Metroid has emerged from dormancy over the last couple of years to reclaim its spot as one of the most thrilling properties in Nintendo's exclusive catalog. With the release of Metroid Dread in 2021, fans were treated to the first original entry in the mainline series in almost twenty years, ending a drought that seemed like it may never end. Then in February of this year, Nintendo confirmed longstanding rumors of a Metroid Prime remaster by releasing the first part of the trilogy with revamped graphics and controls. Now that Metroid Prime Remastered is finally real, fans are eagerly waiting for the rest of the trilogy.
There's no official word on if or when remasters of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes or Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will release. Now that Metroid Prime Remastered exists, however, it seems inevitable that the rest of the trilogy will get the remaster treatment. When that happens, Nintendo will have a very important decision to make on how they're sold. Metroid Prime Remastered set a precedent by releasing at a lower price point than most first-party Nintendo games, and it might be wise for Nintendo to continue that generosity lest it becomes the target of another conversation on the price of remastered games.
Nintendo's Shaky Remaster History Explained
When it comes to producing remasters of iconic games, Nintendo's efforts are often successful, but come with some hangups. The primary issue in recent years has been the pricing of particular remasters in relation to either the age of the original game, the extent of the work done to remaster the title or both. One of the best examples of this is Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which collected Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy in one package for the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Having these classics on the Switch was exciting, but for many gamers, it was hardly the experience some expected.
In truth, Super Mario 3D All-Stars was more a compilation of HD ports that utilized emulation rather than true remasters. The presentation of games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine was improved by larger aspect ratios, but they were a far cry from other classic collections like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. On top of it all, Nintendo charged full price for the collection despite the fact that the games included were 24, 18, and 13 years old when 3D All-Stars released. For many gamers, the value offered simply didn't justify the price, especially when other emulation options exist.
How Nintendo Can Package the Other Metroid Prime Remasters
Although Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a disappointment for many, Metroid Prime Remastered successfully balanced an enhanced experience with a price point befitting the age of the original. Graphically, Metroid Prime Remastered was the perfect GameCube game to bring into the modern day with enhanced lighting, textures, and an overall sense of polish. The game also features an array of control improvements, helping it feel more like today's FPS titles. To punctuate all of this, Metroid Prime Remastered is available at just $39.99 USD, which is in line with many other comparable remasters.
When it comes time for remasters of Metroid Prime 2 and 3, Nintendo should follow a similar format. If the enhancements are equal to Metroid Prime Remastered, it wouldn't be unreasonable for Nintendo to release each sequel individually at the same price point. If the company really wanted to surprise fans, however, it could package Metroid Prime 2 and 3 together for the same price as Metroid Prime Remastered. Not only would this make a lot of gamers' wallets happy, but it would make it much more simple to enjoy the iconic Metroid Prime Trilogy on modern hardware.
Metroid Prime Remastered is available now on the Nintendo Switch.
