After years of anticipation, delays, and radio silence, Nintendo has finally set a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The game is officially launching on December 4, 2025, for both the Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2. For fans of the franchise — and of Samus Aran herself — this marks a monumental moment nearly two decades in the making.
Originally announced back in 2017, Metroid Prime 4 went through a turbulent development cycle. In 2019, Nintendo made the bold decision to scrap the project and restart it from scratch under the leadership of Retro Studios, the developer behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy. Now, after six more years of development, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally ready to take center stage.
The game picks up where Metroid Prime 3: Corruption left off, continuing the saga of bounty hunter Samus Aran as she faces new threats in a galaxy still reeling from the collapse of Phazon and the Space Pirate menace. While Nintendo has kept much of the story under wraps, teasers hint at a darker, more introspective journey that explores the legacy of the Chozo, the secrets of Samus’s DNA, and the emergence of a mysterious new entity threatening galactic stability.
Gameplay-wise, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond retains the immersive first-person perspective that defined the series but adds modern design elements to bring the franchise up to current standards. The controls have been completely overhauled for dual-stick functionality, giving players smoother aiming and movement. New scanning and visor systems have been introduced, making exploration feel more intuitive and rewarding.
Graphically, the game showcases what the new Switch 2 hardware is capable of. Players can expect dynamic lighting, high-resolution textures, and environments that feel alive and reactive. On the Switch 2, the game runs at 60 frames per second with upscaled 4K visuals when docked. Meanwhile, the standard Switch version has been optimized for stable performance at 30 FPS with reduced effects, ensuring a solid experience for existing users.
One of the most exciting additions is the return of nonlinear level design. Retro Studios has leaned heavily into the “isolation and discovery” tone that made the original Prime so compelling. Vast, interconnected planets offer multiple paths, hidden upgrades, and puzzles that reward exploration. The return of classic mechanics like the Morph Ball, Grapple Beam, and Scan Visor, alongside new gear and suit upgrades, gives longtime fans plenty to look forward to.
Multiplayer rumors have also surfaced, with hints at optional co-op missions and asynchronous online features, though Nintendo has yet to confirm these details. Whether true or not, the focus remains firmly on delivering a rich, story-driven single-player experience.
With the December release date finally confirmed, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is poised to close out 2025 with a bang. For fans old and new, it’s more than just a long-awaited sequel — it’s the rebirth of a legendary series.
Get ready to step back into the Power Suit. The galaxy still needs saving.
