Nintendo Renews Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Metroid Prime: Hunters Trademarks Amid Switch Success

Nintendo has once again sparked attention in the gaming community with a renewal of its trademarks for two beloved titles: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Metroid Prime: Hunters.

The news arrives at a time of heightened anticipation within the Metroid fandom, following the successful launch of Metroid Prime Remastered on Nintendo Switch in 2023 and the confirmed development of Metroid Prime 4, which is expected to make its debut on the company's next-generation platform, often referred to as Switch 2, later this year. Both Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, originally released for the Wii in 2007, and Metroid Prime: Hunters, which hit the Nintendo DS in 2006, are seminal entries in the storied Metroid franchise.

Developed by Retro Studios and Nintendo respectively, the two games reinforced the series’ place in gaming history and continue to enjoy a loyal following.

The renewed trademarks were first highlighted by industry watcher @Stealth40k on BlueSky, leading to a wave of online discussion about what, if any, implications this move may have for future titles or rereleases on the Nintendo Switch or its successor. However, industry experts point out that trademark renewals are a routine matter for major publishers like Nintendo, routinely undertaken to maintain legal right to intellectual property and prevent unauthorized usage.

As commercial and legal practice, these filings are part of Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to safeguard its significant library of influential game IPs.

This methodical approach was seen in previous years, with Nintendo renewing a broad range of trademarks across its portfolio in 2021, 2022, and continuing into 2024. A spokesperson for Nintendo clarified the purpose of such renewals, stating that periodically reviewing and renewing trademarks is simply part of the company’s commitment to protecting its well-known properties.

The company regularly refreshes its catalog of trademarks, regardless of whether new projects are in development. While it’s understandable for fans to hope that a trademark renewal may point to an upcoming re-release or remaster, history shows that these actions do not confirm future releases.

Still, with Metroid Prime 4 on the horizon and the Metroid Prime Remastered success story fresh in players’ minds, the enthusiasm around classic titles like Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Metroid Prime: Hunters remains strong. For now, the company’s focus appears to be on delivering its next wave of games for the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Until official announcements are made through channels such as Nintendo Direct presentations or the eShop, the renewed trademarks should be viewed as a measure to maintain legal security rather than a sign of imminent releases. Nintendo's commitment to its esteemed franchises ensures that the Metroid legacy endures, and fans can look forward to future updates as the company continues to shape the landscape of gaming on the Nintendo Switch and forthcoming hardware.

Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Success Metroid Prime 3 Metroid Prime: Hunters Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 4 Retro Studios