rebuilt from the ground up!

Brave the hostile terrain of an alien planet teeming with vicious life forms as legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran. Her mission? Terminate the Metroid menace in this masterful reimagining of her 1991 Game Boy™ adventure. Samus Aran’s arsenal has been enhanced with new moves and abilities that are sure to help her face the deadly surprises that await. This intense, side-scrolling action platformer is a great entry point into the franchise and perfect for returning fans as well, and it’s available only on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Features:

This intense, side-scrolling action platformer has been completely remade with engaging and immersive 3D visuals and a rich, atmospheric color palette.

Classic Metroid II: Return of Samus gameplay is joined by a wealth of new content, including a set of brand new abilities that utilizes a mysterious energy resource called “Aeion,” a powerful melee counterattack, and 360-degree Free Aim Mode.

There are plenty of secrets to find—and if you uncover enough of them, you may even start to unravel the mystery of Planet SR388’s past.

This game is compatible with amiibo, and in fact, it’s getting two new figures: Samus Aran and Metroid (which happens to be all squishy!). If you don’t want to buy any more, no need to worry: the Super Smash Bros. series amiibo (Samus, and Zero Suit Samus) are also compatible. More details about amiibo functionality will be revealed at a later date.

Also, in Japan and North America, Nintendo will release a special edition, including a physical copy of the game, a sound-selection CD featuring 25 tracks from across the franchise, and a reversible title-sheet insert for the game case.

Here’s pictures for the game, the Limited Edition, the new amiibo, and more: