Which Game Features Samus Aran on Wii U

This article identifies the specific Nintendo Wii U titles that include the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran. While the console lacked a mainline Metroid release, Samus appears as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and makes a cameo appearance in Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Readers will learn about her roles in these games and why her presence on the platform was limited compared to other Nintendo systems.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The most prominent appearance of Samus Aran on the Wii U is in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, released in 2014. In this crossover fighting game, Samus is available as a starter character for players to select. She utilizes her signature Arm Cannon, missiles, and bombs to battle other Nintendo icons. This title offers the most robust gameplay experience featuring Samus on the console, allowing fans to utilize her moveset in both single-player and multiplayer modes.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Another title on the system featuring Samus is Metroid Prime: Federation Force, launched in 2016. Although the game focuses on a squad of Federation Marines rather than Samus directly, she appears in the final cutscene of the campaign. Additionally, completing the game unlocks Samus as a playable character in the Blast Ball multiplayer mode. This appearance is significant for lore enthusiasts, though it does not constitute a full standalone Metroid adventure.

The Absence of a Mainline Metroid Game

Despite Samus appearing in these supporting roles, the Wii U did not receive a dedicated mainline Metroid game during its lifecycle. Many fans hoped for a Metroid Prime 4 or a new 2D entry, but neither materialized on the platform. Consequently, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U remains the primary way players could control Samus Aran on the hardware, bridging the gap until the release of Metroid Dread on the Nintendo Switch.