Nintendo Direct Surprises with Zelda Remake, Metroid Prime 4 Reveal, and Donkey Kong Revival

Nintendo delivered a shockwave of announcements during today’s much-anticipated June Nintendo Direct, confirming long-standing rumors and reigniting nostalgia with a powerful trio of fan-favorite franchises. Headlining the showcase were the unveiling of a *The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past* remake, the first trailer for *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, and the resurrection of Donkey Kong in a brand-new 2.5D platformer.

The most buzzworthy moment came early in the presentation with the reveal of *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past*, a full high-definition remake of the SNES classic *A Link to the Past*. Built using the same gorgeous engine that powered *Link’s Awakening* on Switch, the remake will feature modern visuals, orchestral music, and quality-of-life improvements, including a free-roaming camera mode and expanded dungeon content. It’s set to release this holiday season exclusively for Nintendo Switch.

Then came what many fans have waited years for — a first real look at *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*. The trailer, dripping with atmosphere and tension, confirmed the game is set for a 2025 launch and is being developed by Retro Studios once again. The footage showed Samus Aran investigating a ruined Chozo facility on a seemingly abandoned planet, hinting at a darker narrative tone echoing *Metroid Prime 2: Echoes*. Long-time fans noted that the gameplay appears to blend exploration with heavier combat elements, perhaps signaling a more action-oriented evolution.

Rounding out the Direct was an unexpected treat for platforming fans: *Donkey Kong Country: Rise of Kong*, a new side-scrolling, co-op title inspired by the SNES trilogy but built in stunning 2.5D. Developed by Good-Feel, best known for *Yoshi’s Crafted World*, the game features local drop-in/drop-out co-op, dynamic weather-changing stages, and a return of fan-favorite animal companions. The game swings onto the Switch in early 2025.

Nintendo’s latest Direct was a masterclass in balancing legacy with innovation — reimagining beloved games while pushing its flagship franchises into bold new territory. Fans left the event reeling, with social media erupting in excitement and speculation. One thing’s clear: the Switch’s twilight years are anything but quiet.