Metroid Prime’s Legacy Bound in Print: A Visual Retrospective Unveiled
Today, we’ve got a cracking bit of news that’ll thrill anyone who’s ever donned Samus Aran’s Varia Suit in virtual battle. On February 27, 2025, Piggyback and Nintendo unveiled an official release date for Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective, a lavish art book celebrating over two decades of the iconic first-person adventure series. Slated to hit shelves on June 24, 2025, this 215-page hardcover promises a deep dive into the artistry and development of Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and the stunning Metroid Prime Remastered. For fans of vintage Nintendo brilliance, this is a must-have.
The Metroid Prime saga began in 2002 on the GameCube, a bold shift from the series’ 2D roots to a 3D masterpiece crafted by Retro Studios. It was a gamble that paid off, blending atmospheric exploration with technical wizardry that pushed the console’s limits—think 60 frames per second and texture work that still holds up today. The trilogy continued with Echoes in 2004 and Corruption on the Wii in 2007, each refining the formula while introducing innovations like motion controls. The 2023 Switch remaster of the original only cemented its status as a timeless classic. Now, this book—priced at £39.99/$49.99/ C$69.99—offers concept sketches, developer notes, and a foreword by producer Kensuke Tanabe, peeling back the curtain on a franchise that redefined retro gaming’s potential. Amazon already has pre-orders open and you can get 10% discount ($44.99).
What makes this announcement timely is the buzz around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, still pegged for a 2025 Switch release. With its predecessor’s art book dropping just weeks before summer, speculation is rife that Nintendo’s aligning its ducks—or rather, its Space Pirates—for a blockbuster year. Piggyback, known for their sumptuous Zelda guides, brings their A-game here, with premium paper and a metallic foil cover that’ll gleam on any collector’s shelf. For those who’ve scoured Tallon IV or battled Phazon corruption, this is more than a book—it’s a tribute to a golden era of gaming heritage.
So, preserve your treasured classics with RetroShell, the ultimate shield for your retro collection. For more vintage gaming scoops, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh to your inbox every Monday!
