Samus is one of Super Smash Bros. most enduring fighters, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be the time for her to get a moveset rework. With Samus and Metroid in general already having positive momentum after the release of Metroid Dread, Metroid Prime 4 seems to have the wind at its back. There's more to the release than simply bringing back a beloved Nintendo franchise, though. It could also have a surprising impact on Samus' long-running role as one of Super Smash Bros. Brawl's fighters. Metroid Prime 4 could completely shake up Samus' place in that series.

When the Nintendo Direct released Metroid Prime 4's reveal trailer, it granted a wish that fans had held onto for over a decade. The last Metroid Prime game had been released for the Wii in 2007, leaving a 17-year drought for the series. The release of Metroid Prime Remastered in early 2023 brought the series back into the public eye, and now with Metroid Prime 4, the series will finally be getting its long-awaited continuation. Judging by the trailer, it looks like the game will provide the kind of action that players have been waiting for. Metroid Prime 4 gives Nintendo a good outlook for 2025.

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Metroid Prime 4 Could Be Important For Samus' Next Super Smash Bros. Appearance

Samus is Not Super Smash Bros. Most Competitive Fighter

While Samus was a part of the original Super Smash Bros. title as one of the 8 default fighters, she traditionally has not been a high-tier character in the series. While her moveset is loaded with her arsenal from the Metroid games, such as her bombs, missiles, and Grapple Beam, she isn't as effective as a lot of the game's other fighters. Her relative slowness and below-average melee options make it hard for her to catch up despite having some legitimately useful tools. For a character like Samus, a legendary warrior in her home series, it's unfortunate to see her struggle competitively.

Metroid Prime 4 Could Bring New Elements to Samus' Moveset

Metroid Prime 4 could bring about a change to Samus' moveset. While the Metroid Prime games as a whole were significantly different from Samus' side-scrolling adventures, they could also have a chance to influence her Super Smash Bros. moveset. While not a lot has been shown so far outside of scanning and shooting, any new abilities or weapons at her disposal in the game could have the potential to replace something in her next Super Smash Bros. appearance. While this has the obvious advantage of keeping her appearances up-to-date, it could also give her an edge that she needs in the next game.

Super Smash Bros. Has Made Significant Changes to Fighters Before

Samus would be far from the first character to get updated after their Super Smash Bros. debut. Link's blue tunic in Breath of the Wild became his default outfit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and he also got a few moveset updates, such as his Sheikah Slate Bombs. On another note, Bowser was dreadful in his original incarnation due to how slow he was, but a dramatic rework in Super Smash Bros. 4 gave him a badly-needed speed boost and far more useful kit. There is precedent for reworks in Super Smash Bros. and it may be time for Samus to get hers.

Metroid Prime 4's release could affect Samus beyond the Metroid series itself. There are a lot of things that could potentially be a part of the next Super Smash Bros. game, and a Samus rework, even a small one, could be in the cards. Metroid Prime 4 is a highly-awaited game, and fans of the series are sure to keep a sharp eye on it through its release in 2025. Metroid Prime 4 could not only revive a series, it could make Samus a better Super Smash Bros. fighter.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Franchise

Metroid

Platform(s)

Switch

Developer(s)

Retro Studios

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

Action