Games by Retro Studios
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Switch 2
- 2025 (UK/EU)
- 2025 (NA)
Metroid Prime Remastered Switch
- 8th Feb 2023 (UK/EU)
- 8th Feb 2023 (NA)
- 22nd Feb 2023 (NA)
- 3rd Mar 2023 (UK/EU)
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Switch
- 4th May 2018 (UK/EU)
- 4th May 2018 (NA)
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Switch
- 16th Jan 2025 (UK/EU)
- 16th Jan 2025 (NA)
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Wii U
- 13th Feb 2014 (JPN)
- 21st Feb 2014 (UK/EU)
- 21st Feb 2014 (NA)
- 15th Nov 2004 (NA)
- 26th Nov 2004 (UK/EU)
- 26th May 2005 (JPN)
- 18th Nov 2002 (NA)
- 28th Feb 2003 (JPN)
- 21st Mar 2003 (UK/EU)
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Wii
- 27th Aug 2007 (NA)
- 26th Oct 2007 (UK/EU)
- 6th Mar 2008 (JPN)
Reviews of Retro Studios Games
Review Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
That's what you get for not hailing to the chimp
It’s not unfair to say that the gaming landscape was somewhat different when Donkey Kong Country Returns first fell into our laps in 2010; 2D platformers were a rare breed, and ol’ DK himself hadn’t arguably had a mainline entry in his series since 2004’s Jungle Beat. Back then, the title said...
Review Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch) - A Long-Awaited And Stunning Return Of A Legend
Prime example
It’s difficult to believe now, but there was once a time when the notion of a first-person Metroid game seemed unfathomable. Prior to the release of Metroid Prime back in 2002, the franchise had been confined to the 2D realm, with complex environments full of secrets and hidden equipment that bolstered your abilities and combat...
Review Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch)
Bogus, or bodacious?
Platformers aren’t quite what they once were; whether they’re 3D or 2D we’ve had a bit of a mini-renaissance with them in recent years, but they hold nowhere near the draw that they did in the '80s and '90s. What a shame then that one of the best and most polished games of the genre happened to not only launch after these...
Review Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
Ain't no business like monkey business
It says much for the level of expectation placed upon Nintendo and Retro Studios that some questioned the decision to revisit the world of Donkey Kong for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, yet that initial reaction should be pushed aside. Anyone that discounts this title due to the fact it’s not the exact...
Review Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (GameCube)
For super players
Back when Super Mario Bros. 2 came out in Japan — the real Super Mario Bros. 2, known here overseas as The Lost Levels — there was a little label on the box that said “For Super Players.” It meant it, too: Super Mario Bros. 2 is a ridiculously difficult game, often using your knowledge of the first game against you while at...
Review Metroid Prime (GameCube)
Prime cut
You know the story. By now, everyone does. In 2002, a new Metroid game was released after nearly a decade of silence, and it was done by a little studio in Texas that no one had ever heard of. Oh, and it was 3D. And first person. It shouldn't have worked, but it did, and the ensuing trilogy would secure that little studio as one of the...
Latest Retro Studios News
TodayThu, 8th May 2025
News Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Has Sold Over 1 Million Copies On Switch
Make way for Bananza
Nintendo has confirmed that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has surpassed 1 million in sales, reaching a total of 1.27 million. Released on 16th January 2025, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's performance is about what we were expecting, but it's nevertheless an impressive achievement within just a month and a half. That said, it...
Wednesday2nd Apr 2025
News Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Will Be A Cross-Gen Title For Switch 2
4K Metroid!
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been confirmed as a cross-gen title for the Nintendo Switch 2. You'll be able to play in Mouse Mode for added precision, and it's been confirmed that the game will support two graphical options on Switch 2: 4K at 60fps with HDR, or 1080p at 120fps with HDR in docked mode. Remember, if you don't have a...
Friday28th Mar 2025
News Has Metroid Prime 4 Taken Inspiration From Dread For Its New Suit?
There are unmistakable similarities
At the end of the latest trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, we were bestowed with a brief but tantalising glimpse at a brand-new suit for long-time protagonist Samus Aran. At first glance, the suit looks completely new; something we've not yet seen from the Metroid Series. Or is it..? Well, officially yes, it...
