Metroid Mania: Nintendo Sparks Remaster Rumors by Renewing Trademarks!

Is Nintendo hinting at more Metroid adventures? Recent trademark renewals for Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption have sent the gaming world into a frenzy of speculation. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond slated for a 2025 release on the anticipated Switch 2, could these renewals signal remasters or re-releases of these beloved titles?

News of the trademark renewals, spotted by Chizai Watch, comes at a time when Metroid fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Prime series. The original games, Metroid Prime Hunters for the Nintendo DS and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for the Wii, were both critical and commercial successes, and their return would be a welcome treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

"Nintendo always seems to renew its trademarks at the juiciest of times," notes gaming analyst Jim Norman. "While these renewals are rarely anything to get excited about, a little bit of speculation never hurts. Especially with a new console looming."

While Nintendo routinely renews trademarks to protect its intellectual property, the timing of these particular renewals has fueled speculation within the Metroid community. Some fans believe that this could be a strategic move to prepare for a broader Metroid push on the new console. Others suggest that Nintendo might be testing the waters to gauge interest in HD remasters of the classic titles.

"Trademarks all have an expiry date, and if this happens, it means someone else can do something with or acquire the expired Nintendo Metroid trademark," reports Insider Gaming. "It’s either Nintendo protecting assets, or we’re getting more Metroid content in the future."

Adding fuel to the fire, rumors have also surfaced regarding a potential new 2D Metroid game in development at MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread. While this remains unconfirmed, the possibility of multiple Metroid projects in the pipeline has fans buzzing with anticipation.

Whether these trademark renewals are simply a matter of routine or a harbinger of exciting Metroid revivals remains to be seen. Regardless, the renewed attention on these classic titles has reminded fans of the series' enduring legacy and the anticipation surrounding Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

What do you think? Are these trademark renewals a hint of things to come, or just Nintendo safeguarding its IP? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

• Metroid Prime
• Nintendo Switch
• Remaster