Nintendo has recently renewed the trademarks for two classic Metroid Prime titles – Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – fueling speculation among fans about potential remakes or remasters. This development comes at an exciting time for the franchise, with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond scheduled for release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

The timing of these trademark renewals has set the gaming community abuzz, especially as anticipation builds for Nintendo's next-generation console. Metroid enthusiasts worldwide are analyzing every clue that might hint at the series' future direction, and these recent legal moves have only intensified the speculation.

The much-anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was showcased during a March Nintendo Direct, revealing Samus Aran's new psychic abilities and redesigned armor. Originally announced in 2017, the game's development journey has been notable – starting at Bandai Namco Studios before transitioning to Retro Studios in 2019, which significantly extended its development timeline.

According to reports from Chizai Watch and Insider Gaming, Nintendo's trademark renewals cover both the 2006 DS title Metroid Prime Hunters (considered one of the best DS spin-off games ever made) and 2007's Wii masterpiece Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which many fans regard as the pinnacle of the Prime trilogy.

While trademark renewals could simply be routine IP protection, the gaming community is hopeful they signal upcoming projects. This speculation gains weight from February's leak about a potential new 2D Metroid game in development at MercurySteam, creators of Metroid Dread.

Although Metroid Prime 4: Beyond won't be a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title, the console's June 5 release will feature other major titles like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, and Mario Kart World. Fans can expect more concrete information about the new Metroid installment in coming months.