Summary
- Leaker Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly revealed that Retro Studios is expected to start development on Metroid Prime 5 once Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is completed and released.
- Retro Studios may move on to a new IP after Metroid Prime 5 to avoid franchise fatigue, signalling a potential end to their run with the Metroid Prime series.
- Retro is unlikely to return to the Donkey Kong Country series, marking a shift in focus toward new projects and different franchises.
Retro Studios’ Future After Metroid Prime 4
According to gaming insider Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly, Retro Studios is gearing up to begin development on Metroid Prime 5 soon after Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches.
Reilly explained that while Retro is the only studio capable of delivering Metroid Prime titles at the high quality expected, they are unlikely to continue indefinitely with the franchise due to concerns over franchise fatigue. This suggests that Metroid Prime 5 could be the last Metroid Prime game developed by Retro before they shift focus to other IPs.
Reilly also noted that Retro Studios will likely not return to developing Donkey Kong Country games, marking a change in the studio’s direction and signalling a new era for Retro.
While the studio has a legacy with Donkey Kong and Metroid, its future appears to be oriented toward fresh projects and new creative opportunities.
Metroid Prime 4 and Nintendo Switch 2
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, officially announced in 2017, follows Samus Aran battling rival bounty hunter Sylux on the planet Viewros. The game is confirmed to release on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
With a 2025 release window, anticipation is growing, alongside a strong lineup of Nintendo Switch 2 titles, including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Third-party support remains robust, highlighted by games such as FromSoftware’s new IP, The Duskbloods.