No release date yet, but Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is coming in 2025. Learn about billboards, Spring Demos, Switch 2 upgrade, and why it matters.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Release Date Update & What We Know in 2025
Metroid fans everywhere have been waiting YEARS for the next big chapter in Samus Aran’s intergalactic saga. After a rocky development and a restart by Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond still lacks a precise release date—and that’s causing both excitement and impatience. Let’s break down everything we know (and what that London Underground "Out Now" billboard really means).
🎯 What We Know for Sure
Release Window: Confirmed for 2025 by Nintendo.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch & enhanced Switch 2 Edition with graphics and controller upgrades.
Trailer & Demos: First gameplay was shown in June 2024. Switch 2 demo showcased gyro and mouse support.
🚇 The London Underground Billboard Mix-Up
On June 19, 2025, fans snapped a photo of a billboard at Oxford Circus station saying "Out Now" for Metroid Prime 4—despite no release. Nintendo confirmed this was an error. Very likely a template copy-paste goof. But the billboard’s presence still hints at a major promotion push coming soon…
⏳ Why We Still Don’t Have a Release Date
Development Restart
The game originally started development under Bandai Namco but was restarted in 2019 with Retro Studios taking full charge. This restart meant rebuilding the game from scratch—everything from game engine optimization to level design had to be redone.
Retro Studios Vision
Retro Studios has a reputation for high standards and cinematic storytelling. They are pushing the boundaries of immersion by refining enemy AI, environmental storytelling, and dynamic lighting.
Switch 2 Optimization
Another reason for the delay is Nintendo’s focus on making Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a flagship title for Switch 2. The game reportedly takes full advantage of the upgraded hardware, including 4K resolution, improved frame rates, and better load times.
Quality Over Speed
Nintendo is prioritizing long-term success over short-term hype. This means additional time for testing, refining gameplay mechanics, and incorporating community feedback into the final product.
Speaking of Switch 2 exclusives, don’t miss our preview of Donkey Kong Bananza—the first 3D DK adventure in years.🕹️ Will We See a Release Date Soon?
Yes—industry analysts expect Nintendo won’t wait long after the billboard incident. A Summer or Fall 2025 Nintendo Direct (likely around September) could finally deliver that long-awaited release date. The marketing buildup and leaks suggest Nintendo is aligning everything for a major launch moment.
📅 Expected Timelines
Looking forward to the Switch 2 launch lineup? Check out Mario Kart World, the new 24-player open-world racer.
🔥 Gameplay Features Revealed So Far
New Planet: Viewros
The latest trailer reveals a brand-new planet called Viewros. The setting appears to include varied biomes such as dense jungle zones, icy caverns, and mechanical ruins.
Psychic Abilities
Samus now has psychic powers, allowing her to manipulate the environment. Early footage shows her using telekinesis to move platforms and disable enemy shields.
Evolving Combat
Retro Studios has revamped the combat system with:
Dynamic weapon switching
Adaptive enemy AI that learns your behavior
Seamless melee integration
Morph Ball 2.0
The Morph Ball now features new utilities:
EMP burst to disable tech enemies
Sticky climb for vertical traversal
Boss Fights
Expect some of the most cinematic and interactive boss battles ever seen in a Metroid game. Each boss has multi-phase mechanics and destructible environments.
🧠 Community Reactions
Reddit Speculation
On r/NintendoSwitch and r/Metroid, the community is buzzing with speculation:
Some believe a shadow drop may happen right after a Nintendo Direct.
Others think it may be delayed into early 2026.
YouTube Theories
Content creators are dissecting every second of the trailers. Theories include:
Dark Samus returning in a new form
Time manipulation mechanics similar to Titanfall 2
📽️ Graphics & Technical Improvements
For Switch 2:
4K resolution at 60 FPS
HDR lighting
Real-time ray tracing for immersive shadows and reflections
Mouse and keyboard support (first for a Nintendo game)
For Original Switch:
1080p dynamic resolution
30 FPS with adaptive v-sync
Reduced particle effects compared to Switch 2 version
Load Times
Switch 2 SSD integration reduces loading screens to just 2–4 seconds between zones.
🎧 Audio Design & Music
The new OST is composed by a team including returning Prime series composer Kenji Yamamoto.
Expect:
A blend of ambient tracks and industrial beats
Spatial audio compatibility for immersive headphone experience
Dynamic audio that reacts to in-game threats
🧩 Exploration & Upgrades
Metroid Prime 4 brings back exploration-focused gameplay:
Massive interconnected areas with secrets
Scan system is now faster and integrates into HUD
Dozens of upgradable suits and beam weapons
Collectibles that affect ending scenarios
🤖 Enemies and Biome Diversity
AI in Prime 4 adapts to how you fight. If you rely too much on missiles, some enemies develop shield counters.
🛒 Buyer’s Guide: Which Edition to Choose?
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros
Spectacular visuals on Switch 2
Rich lore and expanded story arcs
Highly replayable with multiple endings
Modernized controls and traversal mechanics
Cons
Still no official release date
Original Switch version downgraded
Limited availability of Collector’s Edition
❓ FAQ – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
When will Metroid Prime 4 be released?
Nintendo confirmed a 2025 launch window, likely Fall.
Will it work on the original Nintendo Switch?
Yes, though with reduced graphics and features.
What’s new in gameplay?
Psychic abilities, new planet, advanced AI, and updated traversal tools.
Will it be on Switch 2?
Yes—an enhanced version with 4K, HDR, and new control support.
Will Dark Samus return?
Not confirmed, but fans speculate she may appear in a new form.
📝 Final Thoughts
After years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most ambitious projects. With revolutionary new mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and a renewed focus on storytelling, it could easily rival the best games of the decade. While the wait has been long, it seems that patience will pay off—with a potential release in late 2025.
Until then, we’ll keep tracking every leak, trailer, and billboard mishap with our visors on full scan mode.