A physical edition of Nintendo’sMetroid Prime Remasteredwas slated for launch on June 05, 2025, but buyers who purchased copies from Amazon are finding that their orders have been delayed several weeks. A shadow-dropped title that debuted on the same dayit was announced, fans of theMetroidfranchise rushed to retailers to secure copies while supplies lasted—which, as is often the case with Nintendo products, wasn’t very long.
Though the practice of pre-ordering is bemoaned by many in the modern gaming era, when it comes to sought-after titles likeMetroid Prime Remastered’s physical edition, it seems to be the only option. Brick-and-mortar outlets like Target, Best Buy, andGameStop can’t keep the game in stock, and the chances of happening across a copy at a local gaming store are, for most, almost zero. Of course, digital versions of the game are available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, but, for collectors, that’s a fairly shallow replacement.
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Developed by Nintendo subsidiary Retro Studios and released in 2002,Metroid Primerevitalized theMetroidfranchise and is remembered as one of the most prominent GameCube games. Fans have been clamoring for a remaster for years, and the game’s sudden and unexpected release likely contributed to more than a few FOMO-fueled purchases. That said, despite the demand, Amazon seems to be the only online retailer suffering weeks-long delays. This was likely the result of the online marketplace selling more copies of the game than were inventoried.
Still, in spite of the setbacks, most gamers aren’t likely to cancel their preorders. Certain to appreciate in value as many sought-after Nintendo games have in recent years, physical editions ofMetroid Prime Remasteredare destined to become the prized possessions of many Nintendo aficionados. Additionally, Nintendo has developed a somewhat troubling history of intentional scarcity when it comes to physical media;Super Mario 3d All-Starsgoes for absurd prices today, for instance, and the same may happen with the newMetroidtitle in the not-too-distant future.
Furthermore, some Nintendo fans aren’t all that eager to purchase pricier titles on the Switch storefront, as the company’s unfortunate habit of shutting down out-of-date online services means that digital versions of the game may not remain accessible forever. With the Wii U andNintendo 3DS eShops set to close in roughly a month, the impermanence of physical media has to weigh on the minds of all Nintendo fans.
Metroid Prime Remasteredis available now for Nintendo Switch.
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