A few years ago, Nintendo and Retro Studios sent shockwaves across theMetroidcommunity 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 thatMetroid Prime Remasteredhad 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 Remasteredwas 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. AlthoughMetroid Prime Remasteredis 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.
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. TheJoy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2can 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 alwaysplayed best using a mouse and keyboard; controllers, in comparison, are usually not that good for precise aiming.Metroid Prime 4is, 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 aSwitch 2 Editionthat 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) ofMetroid Prime Remasteredwould likely be a dream come true in the eyes of most fans. Being able to playthe firstMetroid Primegamein 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 giveMetroid Prime Remasteredthe same treatment that it’s givingMetroid Prime 4: Beyond, it would make the Switch 2 the definitive place to play both games.
