With only a few weeks remaining until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, speculation over the new console's software library will be reaching a fever pitch. There's almost no doubt that Nintendo will be curating an impressive line-up of titles from its most popular franchises, whether that includes The Legend of Zelda or Animal Crossing. The company has already given us a glimpse as to what the Switch 2's library could look like, with the console's initial reveal trailer showing off the next game in the Mario Kart series.

Over the past few months, I have sunk my teeth into speculation on the potential line-up of titles for the Switch 2, filling me with even greater anticipation for Nintendo's showcase in April. However, one rumor surrounding a certain Switch 2 release has me far more excited than even the new Mario Kart has been able to achieve. Not only would this title strengthen the Switch 2's launch line-up, but the game would serve as a perfect showcase of the new console's capabilities, making me ecstatic over its potential inclusion.

Metroid Prime 4 Could Release On The Switch 2

The Game Could Be The Highlight Of Nintendo's April Direct

As reported by Nintendo Life, the hugely-anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could release on the Switch 2. This is based on a rumor from podcast host and interviewer Reece Reilly, who has ties to multiple developers who have worked or are currently working on the Metroid Prime series, adding some credibility to the rumor. Reece states in a post made to Bluesky that Metroid Prime 4 will be showcased during the Switch 2 Direct in April.

While Metroid Prime 4's potential release on the Switch 2 is certainly exciting, it doesn't come as a major shock. Nintendo is no stranger to cross-gen releases, having most recently used this strategy for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which was released on both the Wii U and the Switch. Moreover, relegating Metroid Prime 4 to being a Switch exclusive when the Switch 2 is set to release would cause the game to be overlooked, even with the new console's backwards compatibility, meaning a cross-gen release would help to ensure the title's success.

However, this rumor piqued my interest based on another claim that Reece Reilly made in his BlueSky post, stating that Metroid Prime 4's showcase during the Switch 2 Direct "would blow everything else out of the water". This statement has only made me more excited about Metroid Prime 4's release, giving an indication of the huge scale that the game will possess. That's not even comparing this to the other major titles that will likely be shown off during the Switch 2 Direct, speaking volumes to the ambition that could potentially be found in Metroid Prime 4.

Why Metroid Prime 4 Could Be A Better Launch Title Than Others

Metroid Has Always Been One Of Nintendo's Best Franchises

What has me excited about the possibility of Metroid Prime 4 coming to Switch 2 is the timing of its release. With no specific release date having been provided for Metroid Prime 4, the game could potentially serve as one of the Switch 2's major launch titles. If this is indeed the case, I couldn't think of a better game that the Switch 2 could launch alongside, even considering the possibility of other titles such as the new Mario Kart game making up the rest of the console's launch line-up.

Metroid is easily one of Nintendo's best franchises, with many of the series' titles serving as some of the company's greatest offerings. Not only does Metroid offer you a range of immersive sci-fi experiences of a more mature tone than what is typically seen by Nintendo, but the series continuously pushes and challenges conventions with almost every entry. Titles like Super Metroid and Metroid Prime are not only beloved, but revolutionary for the changes they have brought to the Metroidvania genre as a whole.

It's also worth noting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is currently one of the most anticipated titles from Nintendo, having first been announced in 2017. The growing anticipation of the game means its potential inclusion in the Switch 2's launch line-up would certainly be a boost for the new console.

Metroid Prime 4 looks to be continuing this tradition, and that's what makes it the most ideal launch title for the Switch 2. While titles such as the new Mario Kart game will certainly be ideal for boosting the sales success of the Switch 2 at launch, Metroid Prime 4 would serve as a showcase of the groundbreaking experiences that the console will offer. The game's presence will help to broaden the Switch 2's appeal by giving the new console this sense of ambition with its software line-up, making Metroid Prime 4 the ideal launch title.

Prime 4 Would Be A Perfect Showcase of The Switch 2's Capabilities

The Game's Already Stunning Presentation Could Be Made Even Better

That's not even mentioning how Metroid Prime 4 could be used to showcase the Switch 2's more powerful capabilities. When Metroid Prime 4 was first unveiled during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, I was in awe of the title's incredible presentation. Despite only receiving a brief glimpse of what the game has to offer, Metroid Prime 4 looks to be one of the best-looking titles on the Switch, while serving as a great way for the Switch 2 to show off its greater capabilities compared to its predecessor.

Metroid Prime 4's potential cross-gen release grants Nintendo the opportunity to present the more enhanced and grander experiences that the Switch 2 can offer.

The Switch 2's enhancements mean that Metroid Prime 4 could look even better on the new console than what has previously been seen. While these improved visuals will certainly be a huge benefit to the game itself, adding to its overall immersion, it will provide a visual comparison of the difference in power between the two consoles. Metroid Prime 4's potential cross-gen release grants Nintendo the opportunity to present the grander experiences that the Switch 2 can offer, further proving the game as an ideal launch title.

Only time will tell whether Metroid Prime 4 will be released on the Switch 2. Regardless, I find myself ecstatic at the possibility that Metroid Prime 4 could serve as a potential launch title for the Switch 2. Metroid Prime 4 would be a perfect candidate for presenting the hugely ambitious and imaginative experiences that the Switch 2 will be able to offer, while further bolstering the appeal of one of Nintendo's best franchises, making me more excited than any other potential launch title can.

Source: Nintendo Life, Reece Reilly/BlueSky, Nintendo of America/YouTube