The absence of any Metroid or Mother games at last night’s Nintendo Switch presentation left many disappointed. The last main entry in the Metroid series was Metroid: Other M in 2010. Mother 3 has been in demand in the West since its Japanese release in 2006. It isn’t surprising that both series were asked about after Nintendo’s presentation.
In a interview with GameSpot, Reggie Fils-Aime had a few words on the two series.
“I am proud as an executive with Nintendo to say that we look at all of the boards and all of the comments and we really have a good understanding of what our consumers want. And believe me, we take that to heart as we work to create content.”
In regards to official news or announcements, he had this to say.
“So I have nothing to announce–here. But we are aware that there are some key IP that consumers just can’t wait for the next true installment in that franchise’s legacy. Suffice it to say, we’re aware of it, and talk to me in a year and let’s look back and see what’s happened.”
These comments shouldn’t be read into very deeply. The demand for both series has been clear, but each has struggled in some regard.
The last console Metroid was Metroid: Other M. It received massive hate with many saying the game was the worst in the series and ruined Samus as a character. The series has also never been as successful as other Nintendo properties like Mario and Zelda. The Mother series has had mixed results with sales in the west despite critical acclaim. While the introduction of characters form the Mother series in Smash Brothers brought some attentions, it has never been very large.
The silver lining is Fils-Aime words about checking in next year. By then the Switch will have launched. Nintendo will likely try to avoid the problem of the Wii U and release a steady stream of 1st party titles. While not a guarantee, there is hope for more Metroid and Mother 3.
