Five Reasons Nintendo Should Introduce Metroid For Nintendo Switch At E3

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard anything from the Metroid franchise. Well, the Samus Aran side of the Metroid franchise, anyway. Nintendo tried to make it relevant again with last year’s Metroid Prime: Federation Force, but between lackluster reviews and negative fan feedback, that game tanked worse than any other title in the series.

So now it’s time for Samus to make a comeback – and we mean a real one this time. Retro Studios has been cooking up something over the past few years, and while the possibility of a new Donkey Kong Country lingers – hopefully along the lines of the excellent Tropical Freeze from the Wii U era – I believe it’s time for a real Metroid Prime sequel that we can sink our teeth into.

Why is this such a good idea? Glad you asked. We have five reasons why a new Metroid Prime game would be absolutely pivotal for the Nintendo Switch.

It Would Wipe Away Memories Of Two Bad Metroid Games

A return to familiar Metroid Prime territory would be a great move for Nintendo, as it would not only make us forget about whatever Metroid Prime: Federation Force was, but it would also get rid of the memories of Metroid: Other M. Technically, that Wii game wasn’t bad, but it was the way it converted Samus Aran into a needy type of heroine, instead of the go-get-em one we’ve gotten used to over the past few years. A new Prime game that puts her firmly back in charge – and allows her to kick as much ass as she’d like – would be just the thing to put the franchise back on track.

The Nintendo Switch Needs A Good, Dependable First-Person Shooter

Right now, the Nintendo Switch really doesn’t have much going for it as far as first-person shooting thrills are concerned. Granted, this could change once Activision confirms that Call of Duty: WWII is coming our way (Beenox has reportedly been working on the port), but it wouldn’t hurt to throw a good Metroid Prime adventure in there. It’d be great for both console and on-the-go play, with an excellent traditional control set-up that takes advantage of both the Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller. Not only that, it’d bring more “mature” Nintendo Switch fans on board, as it would likely be rated T for Teen. Nothing beats having a few more adults going nuts for Nintendo’s system.

It’s Been Years Since We’ve Seen A Good Metroid Prime

Forgetting about Federation Force here – when was the last really good Metroid Prime game we’ve gotten? Why, that would be back in 2009, when the awesome Metroid Prime Trilogy came out for the Wii, in its slick Steelbook packaging. The game has since become a huge collector’s item – GameStop sells used copies around the $50 range – and Nintendo even met up with fan demands and released a digital version for Wii U, going for $20. (The game sold really well on that front as well – sure beats paying $50.) Trilogy is still a fun play after all these years, and a new Metroid Prime would cater to these fans with ease – and guarantee another best-seller for the Nintendo camp.

Promotions Could Re-Introduce Samus Aran As A Public Heroine

Samus Aran is easily one of Nintendo’s most memorable characters over the last three decades. In fact, upon her initial reveal in Metroid, fans were shocked that their favorite space warrior was, in fact, a woman. So with a new Metroid game, Nintendo could easily make Samus a part of their advertising again, attracting both classic fans of the series and newcomers who want to see what she’s all about. Plus, considering that female empowerment is back in full force – thanks, Wonder Woman – it never hurts to have another lady who knows how to kick butt and take names. C’mon, Samus!

It’d Be A Great Title To Promote Nintendo’s Online Service

Finally, Nintendo confirmed just a few days ago that its Online service for Nintendo Switch would launch in 2018, complete with classic games and a rather affordable yearly membership price — $20! With that, it doesn’t hurt to have another game that shows off just what it can do online, and how it would adapt to Nintendo Online’s features. Prime seems like a great candidate for Nintendo Online service, especially with matchmaking and co-op options. For good measure, it would also give the publisher an excuse to bring back Metroid and Super Metroid for its classic gaming service – two games that I’ll never get enough of.

We’ll see what Nintendo announces next week at E3!