‘Metroid Prime 4’ and a core Pokémon game are headed to Nintendo’s Switch

By Gabe Gurwin June 13, 2017

The majority of Nintendo’s focus this E3 is on the upcoming Super Mario Odyssey, but the company had a few other surprises at its Spotlight presentation that have us very excited. Not only will we be getting a role-playing Pokémon game in the future, but we’ll also return to an acclaimed series that has been put on ice in recent years.

Nintendo didn’t offer specifics on the game’s title, location, or what creatures to expect but developer Game Freak is indeed working on a “main” Pokémon game. We previously heard rumors that a Pokémon game on Switch would essentially be an enhanced version of Sun and Moon dubbed Pokémon Stars, but it’s unclear if this is still the case. Don’t expect to play the Switch game for at least a year, but you’ll have Pokkén Tournament DX to tide you over.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

But that isn’t all Switch fans will be able to play soon. Metroid Prime 4 was finally announced, and it’s coming to the console in 2018. We didn’t hear any specific info regarding the game’s story or even if it will feature Samus as its playable character, but with the last two Metroid games — Metroid Prime: Federation Force and Metroid: Other M — receiving disappointing reviews, we can’t wait to return to the first-person adventuring that made the Prime trilogy so popular. With the motion controls on the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers, players should have several different modes of play, as well, whether they want to play on their couch or while on the go.

Be sure to check out our E3 hub for more announcements from the show and more information on upcoming games like Super Mario Odyssey, Arms, Splatoon 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Nintendo will be holding tournaments for a few of its multiplayer Switch games over the next few days, so be sure to follow the company’s YouTube channel for an extended look.

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Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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Closeup of Samus from Metroid Dread.

The Metroid saga is one of Nintendo's oldest franchises, with the original Metroid debuting in 1986 (in Japan). Since then, numerous Metroid games have been released across various Nintendo consoles and handhelds, along with spinoffs and remakes.

Metroid has a reputation for being atmospheric, with satisfying gameplay that encourages exploration. Though the franchise has primarily been presented from a 2D perspective, the Prime subseries consists of first-person shooters, which was a major departure at the time. Either way, it's one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, with most games garnering positive reviews from critics and fans. Metroid Dread received fantastic ratings across the board when it launched in 2021, the original Metroid Prime has made its way to the Switch, and fans are eagerly awaiting details on the development of Metroid Prime 4.

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The best Nintendo Switch games for adults

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At first glance, the Nintendo Switch seems like a kid's system. The platform has, historically, been considered for children. However, as Nintendo has grown, so has its fan base. The company has worked to change this perspective and try to garner adult viewership. They've primarily done this by focusing on creating games and bringing in ports that focus on adult audiences.

Although the system may not have all the capabilities of the PlayStation or Xbox, the Nintendo Switch can still bring any adult joy. Adults can, and should, pick up the switch, not just for its portability but also for the awesome games you can play. If you're looking for a more grown-up-centered game for your Nintendo Switch, you've come to the right place!

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The best video games of February 2023: Metroid Prime, Wild Hearts, and more

Samus stares up at Meta Ridley in Metroid Prime Remastered.

After a shockingly strong January for video game releases, February 2023 was relatively quieter, held up by just a couple of big releases, remasters, and the launch of a new VR headset. There are still plenty of games worth playing, but you probably got the most out of February if you're a Nintendo Switch owner.
We've combed through this month's big releases to share our favorites, but let's address the elephant in the room: Hogwarts Legacy was the most notable release of February, despite being mired in controversy. While Harry Potter fans are enjoying the title, Digital Trends was a bit less enamored with it in our two-and-a-half star review. Writer Giovanni Colantonio criticized the open-world game's uninspired use of magic and generic design, noting that nostalgia for the IP does a lot of the heavy lifting.
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Metroid Prime Remastered

GameCube classic Metroid Prime is already considered one of the best games of all time by many people. As such, it’s no surprise that a Nintendo Switch remaster that adds dual analog supports and makes the game look even better is one of the best releases of the month. Metroid Prime Remastered even got a surprise launch during a Nintendo Direct, adding even more excitement to its release ahead of a physical release on February 22.
“While it might have been tempting to give the original a Dead Space-type remake treatment, the GameCube title didn’t need modifying,” Colantonio wrote about the game. “Instead, the remaster does some quiet technical work to remind players why Samus’ first 3D outing is still an unparalleled adventure two decades later.”
This refurbished version of a GameCube game has no glaring technical shortcomings. If you enjoy beautifully crafted sci-fi worlds and excellent game soundtracks, and want to experience one of the best-looking Switch games, we recommend picking this remaster up. Metroid Prime Remastered is available now exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Wild Hearts