A New 2D Metroid Game May Show That Dread Was Only the Beginning

As the release of the Switch 2 draws near, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is causing quite a stir among fans. Yet whispers suggest that by 2025, we might be in for another Metroid adventure. The success of Metroid Dread in 2021 breathed new life into 2D Metroid games, proving there’s room for them alongside the Metroid Prime series. According to a credible source, a new 2D Metroid game might launch as early as 2025 or possibly in 2026.

Nash Weedle, known for accurately predicting Metroid Dread’s arrival on the Switch in 2021, has once again caught fans’ attention. In 2023, Weedle leaked via X (formerly Twitter) that Nintendo is working on another 2D Metroid game slated for 2025. Given that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set for the same year, this upcoming 2D entry could get pushed to 2026. Still, the idea of a new 2D Metroid hot on the heels of Prime 4: Beyond is thrilling. If it picks up where Metroid Dread left off, this could redefine the series.

_(Spoilers for Metroid Dread follow in the discussion.)_

The conclusion of Metroid Dread marked a pivotal moment for Samus Aran. Her bond with the Metroid species reached a new level as the vaccine she received in Metroid Fusion unleashed her dormant Metroid DNA. Throughout Metroid Dread, players glimpsed these powers, but the final battle with Raven Beak, where she dons the Metroid Suit, is transformative. With Samus embracing her Metroid DNA, it seems unlikely future games could ignore these powers.

At the close of Metroid Dread, Samus’ powers appear stable after absorbing Quiet Robe, yet there’s potential for her abilities to rise again in future installments.

The anticipated 2D Metroid game has the potential to revolutionize the series by focusing on Samus’ Metroid powers. If Dread signaled the end of her pre-Metroid power saga, what comes next could launch a new chapter where she hones these abilities. This shift aligns perfectly with the series’ recent revival, and a sequel to Metroid Dread might be just what’s needed to kickstart this new era.

With Samus’ newfound power to drain energy from foes, the next 2D Metroid adventure could bring fresh changes. Imagine drawing inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, where Samus briefly uses enemy abilities she absorbs. Such gameplay could reinvent the way we explore Metroid’s trademark interconnected worlds, offering players myriad strategies to engage with the game. This would not only surprise long-time fans but also propel the franchise into bold, uncharted territories.