A recent rumor suggests that Retro Studios may soon start development on Metroid Prime 5. This comes as a tease, especially since Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has not yet hit the shelves. The Metroid franchise, initiated in 1986 by Nintendo, follows the adventures of bounty hunter Samus Aran against Space Pirates. With 11 primary games released, including the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the IP also boasts numerous spin-offs.

Metroid Prime 4 was first announced at E3 2017, showcasing Samus leveraging psychic abilities on the planet Viewros against rival Sylux. Although a release window is set for 2025, speculation is ripe regarding the release date of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. October appears crowded with competing titles, such as Pokemon Legends: Z-A, also from Nintendo. This upcoming Metroid title is confirmed for both the original Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Gaming insider Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly commented on Nintendo’s recent remarks regarding Donkey Kong, suggesting Retro’s continuation with this franchise might simply be wishful thinking. He indicated that development on Metroid Prime 5 is likely to begin only after the completion of Metroid Prime 4. Reilly noted: “I am not saying they are going to become the Metroid Prime studio,” highlighting that Retro might explore new IPs following Metroid Prime 5 due to potential franchise fatigue. Earlier this year, it was already rumored that Metroid Prime 5 could be in the works, alongside predictions about its potential launch with the new Nintendo Switch 2.

One community member echoed the sentiment that Retro would likely take on a fifth Metroid Prime installment post-release of the fourth game, but expressed optimism that a trilogy could be in the cards instead of walking away from the franchise altogether. Despite this, a recent advertisement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond left many fans perplexed by mistakenly stating that the game had already been released. Entering the holiday season, other highly anticipated titles include trending games on the Nintendo Switch 2, such as Donkey Kong Bananza and upcoming projects like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Riders.