Thursday27th Mar 2025
News Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's Official Switch Box Art Is Absolutely Stunning
Ahhhh we want it
Nintendo has unveiled the official box art for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and folks, it's a beauty. Showcasing Samus wielding her new psychic abilities and flanked by what we assume are friendly indigenous creatures, it's got a distinctly purple tone to it, and we absolutely love it. Samus is also rocking a gem in her helmet which we...
News Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gets A New Trailer, But No Release Date
Maybe we'll get one next week..?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has received a new trailer during the latest Nintendo Direct, but there's sadly no confirmed release date at the time of writing. Our prediction..? We'll get one next week when it's revealed to be a cross-gen game with Switch 2. Here's hoping, anyway..! Still, it's an awesome trailer. In it,...
Monday17th Mar 2025
Talking Point Will Metroid Prime 4 Get A Switch 2 Release?
Beyond the realm
It's been 84 years since Nintendo first announced that the next chapter in the Metroid Prime series was in development. Then, in 1957, an apology was issued as the platform holder took things back to the drawing board, restarting development and shifting production from partner dev Bandai Namco back to Prime series founders Retro...
Monday20th Jan 2025
Poll What Review Score Would You Give Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?
Returns returns
Last week saw the Wii's Donkey Kong Country Returns return in HD on Switch. Following the first time it returned on 3DS, the Switch port — helmed by Forever Entertainment this time, with the original devs at Retro getting only a cursory nod in the credits this time — brought the levels of the 2013 3DS port to
Friday17th Jan 2025
News Nintendo Believes In "Giving Proper Credit" After Backlash Over Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
So why the omission?
Nintendo has issued a short statement in response to the backlash following the omission of Retro Studios' staff from the credits of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. In speaking with Eurogamer, Nintendo said that it believes in "giving proper credit for any
Wednesday15th Jan 2025
Monkey Business
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is just around the corner and, now that the embargo on our review coverage has lifted, we can officially confirm that developer Forever Entertainment is responsible for the porting duties on Retro Studios' platformer. However, much like Metroid Prime Remastered before it, Nintendo has opted to omit the...
Wednesday11th Dec 2024
News Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Showcases 'A Barrelful Of Details' In New Trailer
It's almost a month away!
Nintendo isn't holding back on Donkey Kong Country Returns HD details this week, with a second trailer drop arriving... today! The 'barrelful of details' trailer (below) is essentially just an overview trailer, just like every other Nintendo first-party game gets. This runs down all of the things you need to know about the...
Monday9th Dec 2024
"If you're not directly working on the game, go away"
We know that Nintendo can be a little protective of its intellectual properties (now there's an understatement), but it turns out that the company's micromanagement was enough to make one artist on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption leave his position at Retro Studios. That's according to a recent...
Friday29th Nov 2024
News Nintendo Highlights Every 'Donkey Kong Country' On Switch With A New Trailer
Prepare to return... again
Nintendo has released a new trailer taking a look at every Donkey Kong Country game on Switch in preparation for the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on 16th January 2024. If you've got a subscription to the standard Nintendo Switch Online service, you can play every SNES game from the series right now. That...
Poll So, Will You Be Getting Donkey Kong Country Returns HD For Switch?
Go bananas in early 2025
We're almost in December and that means Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is arriving very soon. Yes, in case you somehow missed it, the 2010 Wii Classic is getting another release. This remaster will not only include a facelift but it also features all of the bonus levels from the 2013 3DS game, bumping up the total amount of...
Wednesday27th Nov 2024
Talking Point Where The Heck Are Those Metroid Prime 2 And 3 Remasters?
We're wait-Ing
So... where is it? When Metroid Prime Remastered launched on 9th February 2023, we were utterly convinced that its sequels, Prime 2: Echoes and Prime 3: Corruption, would follow suit sometime after. Now that 2025 is fast approaching, our certainty has waned, yet we remain confident that Nintendo will complete the saga on Switch...
Thursday21st Nov 2024
News Nintendo Adds Metroid Prime 4: Beyond To Official Metroid Website, Says It's "Coming Soon"
A 2025 release has been locked in
One of the most anticipated games of 2025 is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and to gear up for the big launch next year, Nintendo has now added this new entry to the official Metroid page on its website. It's apparently "coming soon" with Nintendo also mentioning how fans of Samus Aran will be able to embark on a new...
Wednesday20th Nov 2024
Random Desperate Fans Visited Retro Studios' Building For Info On Metroid Dread
I want answers!
