Nintendo Switch Online Leak: Metroid Prime 2 Likely Coming to NSO — What That Means for a Remaster

Nintendo Switch Online Leak: Metroid Prime 2 Likely Joining NSO – Why That Matters

This caught my attention because Metroid Prime remasters are rare wins for preservation and hype – and seeing Prime 2 show up in what looks like official NSO artwork suggests Nintendo may prefer expanding its subscription library over selling fans a $40-$60 remaster. That changes both expectations and how players should plan for 2026.

Key takeaways

• Walmart’s leaked NSO promotional art reportedly showed Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 for Switch 2, implying imminent addition to the GameCube app on the Expansion Pack.
• An NSO release usually means Nintendo is distributing the original or lightly emulated builds to subscribers – historically this reduces the chance of a paid, ground-up remaster.
• For players who want upgraded visuals or modern controls, options are to buy existing HD ports (Pikmin) or use PC emulation (Dolphin) for community mods; NSO will be best for low-friction access and online features.
• If you care about price, the Expansion Pack ($50 individual / $90 family annually) is now the practical way to play these GameCube classics on Switch 2.

{{INFO_TABLE_START}}
Publisher|Nintendo
Release Date|2026-01-27 (leak spotted)
Category|GameCube (Nintendo Classics) on NSO Expansion Pack
Platform|Nintendo Switch 2
{{INFO_TABLE_END}}

Why the Walmart image matters — credibility and context

Retailer-side leaks have repeatedly preceded official NSO additions and shadow drops. The Walmart art matched Nintendo’s “Nintendo Classics” branding for the Switch 2 GameCube app and was captured by reliable leakers before edits. Given Nintendo’s recent pattern — prioritizing subscription additions and occasional remasters but rarely both for the same title — this feels like a credible sighting, not a random mock-up.

Why this likely rules out a paid Metroid Prime 2 remaster

Nintendo’s strategy lately has been twofold: ship a few premium remasters that get big marketing (e.g., Prime 1 remaster), and otherwise funnel older catalog content into NSO to boost subscription value. When a title appears as an NSO “classic,” it usually lands as the original or an emulation, not a full visual overhaul. Given the leaked art looks like the unpolished box presence rather than a reimagined key art, the smart bet is Prime 2 will hit NSO in its original form — which makes a $40-$60 remaster much less likely in the near term.

What this means for players — short and long term

If you want to play Prime 2 on Switch 2 soon: get the Expansion Pack. It’s the path of least resistance and gives access to save states, potential rewind features, and the convenience of console play. If you were holding out for a remaster with modern textures, reworked lighting, or rebuilt controls, plan instead for alternatives: the Dolphin emulator on PC supports superior upscaling and fan-made HD texture packs, and remains where the community pushes fidelity beyond what NSO tends to offer.

Pikmin 2: why both the HD release and an NSO listing make sense

Pikmin 1+2’s modern HD bundle exists and will still have value for players who want polish and QoL improvements. But adding Pikmin 2 to NSO follows Nintendo’s history of offering original builds for subscription customers — especially useful for purists and speedrunners who prefer OG physics and challenge modes. If you don’t subscribe and care about modern features, buy the HD bundle; if you want the original multiplayer/cave experience for cheap, NSO is attractive.

Cost, timing and practical advice

Expansion Pack is the pragmatic buy if you expect several GameCube additions this year — a single year’s sub nets access to many titles worth far more retail. If you only care about one remastered experience, wait: NSO additions often arrive as surprise drops around Directs or through shadow launches. For enthusiasts wanting high fidelity right now, Dolphin on a capable PC + legal disc dumps still offers the best visuals and mod scene.

Predictions and what to watch

Expect official confirmation in a Nintendo Direct or a shadow drop within weeks of the leak. Nintendo will likely stagger more GameCube additions through 2026 to keep Expansion Pack compelling. Don’t expect a full Prime 2 remaster announcement alongside an NSO listing; Nintendo tends to avoid selling two competing versions of the same classic at once.

TL;DR — The practical takeaway

The Walmart leak strongly points to Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 arriving on Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. That’s great if you want low-cost access and convenience, but it likely kills short-term hopes for a standalone, high-end Metroid Prime 2 remaster. If modern visuals are your priority, plan for PC emulation or buy existing HD ports; if you want quick, official play on Switch 2, budget the Expansion Pack and watch for a Direct or shadow drop.