See this thread from ResetEra for more details.
From a Nintendo Dream interview (translated via machine translation by Famiboard user TheDinoman)—
Tanabe: “It's been 40 years since I joined Nintendo. This Metroid Prime 4 will be the last game I work on at Nintendo. However, we didn't deliberately do anything "special." Instead, like with previous Nintendo games, we worked together with Retro Studios to complete it, hoping to provide a fun and unique experience for players of all ages and types.I would be very happy if this game leaves a lasting impression on those who play it. And for those who haven't played it yet, I hope you will experience the unknown planet of Viewros through Samus's eyes.”
Now, it should be noted that it is still entirely possible this is merely a “Pikmin 4 is in it’s final stage of development” mistranslation; however, the contents of the paragraph do appear to corroborate that this is the intended message. Sad to see him go. :(
Last edited by firebush03 - on 21 January 2026
