Retro Studios Focused on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for Nintendo Switch, Likely to Continue With Metroid Prime Series

Retro Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the Metroid Prime series, is set to release the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for the Nintendo Switch later this year.

After more than a decade since the last mainline entry, fans of the iconic first-person adventure have eagerly awaited this newest chapter.

Retro Studios, based in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and has played a crucial role in revitalizing several classic Nintendo properties, including the Donkey Kong Country franchise. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond marks the fourth entry in the celebrated Metroid Prime saga, following Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which debuted on the Wii in 2007.

Having originally launched the Metroid Prime series on Nintendo GameCube in 2002, Retro Studios has since garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase for its creative approach and technical achievements.

With the upcoming release on Nintendo Switch, excitement has reached new heights as the franchise transitions to modern hardware and introduces innovations enabled by the platform. In a recent interview, prominent gaming commentator Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly shared insights into Retro Studios’ potential trajectory post-Metroid Prime 4.

Addressing ongoing speculation about the studio’s involvement in new Donkey Kong Country projects, Reilly clarified, through paraphrased statements, that it is becoming less likely for Retro to revisit the Donkey Kong series.

Instead, he emphasized that Retro Studios is uniquely qualified to develop Metroid Prime games at the high standard fans have come to expect: “Nintendo’s comments regarding the future of 2D and 3D Donkey Kong titles shouldn’t imply that Retro Studios will continue working on 2D Donkey Kong games.

The circumstances that enabled Retro to handle the Donkey Kong Country franchise were unique at that moment in time, and many Nintendo internal teams are equipped to create new 2D Donkey Kong experiences.

However, there is currently no other developer under Nintendo capable of producing Metroid Prime games at Retro’s level.” Reilly further explained that while Retro Studios is not strictly becoming a Metroid Prime-only developer, it is likely they will shift focus to Metroid Prime 5 following the release of Beyond, before eventually exploring other intellectual properties.

“The industry has changed, and so has the role of Retro and Nintendo’s internal teams,” he remarked, urging fans to manage expectations regarding a return to Donkey Kong by Retro Studios. Since its foundation, Retro Studios has delivered several milestones for Nintendo, including Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze—regarded by critics as one of the finest 2D platformers ever made.

Their upcoming release, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, is positioned to continue that legacy on the Nintendo Switch and will be available via retail and the Nintendo eShop. As the studio prepares a new era for Samus Aran, anticipation remains high within the gaming community.

Whether Retro Studios’ future involves more Metroid, Donkey Kong, or a new Nintendo IP, their reputation for quality and innovation ensures any project will be closely watched by the industry.

For all the latest updates on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and other Nintendo Switch news, stay tuned.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Retro Studios Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch