Metroid Musing: If Samus Returns Were to Be Ported to The Switch, What Additional Content Could It Have?

It is no secret that, throughout the Switch’s lifecycle, ports of other game’s have thrived, often in way’s their original releases could never have dreamed of. By far, the most well known of these ports is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has vastly outsold it’s original release, and has become the best selling Switch game, and best selling racing game of all time. There are still plenty of successful examples of ports, not remasters, doing well, almost all of which adding something new to some degree. Such ports include the additional epilogue and achievements, among other new features, in Pikmin 3 Deluxe, FUNKY MODE, Aor the infamous addition of Toadette (and, by default, Peachette) in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. That then begs the question: if Metroid: Samus Returns, the only core 2D Metroid game not present on Switch, were to be ported, is there room for additional features?

I believe one addition they could make that would be both relatively simple and quick to rebalance the game for, is the addition of the slide and dash melee abilities, both of which premiered in MercurySteam’s second Metroid title, Metroid Dread. This may help to ease the common complaint of combat and movement stiffness. There is also room for other additions beyond these abilities, such as adding in boss rush similar to Metroid Dread’s, including the amiibo unlocks in the base game, or even new areas or collectables.

What do you think, though? Do you see there being an overflow of new content in a potential Samus Returns port, or do you doubt it will come out on either Switch console at all? Let us know in the comments, or you can respond to us directly on our socials!

SZ

Hey everyone! You can call me SZ or Pikmineer; both are good! I’ve been a Metroid fan since 2019, and my first game in the series was, surprisingly Metroid on NES! What started as just playing a random NES game in the middle of the night turned into my favorite media franchise… crazy how those things happen!

I’m a lover of all things fiction; whether it’s a good book, an intense game, or the newest anime, you can bet I’m looking forward to it. My favorite franchises are Metroid (obviously), Pikmin (obviously), and Persona!