When Metroid Prime Remastered hit the Nintendo Switch in 2023, it wasn’t just a nostalgic revival—it was a technical and artistic triumph.
Originally released for the GameCube in 2002, this genre-defining adventure returns with updated graphics, sound, and controls that preserve the soul of the original while making it accessible to a new generation.
As of 2025, it remains one of the most celebrated remasters in the Switch catalog. But what exactly makes this title a masterpiece?
Timeless Gameplay, Now Even More Immersive
Metroid Prime Remastered stays true to its core: the lonely, atmospheric exploration of the alien planet Tallon IV as bounty hunter Samus Aran. Players navigate interconnected environments, solve puzzles using visors, and unlock new areas with acquired abilities.
The sense of isolation, reinforced by environmental storytelling and a minimalist UI, remains intact. What makes it better? Smooth 60fps performance, rapid loading, and control options for every preference: from modern dual-stick FPS layouts to classic GameCube-style schemes and gyro aiming inspired by the Wii era. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernization.
A Visual and Technical Feat
Calling this a simple remaster doesn’t do it justice. Retro Studios completely rebuilt the 3D models and textures, added high-quality lighting effects, and maintained beloved visual touches like fog on Samus’ visor. Digital Foundry even described the graphical overhaul as closer to a remake. Tallon IV now glows with bioluminescent caves, reactive lighting, and detailed environments that rival modern titles—all while running flawlessly on both docked and handheld modes.
Audio received the same care. The haunting original soundtrack by Kenji Yamamoto remains, but with cleaner mixing and improved effects. Optional voice narration was added for cutscenes, expanding the lore accessibility for English-speaking audiences. Whether through headphones or surround sound, the game delivers an atmospheric experience few titles on Switch can match.
Critical and Fan Acclaim
Reception has been stellar. On Metacritic, Metroid Prime Remastered boasts a 94/100 average, placing it among the highest-rated Switch titles ever. IGN gave it a rare 10/10, hailing it as “one of the best first-person shooters ever made” as “one of the best first-person shooters ever made.”
Fans echo this sentiment: veteran players praise its faithful preservation, while newcomers are amazed by how modern the experience feels. Demand was so high that physical copies initially sold out across regions.
As of 2025, the game remains unchanged—no DLCs, no content patches—a sign of its polish at launch. Nintendo continues to spotlight it in promotions, and its presence builds anticipation for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A companion art book set to release mid-2025 further cements its legacy.
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Looking Ahead: Metroid Prime 4
With Metroid Prime Remastered offering an excellent opportunity to revisit the series’ origins, many players are now looking toward the franchise’s future. After years of waiting and several development restarts, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will finally arrive on Nintendo Switch in 2025.
During the latest Nintendo Direct, we got an extended look at the game, which maintains the exploration roots of the series as Samus discovers an unknown planet filled with dangerous alien life. An interesting addition is the incorporation of mysterious psychic abilities that will help both in solving puzzles and in combat.
For fans looking to relive the magic of the first Metroid Prime while waiting for the new entry, the Remastered represents not just an exercise in nostalgia, but a perfect opportunity to understand the fundamentals that have made this series one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed.
