Metroid Prime series producer Kensuke Tanabe just gave fans the biggest hint yet that Metroid Prime 2 Echoes is getting the remaster treatment. In the newly released artbook Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective, Tanabe specifically mentioned that if the game is remade, he would be delighted for more people to experience its overlooked multiplayer mode. That careful wording has the Metroid community convinced something is brewing behind the scenes.
The comment came in a section discussing Metroid Prime 2’s local multiplayer, which launched in 2004 exclusively on GameCube. Tanabe praised Retro Studios for finishing the mode without compromising quality despite challenging development conditions, but acknowledged that being designed for local play meant the number of players who actually experienced it might not have been very large. Then came the kicker – if it is remade, I would be delighted for more people to have the chance to experience it.
Why Multiplayer Mattered
Metroid Prime 2 Echoes was the first game in the entire Metroid franchise to feature multiplayer. The mode supported up to four players in split-screen battles across six arenas with two game types. Deathmatch focused on racking up kills within a time limit, while Bounty mode had players collecting coins that dropped from injured opponents. Players controlled Samus with her full arsenal including the Light and Dark beams introduced in the single-player campaign.
The multiplayer used the same control scheme as single-player, including the lock-on system for circle strafing around targets. Samus could use her morph ball to zoom through stages at high speed, double-jump abilities to evade enemy fire, and unleash powered-up missile barrages by holding the attack button. Power-ups scattered around arenas provided invisibility, invulnerability, and massive damage boosts, though the invisibility was less effective in split-screen since you could just glance at your opponent’s screen.
The Mode Almost Didn’t Happen
The Visual Retrospective artbook reveals that multiplayer nearly took a completely different form. After finishing the original Metroid Prime, Nintendo directed Retro Studios to complete the next project as quickly as possible. Initially, there was a proposal to develop a multiplayer-focused Metroid Prime 1.5 that would have been its own standalone release. However, Retro expressed a desire to create a robust standalone sequel instead, and multiplayer became one feature within the larger Metroid Prime 2 Echoes package.
Development was brutal. Former senior producer Bryan Walker described Retro developers as terribly beaten up from working on the original Prime, and Echoes wasn’t a silk-smooth project by any stretch. The team implemented modern development processes to avoid destroying themselves while honoring the original game. That multiplayer mode emerged complete and polished despite these challenges speaks to the team’s commitment, which makes Tanabe’s desire to see it reach more players all the more meaningful.
Reading the Tea Leaves
Tanabe’s comment has divided the Metroid community into two camps. Optimists point to the careful phrasing if it is remade as proof that discussions are happening internally at Nintendo. Series producers don’t casually mention remakes in official artbooks unless something is at least being considered. Combined with the success of Metroid Prime Remastered, which launched as a surprise shadow drop in February 2023 and reportedly sold over 2 million copies, the business case for remastering the sequels seems obvious.
Pessimists interpret the same wording as confirmation that nothing is actively in development. If a Metroid Prime 2 remaster was coming soon, why use conditional language like if instead of when? The fact that we’re approaching Metroid Prime 4 Beyond’s December 4, 2025 release date with no announcement of the sequels feels ominous. Nintendo typically doesn’t leave major gaps in franchises when they’re actively pushing new entries.
The Remaster Roadmap
Industry insiders have been predicting Metroid Prime 2 and 3 remasters for Switch since the first game’s successful launch. Leaker Samushunter2 claimed in late 2024 that Metroid Prime 2 Remaster was planned for early 2025, stating it was originally intended as a standalone launch but got postponed multiple times. That source suggested the game would land between Donkey Kong Country Returns HD which released in January 2025 and Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition which hasn’t launched yet.
Obviously that early 2025 window didn’t happen, but the leak suggested the remasters were finished and Nintendo was just holding them for strategic timing. If true, Nintendo could announce Metroid Prime 2 Remastered at any moment, potentially at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025 or during a Nintendo Direct early next year. With Metroid Prime 4 Beyond launching December 4 for both Switch and Switch 2, Nintendo might want to space out major Metroid announcements to maintain momentum through 2026.
Modernizing the Multiplayer
The big question is how Nintendo would handle multiplayer in a remastered version. The original was designed exclusively for local split-screen play, which limited its audience even at launch. In 2004, only players with multiple GameCube controllers and friends physically present could experience the mode. Online multiplayer wasn’t part of Nintendo’s ecosystem at that time.
A modern remaster could add online multiplayer functionality, letting players across the world compete in deathmatches and bounty modes. The six arenas could support ranked ladders, casual matchmaking, and private lobbies. Friend codes or Nintendo Switch Online integration would handle matchmaking. The relatively simple two-mode structure means the feature wouldn’t require massive new infrastructure, just adapting existing systems to network play.
Alternatively, Nintendo could keep it local-only but add system link or wireless multiplayer like they did with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Multiple Switch consoles could connect for multiplayer without requiring online subscriptions. This preserves the couch co-op spirit while making it slightly more accessible than requiring multiple controllers on a single split screen.