One of the biggest surprises in Nintendo's storied history came in June 2021 when Metroid Dread was finally unveiled for the Switch. Up until that point, the game had fallen into legend, with many fans conceding that it simply didn't exist. One of the most significant catalysts for fan anticipation came via Metroid Prime 3:...
Friday15th Nov 2024
Anniversary 20 Years On, Metroid Prime 2 Represents The Franchise At Its Experimental Best
Crossing worlds
Following up on Metroid Prime was never going to be easy. Although many (this writer included) were sceptical of Retro Studios’ abilities to move Metroid into the 3D, first-person realm, the team not only managed to put its own spin on an established Nintendo franchise successfully, but it also created one of the greatest games of...
Wednesday13th Nov 2024
News Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Nearly Featured Playable Space Pirates
2004 sequel introduced multiplayer
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week after an initial Gamecube launch on 15th November 2004. In a new interview with developers Jack Mathews and Zoid Kirsch from Kiwi Talkz, it's been revealed that the game's multiplayer mode nearly featured playable Space Pirates. The Space...
Saturday24th Aug 2024
Guide Metroid Prime: The Story So Far - Everything You Need To Know Before Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
It's just a Phaaze
Metroid Prime Trilogy, the Wii compilation of Retro Studios' first-person take on the Metroid series, launched in North America on 24th August 2009, exactly 15 years ago. In honour of that sparking release (well, a little less sparkling than the originals in some places due to a few missing effects), we're taking the opportunity...
Friday9th Aug 2024
News Metroid Prime Samus Gravity Suit Statue Pre-Orders Are Now Open
A new First 4 Figures release
Update: Pre-orders for First 4 Figures' glorious Metroid Prime Samus Gravity Suit statue are now open. The Collector's Edition is available for $179.99, while the Exclusive Edition – which adds a deluxe box and an LED light-up function that illuminates Samus' suit – is currently reduced as part of an Early Bird...
Sunday23rd Jun 2024
Poll Box Art Brawl - Duel: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Primed for battle
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another edition of Box Art Brawl! Before we get cracking with this week's battle, let's see how things panned out last time. We looked at Turok 2: Seeds of Evil for the N64 and golly gosh, was it a close one. It seemed many of you weren't too keen on either design, but ultimately, it was the...
Friday21st Jun 2024
News Retro Studios "Thrilled" To Reveal Its Work On Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Samus returns in 2025
It's been an incredibly exciting week for Nintendo, with this week's Direct broadcast giving Metroid fans a first look at the fourth entry in the Metroid Prime series. It's also a bit of a relief to finally see this game in action after an incredibly lengthy development cycle, including a restart. To mark this special...
Thursday20th Jun 2024
Guide Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Who Is Sylux?
The new big bad in town
If you've been following the development of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond since its initial announcement in 2017, then chances are you've heard the name 'Sylux' mentioned in passing along the way. If you're not completely up-to-date on your Metroid Prime history (and not everyone is, that's okay), then you might not know who this...
Video Here's Everything You Missed In The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Trailer
Radars! Space Pirates! Vents!
If you're anything like us, you probably watched the debut trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in a slight daze. Not only were we reeling from the sheer quality of games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, and Mario & Luigi: Brothership, but we're still...
News No, The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Trailer Was Not Running On 'Switch 2'
"All the evidence points to this game running on the original Switch"
Over the last few years, as more and more time passed with barely a whisper from Nintendo or Retro Studios regarding Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, many fans had begun to ask the same question: will it skip the Switch and launch on 'Switch 2'? After all, the game's eventual revival...
Video New Metroid Prime 4 Footage Spotted On Nintendo's Teaser Website
Another look at the game's jungle-like environment
This week's Nintendo Direct went out with a bang, announcing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond would be releasing at some point in 2025. Alongside the title and release date reveal, we got our very first look at the new chapter, which was originally announced seven years ago. If you're hungry for even more...
Wednesday19th Jun 2024
Soapbox Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Won't Be The Franchise's 'BOTW Moment', And That's Okay
Keeping expectations in check
When Nintendo closed out its latest Direct presentation with the full reveal of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the world briefly got a little bit louder as fans celebrated the glorious return of one of the company’s most revered franchises. Finally, after its initial announcement back in 2017, Prime 4 is scheduled to launch...
