AlthoughMetroid Prime 4: Beyondis the hot topic among fans ahead of the Switch 2’s launch, 2025 could see anotherMetroidgame if rumors are true. After the triumphant return of 2DMetroidgames with the release of 2021’sMetroid Dread, the floodgates have been opened for the 2D games to exist alongside theMetroid Primegames. This coexistence could be tested very soon according to a reliableNintendo leaker who claims a new 2DMetroidgame is planned for releasein either 2025 or 2026.
Leaker Nash Weedle, who correctly leaked thatMetroid Dreadwould be released for the Switch in 2021, posted another leak on X (formerly Twitter) in 2023 stating that Nintendo has plans to release another 2DMetroidgame in 2025. WithMetroid Prime 4: Beyondconfirmed for a 2025 release, it’s possible that this additional game could be pushed to 2026, but a new 2DMetroidgame coming so soon afterPrime 4: Beyondis an exciting prospect regardless. If this rumored new game is a follow-up toMetroid Dread, then it could be a major turning point in the series that its predecessor cleanly set up.
Spoilers forMetroid Dreadahead.
The Rumored New 2D Metroid Game Could Mark the Start of a New Era of the Franchise
The climax ofMetroid Dreadsaw the culmination of Samus' complicated relationship with the series' titular organism, as the X Parasite vaccine she received at the start ofMetroid Fusionallows her latent Metroid DNA to fully awaken. Although players see glimpses of this power throughoutMetroid Dread, Samus gaining the full Metroid Suit during the final showdown withDread’s main antagonist, Raven Beak, marks a point of no return for the series. Now that Samus' character has come full circle, and she has embraced the powers granted to her by the Metroid DNA within her, it would be hard for future 2DMetroidgames to ever walk those powers back.
Samus' Metroid powers seem to be stabilized after absorbing Quiet Robe at the end ofMetroid Dread, but there is room for them to be unleashed again in a future game.
The next 2DMetroidgame has the opportunity to completely change the series' formula thus far if it fully commits toSamus' newly awakened Metroid powers. If all of theMetroidgames up toDreadwere Samus' pre-Metroid power arc, then the ending ofDreadshould mark the start of a new arc where Samus must learn to master these newfound abilities. The beginning of a newMetroidarc would go hand-in-hand with the series' recent revitalization, and a follow-up toMetroid Dreadin the near future would be the best way to usher in this new era.
How Samus' Metroid Powers Could Be Total Game-Changers for 2D Metroid Games
Metroidfans are likely familiar with the staple elements of the 2D games, like an interconnected map where players are required to recoverSamus' various weapons and suit upgradesin order to progress further into the game. While these elements are a core part of theMetroidexperience, they have never really evolved in a significant way throughout the series' life. However, leaning into Samus' Metroid powers in a future game could be a great way to shake up the series formula while expanding upon the in-universe lore.
With the primary power Samus has gained from her Metroid DNA being the ability to siphon energy from enemies, the next 2DMetroidgame could take a page out ofThe Legend of Zelda’s book and give Samus a powersimilar to Zelda inEchoes of Wisdom. AMetroidgame where Samus can briefly use the powers of enemies she absorbs would open the door for a wide variety of new gameplay mechanics and exploration options, potentially flipping the traditionalMetroidformula on its head. This type of game could take the traditionally linearMetroidmap and open it up to accommodate a variety of play styles based on how players choose to use the abilities they absorb from enemies, marking a dramatic shift in the franchise as a whole.
