With only a few weeks remaining until theNintendo Switch 2Direct, speculation over the new console’s software library will be reaching a fever pitch. There’s almost no doubt that Nintendo will be curating an impressive line-up of titles from its most popular franchises, whether that includesThe Legend of ZeldaorAnimal Crossing. The company has already given us a glimpse as to what the Switch 2’s library could look like, with the console’s initial reveal trailer showing off the next game in theMario Kartseries.
Over the past few months, I have sunk my teeth into speculation on the potential line-up of titles for the Switch 2, filling me with even greater anticipation for Nintendo’s showcase in April. However, one rumor surroundinga certain Switch 2 release has me far more excited than even the newMario Karthas been able to achieve. Not only would this title strengthen the Switch 2’s launch line-up, but the game would serve as a perfect showcase of the new console’s capabilities, making me ecstatic over its potential inclusion.
Metroid Prime 4 Could Release On The Switch 2
The Game Could Be The Highlight Of Nintendo’s April Direct
As reported byNintendo Life, the hugely-anticipatedMetroid Prime 4: Beyondcould release on the Switch 2. This is based on a rumor from podcast host and interviewerReece Reilly, who has ties to multiple developers who have worked or are currently working on theMetroid Primeseries, adding some credibility to the rumor. Reece states in a post made toBlueskythatMetroid Prime 4will be showcased during the Switch 2 Direct in April.
WhileMetroid Prime 4’s potential release on the Switch 2 is certainly exciting, it doesn’t come as a major shock.Nintendo is no stranger to cross-gen releases, having most recently used this strategy forThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which was released on both the Wii U and the Switch. Moreover,relegatingMetroid Prime 4to being a Switch exclusive when the Switch 2 is set to release would cause the game to be overlooked, even with the new console’s backwards compatibility, meaning a cross-gen release would help to ensure the title’s success.
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However, this rumor piqued my interest based on another claim that Reece Reilly made in his BlueSky post, stating thatMetroid Prime 4’s showcase during the Switch 2 Direct “would blow everything else out of the water”. This statement has only made me more excited aboutMetroid Prime 4’s release, giving an indication of the huge scale that the game will possess.That’s not even comparing this to the other major titles that will likely be shown off during the Switch 2 Direct, speaking volumes to the ambition that could potentially be found inMetroid Prime 4.
Why Metroid Prime 4 Could Be A Better Launch Title Than Others
Metroid Has Always Been One Of Nintendo’s Best Franchises
What has me excited about the possibility ofMetroid Prime 4coming to Switch 2 is the timing of its release. With no specific release date having been provided forMetroid Prime 4,the game could potentially serve as one of the Switch 2’s major launch titles. If this is indeed the case, I couldn’t think of a better game that the Switch 2 could launch alongside, even considering the possibility of other titlessuch as the newMario Kartgame making up the rest of the console’s launch line-up.
Metroidis easily one of Nintendo’s best franchises, with many of the series' titles serving as some of the company’s greatest offerings.Not only doesMetroidoffer you a range of immersive sci-fi experiences of a more mature tonethan what is typically seen by Nintendo, but the series continuously pushes and challenges conventions with almost every entry. Titles likeSuper MetroidandMetroid Primeare not only beloved, butrevolutionary for the changes they have brought to the Metroidvania genre as a whole.
It’s also worth noting thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyondis currently one of the most anticipated titles from Nintendo, having first been announced in 2017. The growing anticipation of the game means its potential inclusion in the Switch 2’s launch line-up would certainly be a boost for the new console.
Metroid Prime 4looks to be continuing this tradition, and that’s what makes it the most ideal launch title for the Switch 2. While titles such as the newMario Kartgame will certainly be ideal for boosting the sales success of the Switch 2 at launch,Metroid Prime 4would serve as a showcase of the groundbreaking experiences that the console will offer. The game’s presence will help to broaden the Switch 2’s appeal by giving the new console this sense of ambition with its software line-up, makingMetroid Prime 4the ideal launch title.
Prime 4 Would Be A Perfect Showcase of The Switch 2’s Capabilities
The Game’s Already Stunning Presentation Could Be Made Even Better
That’s not even mentioning howMetroid Prime 4could be used to showcase the Switch 2’s more powerful capabilities. WhenMetroid Prime 4was first unveiled during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, I was in awe of the title’s incredible presentation. Despite only receiving a brief glimpse of what the game has to offer,Metroid Prime 4looks to be one of the best-looking titles on the Switch, while serving as a great way for theSwitch 2 to show off its greater capabilitiescompared to its predecessor.
Metroid Prime 4’s potential cross-gen release grants Nintendo the opportunity to present the more enhanced and grander experiences that the Switch 2 can offer.
The Switch 2’s enhancements mean thatMetroid Prime 4could look even better on the new console than what has previously been seen. While these improved visuals will certainly be a huge benefit to the game itself, adding to its overall immersion,it will provide a visual comparison of the difference in power between the two consoles.Metroid Prime 4’s potential cross-gen release grants Nintendo the opportunity to present the grander experiences that the Switch 2 can offer, further proving the game as an ideal launch title.
7 Years After Its Announcement, Metroid Prime 4 Is More Important Than Ever
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has had an unusually long development, and it now has high expectations for not just the series, but the Switch as a console.
Only time will tell whetherMetroid Prime 4will be released on the Switch 2. Regardless, I find myself ecstatic at the possibility thatMetroid Prime 4could serve as a potential launch title for the Switch 2.Metroid Prime 4would be a perfect candidate for presenting the hugely ambitious and imaginative experiences that theSwitch 2will be able to offer, while further bolstering the appeal of one of Nintendo’s best franchises, making me more excited than any other potential launch title can.