Prime 4 Changes Everything
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond represents the first new entry in the Prime subseries since 2007’s Metroid Prime 3 Corruption on Wii. That’s an 18-year gap, longer than the entire span from the original Metroid in 1986 to Metroid Prime’s 2002 debut. The game was announced at E3 2017, restarted from scratch in 2019 after Nintendo scrapped Bandai Namco’s work and brought development back to Retro Studios, and finally showed its first trailer in June 2024.
Nintendo is treating Prime 4 as a major flagship release, launching it simultaneously on Switch and Switch 2. The game introduces new mechanics like the Vi-O-La motorcycle for high-speed traversal across open areas, psychic powers for Samus, and a rivalry with fellow bounty hunter Sylux. Pre-orders are available for both standard and deluxe editions, with special amiibo figures planned including Samus on her bike.
This renewed focus on Metroid Prime creates the perfect environment for remasters of the trilogy’s middle chapters. New players discovering the series through Prime 4 will want to experience the full story. Veterans will want to replay the classics with modern enhancements. Nintendo leaving Metroid Prime Remastered as the only remastered entry available would be bizarre marketing.
What Retro Studios Built
Metroid Prime 2 Echoes received critical acclaim at launch, with reviewers praising its darker atmosphere, dual-world mechanic, and increased difficulty compared to the original. The game featured two parallel dimensions – Light Aether and Dark Aether – with changes in one dimension affecting the other. Dark Aether’s caustic atmosphere damaged Samus unless she stayed in safe zones, adding survival pressure to exploration.
The sequel introduced several innovations that became series staples. The Screw Attack allowed midair somersaults off certain surfaces. New beam weapons required ammunition management rather than unlimited use. Multiple visor types revealed hidden objects, created sound visualizations, and exposed cloaked enemies. The head-up display simulating the inside of Samus’ helmet became more detailed with improved scanner functionality.
Despite strong reviews and solid sales, Echoes never reached the iconic status of the original Prime or even Prime 3. Part of this stems from its increased difficulty and more oppressive atmosphere. The dual-world structure could be confusing without proper guidance. And the multiplayer, while competent, couldn’t compete with dedicated multiplayer shooters like Halo 2 which launched the same year with robust online functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metroid Prime 2 getting remastered?
Nintendo has not officially announced a Metroid Prime 2 remaster. However, series producer Kensuke Tanabe’s comments in the Metroid Prime 1-3 Visual Retrospective artbook strongly hint that discussions are happening, particularly regarding bringing the game’s multiplayer mode to more players.
When does Metroid Prime 4 Beyond release?
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond launches December 4, 2025 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The game will be available in standard and deluxe editions with special amiibo figures also releasing.
Did Metroid Prime 2 have multiplayer?
Yes, Metroid Prime 2 Echoes was the first game in the Metroid franchise to feature multiplayer. It supported up to four players in local split-screen with two modes – Deathmatch and Bounty – across six different arenas.
Why wasn’t Metroid Prime 2 multiplayer more popular?
The mode was designed exclusively for local play requiring multiple controllers and players in the same room. This limited its audience compared to games with online multiplayer. Additionally, it launched the same year as Halo 2, which set new standards for console multiplayer.
How successful was Metroid Prime Remastered?
Metroid Prime Remastered shadow dropped in February 2023 and reportedly sold over 2 million copies. The remaster received critical acclaim for its technical improvements including 60fps performance, enhanced graphics, and multiple control schemes.
Will Metroid Prime 2 Remastered have online multiplayer?
If a remaster happens, it’s unknown whether Nintendo would add online multiplayer functionality. The original was local-only, but modern remasters often add online features. Nintendo could also implement system link or wireless local play instead.
What is Metroid Prime 1-3 A Visual Retrospective?
It’s an official artbook released October 28, 2025 in collaboration with Nintendo and Retro Studios. The book includes concept art, developer interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights about the first three Metroid Prime games.
Who is Kensuke Tanabe?
Kensuke Tanabe is a veteran Nintendo producer who has overseen the Metroid Prime series since the original game. He started at Nintendo in 1986 and previously directed Super Mario Bros 2 and The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past.
The Waiting Game
Tanabe’s comments in the Visual Retrospective represent the strongest official acknowledgment yet that Metroid Prime 2 could return in remastered form. Whether that acknowledgment translates to actual development remains speculation, but the pieces are certainly in place. Metroid Prime Remastered proved there’s commercial viability in updating the classics. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is about to inject massive energy into the franchise. And the producer himself clearly wants the multiplayer mode to reach the audience it deserved.
For Metroid fans, the next few months will be agonizing. The Game Awards in December could bring announcements. A Nintendo Direct in early 2026 seems likely given the Switch 2’s recent launch. Or Nintendo could pull another shadow drop like they did with the first remaster, suddenly revealing Metroid Prime 2 Remastered is available right now without any prior warning.
Until then, we’re left parsing every word from Nintendo executives and developers, looking for clues about what’s coming next. Tanabe’s if it is remade phrasing might seem frustratingly noncommittal, but compared to the complete silence surrounding these remasters for the past two years, it feels like a neon sign pointing toward inevitability. The multiplayer mode that so few experienced in 2004 might finally get its moment. And if that happens, it’s worth asking what other overlooked Nintendo multiplayer modes deserve similar second chances.