A cryptic Twitter update released a new image that has Metroid fans' speculation on the rise for the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4, a game Nintendo has been silent about since its announcement in 2017. With its first entry released in 1986, Metroid is a time-honored presence in the gaming industry. The series has followed a space-faring bounty hunter named Samus Aran as she battles space pirates and many other enemies across more than a dozen entries. The latest title in the franchise, Metroid Dread, thrilled critics and audiences with its smooth gameplay and tense atmosphere. While the game was an excellent addition to the Metroid franchise, many fans have been anxious to see the series return to the first-person POV of Metroid Prime.The Nintendo Gamecube saw the release of the Metroid Prime Trilogy, which was a considerable shift for the franchise. Metroid Prime converted the iconic 2D action platforming the series was known for to an engaging first-person shooter that placed players in a complex 3D alien world that rewarded exploration. The Prime Trilogy was eventually ported to the Wii in 2009 but fans have waited years for it to be ported to the Nintendo Switch. Fans are also anticipating the promised sequel and return to Metroid Prime's intense first-person gameplay. One new cryptic update from the Metroid Prime developers gives those fans a possible clue and some hope.Metroid fans waiting for any news of Metroid Prime 4 were excited to see a cryptic image posted on Retro Studios' Twitter account, showing a shadowy figure resembling Samus standing distant in a mysterious hallway. Unfortunately, the image noticed by Twitter user Nibel was posted on the developer's Twitter with no context, so fan speculation is running rampant. Some believe it may be the first shred of information for Metroid Prime 4 since Nintendo's incredibly vague announcement trailer that promised the game was in development for the Nintendo Switch.[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1494422421075636230[/EMBED_TWITTER]Because details have been so scarce for the anticipated Metroid Prime sequel, many fans have become doubtful that a fourth entry to the series is anywhere close to release. New content for Metroid Dread was recently announced, but because Retro Studios did not develop Dread, it is unlikely that the new Twitter banner has anything to do with last year's Metroid title. However, the recent success of Dread has reignited fans' love for the franchise, hopefully encouraging Nintendo to start building hype for the next Metroid entry. Anticipation would only build for the franchise if Nintendo decided to release the Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Switch following any news for Metroid Prime 4. Still, fans will have to speculate on what the cryptic image means until more context is given.For a thirty-five-year-old franchise that has seen many remakes and reboots, Metroid has continued to defy expectations. The Metroid franchise has reached a unique position that enables the series to find success with intense 2D and 3D action genres, a feat few other properties have managed to accomplish. Even if the new cryptic image doesn't lead to an official announcement soon, fans will inevitably have more Metroid in the future. It has been long since Nintendo released a console exclusive sci-fi first-person shooter, and Metroid Prime 4 would be the perfect remedy.Sources: Nibel/Twitter, Retro Studios/Twitter