Since the initial announcement ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyond, fans have spent a long time waiting for the continuation of the story. It’s been almost 20 years sinceMetroid Prime 3: Corruptionlaunched on Wii, and after subtle hints in spin-offs and two console generations later, fans will finally be able to playMetroid Prime 4: Beyond.
The fate ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwas a mystery for quite some time. Since its initial announcement at E3 2017, the game has faced many indefinite delays, as well as development of the project being restarted from scratch. Things looked bleak for some time forMetroidfans until the launch ofMetroid Dreadgave them a glimmer of hope. Now that gameplay has been shown, its slated 2025 release window seems definitive. The question remains, though, of whenMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill finally release. It’s likely that players will know of the official release date very soon, but until that announcement arrives, there are some potential release windows which could work for the game.
Metroid Prime 4 Needs a Safe Release Date
October Could Cause a Clash
To avoid clashes with other releases, it’s unlikely thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill release during October. It was recently confirmed thatPokemon Legends: Z-Awill release on October 16, 2025for Nintendo Switch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. As support for the original Switch is coming to an end, it is unlikely thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill release simultaneously with another game for this platform, especially one that will also receive a Switch 2 Edition. It’s possible that these releases will be staggered, meaning that October could be off limits forMetroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Avoiding an October release could be deviating from the path established byMetroid Dread’s release, but it could be beneficial for bothMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandPokemon Legends: Z-A. Giving both their own space means that players are less likely to divide their time between either title, instead being able to dedicate their time to each individual release. It’s possible thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyond’s release window will avoid October entirely, opting for a release in the months prior or after.
Avoiding Metroid’s Competition
KeepingMetroid Prime 4: Beyond’s release date away from October could be the best for the game. TheMetroid Primeseries puts focus on its story, and on top of this, players are tasked with exploring every nook and cranny of the game’s sprawling landscapes in search of upgrades and lore. Players may need to dedicate a lot of time to this experience, so releasing the game away from other big releases could be what the game needs.
For this reason, October could almost definitely be ruled out as a release window. With othernarrative-driven games likeGhost of YoteiandVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodline 2releasing at either end of the month, it may not giveMetroid Prime 4: Beyondroom to breathe. Since players have been waiting for the game for almost 10 years, it could be better to release it during a safer month.
A November Release Is Likely for Metroid Prime 4
ExcludingMetroid Prime Remastered, some of the mostrecentMetroid PrimetitleslikeMetroid Prime 3: CorruptionandFederation Forcereleased in August of their given release years.Metroid Prime 4: Beyondhas the potential to follow tradition with a Q3 2025 release date, possibly launching in August or September. However, the earlierMetroid Primegames released in November, and there could be good evidence thatMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill follow tradition.
So far, November looks like a fairly empty month for game releases, especially for the Nintendo Switch 2. Being a new console, it may be expected that theSwitch 2’s library of gameswould round out more before the end of the year. Furthermore, with Switch 2 Editions likeKirby and the Forgotten Landwith its Star-Crossed World expansion releasing in August, staggering the releases of the rest of the console’s titles could be the best decision. Since November is uncontested as far as release schedules are concerned, this could be the prime release window forMetroid Prime 4: Beyond.
A hint pointing towards a November release is the fact that the game is still yet to receive a set date, whilePokemon Legends: Z-Ahas already secured one. Because this date has been shared so soon, it’s possible thatMetroid’s later date reveal will also yield a later release. There are lots of expectations that have built up forMetroid Prime 4: Beyondas it nears release, so the team may be using all the time it has to perfect the expectation and deliver the game fans have been waiting for.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyondcould be a showstopper for the Nintendo Switch 2’s library. While it is releasing on the original Switch,Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s stunning visualsand higher performance could be a real system seller. As it also makes use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse features, it is presented as the definitive version of theMetroid Prime 4: Beyond, acting as a transitional point between the previous Switch system and the new one. Launching just before the holiday period could be the incentive some players need to upgrade to the Switch 2.
The wait forMetroid Prime 4: Beyondis almost over, but fans are still waiting to know which date they need to look out for. There are rumors that anotherNintendo Direct will be presented soon, so there is a chance that the date will be revealed here. A November release seems like the most unsurprising option, but there is the possibility thatMetroidfans will be able to play the game much sooner. All is yet to be revealed, but players can most likely rest assured that the game will still release in 2025.