Tuesday18th Jun 2024
Gallery Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Looking Absolutely Stunning On Switch
Drink it in
Well folks, the wait is over. More than seven years since its initial announcement, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been fully revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct, and it looks incredible. The trailer doesn't reveal too much, but we've got confirmation that many of Samus' core abilities from the original trilogy return, including the...
News Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Confirmed For Switch, Launching 2025
FINALLY!
Nintendo has finally revealed Metroid Prime 4, and it's now called Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It's planned for release in 2025 and we've got our first look via a new gameplay trailer. It definitely looks like classic Metroid Prime! Scanning makes a return, Sylux is causing trouble again, and all the usual hallmarks, including missiles,...
Friday14th Jun 2024
Random It's Now Been Seven Years Since Metroid Prime 4 Was Announced
Nintendo's Switch "successor" announcement nears
One game we've now been waiting an entire generation for is Metroid Prime 4. Nintendo originally confirmed the title was coming in 2017 when E3 was still up and running, and this week technically marks the seventh anniversary of this announcement. Since then, it's also been five years since Metroid...
Thursday22nd Feb 2024
Random Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze Could Have Been About Alien Invaders
Donkey Kong Country: Independence Day?
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is all about snow; that much should be obvious from the game's title, even for those who have yet to play Retro Studios' excellent platformer. According to a recent interview from KiwiTalkz in which he chats with former Retro artists Eric Kozlowsky and Ted Anderson,...
Tuesday13th Feb 2024
Anniversary Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Is Now A Decade Old
Time for a new one?
Just in case you weren't feeling old today, it's now been a decade since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was released for the Wii U in Japan (13 February, 2014). Yes, the latest platformer in the Donkey Kong Country sub-series is now basically old enough to sneak a tenner out of Dad's wallet and laugh incessantly at toilet...
Thursday25th Jan 2024
Random It's Been 5 Years Since Metroid Prime 4 Was Rebooted
And nearly 7 since its first announcement
In recent years, Nintendo has become extremely efficient when it comes to announcing and releasing its games. Tears of the Kingdom aside, there has mostly been only a handful of months between the initial announcement and the release of many of the company's major software titles. The same, however, cannot...
Wednesday24th Jan 2024
News Metroid Prime 4 Development Updates Seemingly Discovered
We're ready when you are, Nintendo
It feels like we've been waiting forever for Retro Studios to get Metroid Prime 4 out the door, and well technically speaking it's been more than six years since the original announcement. One of the more recent updates was about a company recruitment drive, so what's the latest? The Nintendo-focused YouTube...
Thursday2nd Nov 2023
Guide Metroid Prime 2: Echoes: Prologue Area
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single spaceship crashing
Welcome all to our Metroid Prime 2: Echoes walkthrough! We'll be starting at the crash landing prologue just before the Temple Grounds area on the planet Aether. Now, there aren't any necessary collectibles for this first section of the game; instead, in true Metroid Prime...
Guide Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Walkthrough, All Collectibles, Locations, Tips & Tricks
Prime universe
Welcome to our Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Full Walkthrough Guide hub! This Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Walkthrough will take you through the entire game from beginning to end, highlighting where to find all key items, including all Scan Entries
Monday19th Jun 2023
News Did You Know Gaming Uncovers The Truth Behind The Long-Rumoured 'Star Fox Grand Prix'
Stop your engines
If you cast your mind back to 2018, you might remember that rumour of a Star Fox racing game, dubbed 'Star Fox Grand Prix', took the gaming world by storm. There was a logo mockup, comparisons to other Nintendo IPs and countdowns to every
Tuesday6th Jun 2023
Guide Metroid Prime Remastered: Walkthrough, All Collectibles, Locations, Tips & Tricks
Prime time
Welcome to our Metroid Prime Remastered Full Walkthrough Guide hub! This Metroid Prime Remastered Walkthrough will take you through the entire game from beginning to end, highlighting where to find all key items, including all Scan Entries, Power Suit Upgrade Locations, All Artifact Locations, and how to beat ever
Wednesday12th Apr 2023
Puts the blame on decisions "at the top"
As amazing as Metroid Prime Remastered is, not everyone is entirely happy about the state of the Switch release. You might recall how members of the original Retro Studios development team voiced their frustrations about the game's credits excluding their names, and now co-technical lead engineer Jack...
Thursday23rd Feb 2023
News Metroid Prime Remastered Physical Version Out Now (US), Will You Be Getting It?
