Retro Studios has long been a key player in Nintendo’s lineup, known for delivering some of the most beloved titles in recent memory. From revitalizing classic franchises to crafting immersive new experiences, the studio has built a reputation for high-quality games that resonate with fans worldwide.
However, recent insider insights suggest that Retro Studio’s may be entering a new chapter, one that could reshape their role within Nintendo’s creative ecosystem.
Insider KiwiTalkz suggests Retro Studios is unlikely to return to making 2D Donkey Kong games after Donkey Kong Bananza. Instead, the studio is expected to focus on Metroid Prime 5 and potentially a brand-new IP, signaling a shift in their development priorities.
Importance: This news marks a major shift for Retro Studios and Nintendo. Retro moving away from 2D Donkey Kong may change the franchise’s future, while their focus on Metroid Prime 5 and new IPs promises fresh innovation and Nintendo’s growing development depth.

Retro Studio’s Unique Role At Nintendo
Reece “KiwiTalkz” Reilly, an insider with genuine connections to Retro Studios, explains that the studio’s involvement with 2D Donkey Kong was driven by unique circumstances. Retro was originally created to develop games for Nintendo that other internal teams couldn’t handle.
Primarily the Metroid Prime series, while Retro has proven its exceptional talent with critically acclaimed 2D platformers like Tropical Freeze, the current Nintendo landscape has several internal teams capable of developing 2D Donkey Kong games.
The Shift From Donkey Kong To Metroid Prime
Therefore, it’s unlikely Retro will continue in that role. According to KiwiTalkz, Retro’s future lies in developing Metroid Prime 5, following the highly anticipated Prime 4, before moving on to explore new intellectual properties to avoid franchise fatigue.

This shift reflects both Nintendo’s evolving strategy and Retro Studios’ unique position as a specialist studio with a focus on high-caliber, complex projects.
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