A New 2D Metroid Game May Reveal Dread Was Only the Beginning

As excitement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond continues to build leading up to the Switch 2 launch, there’s buzz about another Metroid installment potentially landing in 2025. The runaway success of Metroid Dread in 2021 marked a revival of 2D Metroid titles, setting the stage for them to coexist with the Metroid Prime series. If a reliable source is to be believed, a new 2D Metroid game might hit the shelves in 2025 or 2026, which would test this balance.

Notable leaker Nash Weedle, who accurately predicted the arrival of Metroid Dread in 2021, recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Nintendo is eyeing a 2025 launch for another 2D Metroid game. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is slotted for release in the same year, there’s a chance this additional 2D game might be pushed to 2026. Nonetheless, the potential for a fresh 2D title following close on the heels of Prime 4: Beyond is certainly intriguing. Should this rumored release follow the narrative thread established by Metroid Dread, it might herald a significant evolution for the series.

Spoilers for Metroid Dread

The culmination of Metroid Dread showcases the complex evolution of Samus’ relationship with the Metroid organism. Her journey in the series came full circle as her latent Metroid DNA, initially triggered by an X Parasite vaccine in Metroid Fusion, fully awakens. Throughout Metroid Dread, players catch glimpses of these powers, but it’s in the final battle with Raven Beak, when she dons the complete Metroid Suit, that a new chapter for the series begins. As Samus fully embraces her inherited Metroid abilities, future entries will likely have to adapt to this dramatic shift.

Samus’ Metroid Powers and the Future of the Franchise

The conclusion of Metroid Dread hinted at a tantalizing future for Samus, suggesting that her Metroid powers would remain a core aspect of her character arc. This new phase would seamlessly align with the series’ recent surge in popularity, and continuing this narrative soon could solidify this new era. Integrating Samus’ Metroid abilities more fully into the gameplay could significantly refresh the series, steering it away from the familiar mechanics that have become a hallmark of the franchise.

Historically, the 2D Metroid games have revolved around a formulaic approach where players gradually unlock Samus’ arsenal and upgrades to advance through interlinked maps. However, tapping into her Metroid abilities could dramatically shake up this formula while deepening the game’s universe. Imagine a Metroid title where Samus can temporarily harness the powers of foes she defeats—reminiscent of Zelda’s powers in certain games. This would introduce innovative gameplay and exploration opportunities, challenging the traditional play style.

Such a shift could lead to more open-ended game environments, allowing players to strategize and explore based on the abilities they choose to absorb. Embracing this fresh direction could redefine the series and keep longtime fans invested while attracting new players eager to experience the evolution of Samus Aran.