A few years ago, Nintendo and Retro Studios sent shockwaves across the Metroid community by releasing a remaster of the 2002 GameCube classic, Metroid Prime, right out of the blue. After being announced during a February 2023 Nintendo Direct, the game was digitally launched on Nintendo Switch later that day, with a physical release happening shortly thereafter. Once fans got hold of the game, many agreed that Metroid Prime Remastered had a lot more effort put into it than its name implied. Despite being called a remaster, the game had dramatically enhanced graphics, as well as new Color Assist options and improved control schemes.

Metroid Prime Remastered was an overall success, selling more than 1.3 million copies worldwide in its first 5 months. The game received near-universal acclaim from both fans and critics, as well. On sites like OpenCritic, for instance, it garnered a glowing 94/100 Top Critic Average and a 100% Critics Recommend rating. Although Metroid Prime Remastered is essentially just a new version of a 23-year-old game, it feels perfectly designed for the Switch. That being said, the game could feel even better on Nintendo's next-generation console, the Switch 2, with the inclusion of one major feature.

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Metroid Prime Remastered Should Get a Switch 2 Port With Mouse Mode Support

Some Nintendo Switch 2 Games, Like Metroid Prime 4, Can Be Played Using Mouse Controls

The Nintendo Switch 2 is very similar in concept to its predecessor, but it has a handful of notable new functions. One of these, as an example, is the all-new Mouse Mode. The Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 can be turned on their sides and used as mice. Although not all games on the upcoming console will have Mouse Mode support, those that do have it will utilize the feature as seamlessly as possible. According to those who have gotten their hands on a Switch 2, swapping between traditional analogue controls and Mouse Mode is incredibly easy, and it requires no menu-hopping whatsoever.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the next major game from Retro Studios, is going to have full mouse control functionality on Switch 2. Since this cross-generation title is a first-person shooter (or adventure game, as some like to call it), this is a big deal. Generally speaking, first-person games are almost always played best using a mouse and keyboard; controllers, in comparison, are usually not that good for precise aiming. Metroid Prime 4 is, of course, not going to be on PC, so it would normally be impossible to play the game using mouse controls. Thanks to the Switch 2's Mouse Mode feature, however, this is no longer an issue.

Metroid Prime 4 is Going to Receive an Upgraded Switch 2 Edition

Cross-gen games on the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in one of two different ways: Switch 2 Editions or traditional Switch 2 ports. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which is scheduled to release on both the Switch and Switch 2 in 2025, will have a Switch 2 Edition that contains additional features, like Mouse Mode and improved frame rates. All Switch 2 Edition games are going to be more expensive than their original counterparts, but players who already own a Switch 1 copy of a game can purchase an upgrade pack to get its next-gen version.

Metroid Prime Remastered With Mouse Controls Would Be the Best Way to Play the Game

Although some may be critical of Nintendo's new pricing strategies, a Switch 2 Edition (or, at least, a Switch 2 patch) of Metroid Prime Remastered would likely be a dream come true in the eyes of most fans. Being able to play the first Metroid Prime game in Mouse Mode would provide an entirely new experience for many players, and it would make aiming in the game a lot better. If Nintendo were to give Metroid Prime Remastered the same treatment that it's giving Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, it would make the Switch 2 the definitive place to play both games.

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Metroid Prime Remastered Tag Page Cover Art
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FPS
Metroidvania
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 94 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
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Released
February 8, 2023
ESRB
T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence
Developer(s)
Nintendo, Retro Studios
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
Retro's in-house game engine
Franchise
Metroid Prime
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Genre(s)
FPS, Metroidvania