Nintendo Direct Surprise: Metroid Prime 4, Zelda Spin-Off, and Mario & Luigi Return

In a blockbuster Nintendo Direct showcase today, the gaming giant dropped a trio of bombshell announcements that have fans buzzing. After years of silence, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” was officially revealed with a sleek new trailer, confirming a 2025 release window and offering a tantalizing glimpse into a darker, more story-driven entry for Samus Aran. This marks the first major update on the long-anticipated title since its development was restarted in 2019 under Retro Studios. The footage shows off a powerful new visual engine, atmospheric environments, and what appears to be a deeper focus on cinematic storytelling—bringing hope to fans who have waited nearly a decade for Samus’ next 3D outing.

But that wasn’t the only shock of the day. Nintendo also unveiled a brand-new Legend of Zelda spin-off, titled “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Sages.” This offshoot departs from the traditional hero’s journey and instead places players in control of Zelda herself, in a tactical action-adventure setting rumored to include real-time strategy elements. Developed in collaboration with Monolith Soft (known for the Xenoblade Chronicles series), “Echoes of the Sages” seems poised to explore Hyrule from a fresh, magical perspective.

As if that wasn’t enough, the beloved Mario & Luigi RPG series is making a long-awaited comeback. “Mario & Luigi: Brothership” reinvigorates the franchise with a new art style and co-op battle mechanics, teasing a story that spans multiple kingdoms and timelines. This is the first entry in the series since developer AlphaDream filed for bankruptcy in 2019, and fans are already excited about the return of the quirky humor and clever gameplay the series is known for.

Nintendo’s strong lineup preview today suggests that 2025 may be one of the company’s biggest years yet, especially as rumors of new hardware continue to swirl. With iconic franchises evolving and returning, the Direct has reignited excitement across the gaming community—and reminded us that Nintendo still knows how to surprise and delight.