Nintendo has quietly renewed the *trademarks for Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, igniting fresh speculation that both titles could soon return as remakes or remasters, just in time for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
According to a recent report from Chizai Watch and Insider Gaming, the renewed filings have fans buzzing with hope that Nintendo is prepping a major revival of these classic entries in the Metroid Prime series.
🔁 Could Metroid Prime Hunters & Corruption Be Coming Back?
Originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, Metroid Prime Hunters is widely regarded as one of the system’s best spin-offs. Its sharp 3D visuals and competitive multiplayer mode pushed the DS to its technical limits and earned a dedicated fan base.
Meanwhile, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption launched in 2007 on the Nintendo Wii, bringing a more cinematic feel and refined motion controls to the franchise. It was praised for its world design, gameplay, and emotional depth — often considered the strongest title in the Prime trilogy.
With both trademarks renewed, speculation is rampant that Nintendo could be preparing upgraded versions of these titles for the next generation of hardware.
🚀 Perfect Timing: Metroid Prime 4 & Switch 2 Incoming
This news couldn’t come at a more tantalizing time for Metroid fans. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the highly anticipated next chapter in the franchise, is confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. Initially developed by Bandai Namco Studios, the project switched to Retro Studios in 2019, causing a lengthy delay. However, a March Nintendo Direct finally revealed gameplay footage, showcasing Samus Aran with new psychic abilities and enhanced armor.
The renewed trademarks suggest that Nintendo may be building a full-blown Metroid rollout to support the next-gen console — and potentially introduce new players to the franchise before Prime 4 drops.
📌 Could It Just Be Legal Housekeeping?
Of course, not every trademark renewal leads to a re-release. Nintendo, like many companies, routinely renews its intellectual properties to maintain legal control. However, the timing of these filings — so close to the Switch 2’s expected launch — feels too strategic to ignore.
With Metroid Prime Remastered setting a high bar last year, expectations are sky-high for what Nintendo might be planning next.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the smoke around these renewed trademarks is definitely fueling fire within the Metroid community. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond already on the horizon, a wave of remastered classics would be the perfect way to reignite interest in the series and introduce a new generation to Samus Aran’s galaxy-spanning adventures.
Fans should stay tuned for Nintendo’s next Direct — the future of Metroid could be closer than we think.