Let us know
Perhaps the biggest announcement of the most recent Nintendo Direct was Metroid Prime Remastered. It was even launched on the same day via the eShop, with the physical version to arrive at a later date. Now, after a few weeks of waiting, the hard copy of the game is finally available in the US and across North America. NoA's senior vice...
Friday17th Feb 2023
Soapbox As A Colour Blind Gamer, I Can Now Finally Beat Metroid Prime
Prime-ary colours
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they've been chewing over. Today, Rory how the recent release of Metroid Prime Remastered has enabled him to settle an old score. Prime endboss spoilers inbound... I know. I was a handsome bugger. It’s always...
Thursday16th Feb 2023
Guide Metroid Prime Remastered: Power Suit Upgrade Locations
Suit up, soldier
Metroid Prime Remastered, like all entries in Nintendo's sci-fi franchise, requires you to rebuild Samus Aran's arsenal and make her powerful enough to take on even the most fearsome of beasties. In this guide, we'll take you through all Power Suit upgrades to find on your travels across the planet Tallon IV, including the...
Tuesday14th Feb 2023
Video Digital Foundry's Technical Analysis Of Metroid Prime Remastered
"One of the best-looking Switch titles I've seen"
Are you still recovering from Metroid Prime Remastered's surprise announcement and release? Well, how about some more detailed analysis on Retro Studios and Iron Galaxy's stellar rerelease from the team over at Digital Foundry? Comparing the new Switch release to both the GameCube and Wii titles,...
News Metroid Prime Engineer "Let Down" By Exclusion Of Original Credits In Remaster
Update: Another OG dev calls it a "travesty"
Update [Tue 14th Feb, 2023 02:30 GMT]: The original Metroid Prime technical lead engineer Jack Mathews has now shared his own thoughts, calling it a "travesty". Here's what he had to say about the remaster not crediting the original developers in a message to Axios: “When my son plays Metroid Prime...
Friday10th Feb 2023
News Win Stylish Metroid Prime Remastered Jacket In Nintendo Of America Sweepstakes
Out of this world
With the surprise release of the outstanding Metroid Prime Remastered, Nintendo of America has kicked off a brand new competition to celebrate the game's reveal (and launch). The sweepstakes are open from now until 4th April 11:59pm PST and those over 13, and from the US and Canada are eligible to enter to try and win an exclusive...
News Retro Studios Wasn't The Only Dev Working On Metroid Prime Remastered
Iron Galaxy and many other teams helped out
If you were wondering how Nintendo was able to release a remaster of Metroid Prime while the fourth major entry is still in development, it turns out it was a team effort. The credits of Metroid Prime Remastered reveal Retro Studios was assisted by Iron Galaxy - the same developer behind a number of other...
Thursday9th Feb 2023
Video Metroid Prime Remastered - Switch Vs. GameCube Comparison
Looks gooood. Can confirm.
Metroid Prime Remastered, you say? Geez, that shadow-dropped, like, 20 hours ago, gramps. Look, we've been busy, okay? Amongst documenting all the exciting news from the first Nintendo Direct of 2023, we Europeans had to squeeze in a few hours of shut-eye between then and now, too, so please forgive us for repeating a...
Wednesday8th Feb 2023
News Metroid Prime Remastered Confirmed For Switch, Launching Digitally Today
Physical edition coming later this month
Nintendo has announced that Metroid Prime Remastered is launching on the Switch digitally today. A physical version will also launch on February 22nd, 2023. The game costs $39.99 on the US eShop and £34.99 on the UK eShop. It's available to purchase right now as of the time of writing! Here's some official...
Monday6th Feb 2023
News Star Fox 64 Follow-Up Title Was Pitched For Wii U, But Retro Studios Passed On It
Planned with a puppet aesthetic
It has been a good few years now since we last checked in with everyone's favourite fox fighter pilot in Star Fox Zero (seven years, to be precise) and the chances of him returning to the Switch seem to lessen everyday. In the ensuing period while we wait (fingers tightly crossed) for news of a series reboot, the good...
Monday23rd Jan 2023
News Enguarde The Swordfish Almost Returned In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Just keep swimming
Donkey Kong has had some fantastic animal companions over the years, and when Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze breezed onto the Wii U, and later Switch, it brought back with it a very small selection of animal companions. But in an interview published in the latest issue of Retro Gamer (via Nintendo Everything) creative...
