During the Nintendo Treehouse showcase following Nintendo's official E3 2017 Spotlight, Metroid: Samus Returns was unveiled. The 2D game is a "re-imagining" of the classic Metroid 2, made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. Not only was Metroid: Samus Returns simply unveiled, however. The new game was shown to be near completion. While Metroid Prime 4 won't be out for some time, Metroid: Samus Returns launches on 3DS starting September 15 this year.

Metroid: Samus Returns, as mentioned, is not a straight remake or remaster of Metroid 2. Nintendo calls it a re-imagining, but it may as well be a completely new game. Several new gameplay features will be included in Metroid: Samus Returns, including a melee counter move that results in flurry attack akin to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and free aiming allowing Samus to shoot in any direction she pleases.

Finally, Metroid: Samus Returns will feature a new gameplay feature named Aeon Abilities. Akin to suit upgrades, Aeon Abilities will offer Samus unique abilities that allow her access to a variety of new actions. Expect more information on Aeon Abilities soon.

The announcement of Metroid: Samus Returns certainly sheds some light upon Nintendo's recent actions towards a popular fan project. Another Metroid 2 Remake was shut down by Nintendo late last year after it was released to widespread acclaim from the Metroid community. It came out during a time where Nintendo had made no Metroid-related projects in development, nor announced any plans, so the fan community had stepped up to fill in the gap. Now it's clear Nintendo canceled the project because they had their own Metroid 2 remake secretly being made.

Metroid: Samus Returns is a Nintendo 3DS exclusive and will be available on September 15th.