Nintendo Clarifies: Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 Won’t Be Available on Switch 2 Online

Walmart appeared to have a slip-up earlier this week by sharing a promotional image for Nintendo Switch Online’s retro game lineup that included Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2—two titles that aren’t currently available or confirmed for the service. Nintendo has since clarified that the error originated on their side, as they mistakenly provided Walmart with an image featuring games that aren’t slated for NSO.

The initial leak from Walmart showcased these two GameCube classics alongside titles already accessible through the subscription, such as Mario Kart 64, Star Fox, and Tetris. Nintendo has a history of adding games to its NSO GameCube library before fulfilling promises for previously announced titles (seriously, where’s Super Mario Sunshine?), leading fans to speculate that this was a hint of things to come.

In a statement, Nintendo explained that the image “incorrectly” included games not intended for release at this time. They confirmed that the image has been taken down and expressed regret for any confusion caused.

How you interpret Nintendo’s statement—whether as a definitive “not happening” or a more ambiguous “not happening… right now”—is up for debate. Metroid Prime 2 is widely regarded as one of the best games on the console, and it would be surprising if Samus’ sequel didn’t eventually make its way to the service, especially following the release of Metroid Prime Remastered and last year’s Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Pikmin 2 presents a slightly different scenario, as it’s currently available for purchase on the eShop, alongside the original game. However, it’s not uncommon for Nintendo to add a title to NSO while also offering a purchasable version in their store—Link’s Awakening is a prime example of this practice.