After years of anticipation and fan speculation surrounding the arrival of the Metroid Prime trilogy on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo finally delivered big news with the surprise announcement of Metroid Prime Remastered during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct presentation.
Hot on the heels of its reveal, this beautifully remastered edition of the 2002 GameCube action-adventure first-person shooter became immediately available digitally via the eShop.
In an impressive display of demand, it quickly soared to the top of the eShop’s sales charts.
Physical editions followed soon after, launching in North America on February 22, 2023, and in Europe on March 3, 2023, catering to fans eager to own a boxed copy of this reimagined classic. Metroid Prime Remastered stands out for its extraordinary dedication to quality and detail.
Where many remasters are content with minor graphical upgrades, Retro Studios and their collaborators have thoroughly overhauled visual assets across the board.
Texture work, 3D models, and atmospheric lighting have all been meticulously recreated or substantially enhanced, resulting in a game that runs flawlessly at 60 frames per second on the Nintendo Switch, even on the dazzling OLED model.
While it stops short of qualifying as a full-blown remake, this remaster is arguably the definitive way to experience Samus Aran’s legendary adventure. The core gameplay loop that made Metroid Prime a genre-defining experience remains intact.
Samus's first foray into 3D perfectly adapts the series' non-linear, exploratory gameplay to the first-person perspective.
Players guide Samus through the alien planet Tallon IV, using her Scan Visor to uncover mysteries, analyze enemies, and dig into the rich lore—much of it found in the environment rather than cutscenes.
The game rewards both curiosity and problem-solving, distinguishing itself from traditional shooters of its era by emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic backtracking through beautifully crafted biomes.
Depending on individual playstyle and puzzle-solving aptitude, players can expect the main journey to last between 10 and 20 hours. Navigation in Metroid Prime Remastered is a true testament to Retro Studios' design philosophy.
The interconnected world of Tallon IV gradually opens up as Samus acquires new upgrades for her Power Suit, Arm Cannon, and Morph Ball.
These tools not only provide combat advantages but also unlock new pathways, keeping exploration fresh and engaging throughout.
Load times between areas are virtually nonexistent, ensuring seamless transitions and uninterrupted immersion.
While backtracking is necessary, returning to previous locations often reveals new secrets, thanks to the thoughtful environmental design. One of the most lauded improvements in Metroid Prime Remastered is its varied and player-friendly control schemes.
The game offers four distinct options: "Classic" for GameCube purists, "Pointer" to emulate the Wii’s motion controls, "Hybrid" for a blend of traditional and motion inputs, and "Dual Stick" for those who prefer modern shooter controls.
This inclusivity ensures that veterans and newcomers alike can tailor their gameplay experience. Critically, Metroid Prime Remastered has achieved significant commercial and critical success since its release, building on the legacy of the original GameCube masterpiece.
Its budget-friendly price point—and the sheer number of improvements—make it an essential addition for both longtime series fans and Nintendo Switch newcomers.
Retro Studios’ masterful handling of this remaster not only refreshes a beloved classic but also cements its place among the Nintendo Switch’s must-own titles, laying a strong foundation for the series' future, including the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4. Metroid Prime Remastered is a triumphant return for Samus Aran, offering both nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.
It is a shining example of how to modernize a classic while respecting its roots—earning its reputation as one of the best remasters available on the Nintendo Switch.
Hot on the heels of its reveal, this beautifully remastered edition of the 2002 GameCube action-adventure first-person shooter became immediately available digitally via the eShop.
In an impressive display of demand, it quickly soared to the top of the eShop’s sales charts.
Physical editions followed soon after, launching in North America on February 22, 2023, and in Europe on March 3, 2023, catering to fans eager to own a boxed copy of this reimagined classic. Metroid Prime Remastered stands out for its extraordinary dedication to quality and detail.
Where many remasters are content with minor graphical upgrades, Retro Studios and their collaborators have thoroughly overhauled visual assets across the board.
Texture work, 3D models, and atmospheric lighting have all been meticulously recreated or substantially enhanced, resulting in a game that runs flawlessly at 60 frames per second on the Nintendo Switch, even on the dazzling OLED model.
While it stops short of qualifying as a full-blown remake, this remaster is arguably the definitive way to experience Samus Aran’s legendary adventure. The core gameplay loop that made Metroid Prime a genre-defining experience remains intact.
Samus's first foray into 3D perfectly adapts the series' non-linear, exploratory gameplay to the first-person perspective.
Players guide Samus through the alien planet Tallon IV, using her Scan Visor to uncover mysteries, analyze enemies, and dig into the rich lore—much of it found in the environment rather than cutscenes.
The game rewards both curiosity and problem-solving, distinguishing itself from traditional shooters of its era by emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic backtracking through beautifully crafted biomes.
Depending on individual playstyle and puzzle-solving aptitude, players can expect the main journey to last between 10 and 20 hours. Navigation in Metroid Prime Remastered is a true testament to Retro Studios' design philosophy.
The interconnected world of Tallon IV gradually opens up as Samus acquires new upgrades for her Power Suit, Arm Cannon, and Morph Ball.
These tools not only provide combat advantages but also unlock new pathways, keeping exploration fresh and engaging throughout.
Load times between areas are virtually nonexistent, ensuring seamless transitions and uninterrupted immersion.
While backtracking is necessary, returning to previous locations often reveals new secrets, thanks to the thoughtful environmental design. One of the most lauded improvements in Metroid Prime Remastered is its varied and player-friendly control schemes.
The game offers four distinct options: "Classic" for GameCube purists, "Pointer" to emulate the Wii’s motion controls, "Hybrid" for a blend of traditional and motion inputs, and "Dual Stick" for those who prefer modern shooter controls.
This inclusivity ensures that veterans and newcomers alike can tailor their gameplay experience. Critically, Metroid Prime Remastered has achieved significant commercial and critical success since its release, building on the legacy of the original GameCube masterpiece.
Its budget-friendly price point—and the sheer number of improvements—make it an essential addition for both longtime series fans and Nintendo Switch newcomers.
Retro Studios’ masterful handling of this remaster not only refreshes a beloved classic but also cements its place among the Nintendo Switch’s must-own titles, laying a strong foundation for the series' future, including the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4. Metroid Prime Remastered is a triumphant return for Samus Aran, offering both nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.
It is a shining example of how to modernize a classic while respecting its roots—earning its reputation as one of the best remasters available on the Nintendo Switch.
