Nintendo Refreshes Trademarks for Four 3DS and Wii U Era Titles

Key points

• Nintendo renewed trademarks for Metroid Prime: Federation Force, Metroid Prime: Blast Ball, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, and Ever Oasis.
• All four titles were originally released during the 3DS or Wii U eras; Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE later received an 'Encore' version for the Nintendo Switch.
• Trademark renewals are routine business practices for protecting intellectual property and do not confirm active development of new content.
• Metroid Prime: Blast Ball previously generated significant negative reception, including the most disliked video in Nintendo's history, while Federation Force was a co-op shooter that faced criticism upon announcement.
• No official statements from Nintendo regarding new projects, remasters, or ports for these specific titles have been issued.

Background

This development follows recent marketing activities, including a September 2026 Customer Appreciation Sale that discounted classic titles and existing-generation games. It also occurs amid broader discussions about Nintendo's long-term strategy, where executives have emphasized creating experiences that last generations. While fans often interpret trademark renewals as hints for future releases, previous instances, such as the 2013 renewal for the Metroid Prime series, did not immediately result in new announcements. The current news cycle also includes anticipation for upcoming titles like Pokemon Winds and Waves, but no direct link has been established between the trademark renewals and new game reveals.

How outlets are covering it

My Nintendo News and GoNintendo present the trademark renewals as routine maintenance, explicitly cautioning readers against assuming new games are in development. They note that while speculation is natural, there is no concrete evidence of active projects. ixbt.games highlights the controversial nature of the renewed titles, specifically mentioning that Metroid Prime: Blast Ball and Federation Force were widely disliked by fans, with Blast Ball's trailer becoming a notable point of criticism. ixbt.games also clarifies that while the renewals spark rumors of returns, they are standard brand protection measures. All three sources agree that no official confirmation of new releases exists, but they differ in emphasis: My Nintendo News and GoNintendo focus on the routine nature of the action, while ixbt.games contextualizes the titles within their historical reception and platform origins.

Why it matters

Trademark renewals are often misinterpreted by the public as indicators of upcoming releases. This event underscores the importance of distinguishing between legal brand protection and actual product development. It also highlights the enduring, albeit controversial, status of certain Nintendo titles in the corporate registry, even if they are not commercially successful or well-received by fans. For industry observers, it serves as a reminder that trademark activity is a standard administrative task and not a reliable predictor of Nintendo's development pipeline.

What to watch

Monitor for any official announcements from Nintendo regarding remasters, ports, or new entries for the renewed titles. Watch for potential reveals at upcoming events, such as the Tokyo Game Show or Nintendo Directs, though no specific dates have been linked to these trademarks. Track fan community reactions and any further trademark filings that might indicate broader strategic shifts. Await official statements from Nintendo if speculation intensifies, particularly regarding the Metroid Prime series, which has a history of renewed interest.