One of Nintendo’s lesser-known but still cherished franchises is Metroid—a series that first debuted on the NES, immersing players in the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran. Now, more than 35 years later, fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which has been in development for several years.
The Prime series evolves the gameplay introduced in the 2D entries into a 3D, first-person adventure, all while maintaining that unmistakably Metroid feel despite the shift in perspective. Excitement for this next chapter has gained momentum now that the original Metroid Prime is playable on the Nintendo Switch. While many details about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond remain under wraps, there’s plenty we can infer before its release. The game has been confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s poised to be the final major launch on the platform this year. Prepare your visors as we gather every piece of available information on this highly anticipated game.
Release Date
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a long time in the making—nearly a decade, in fact. However, it was finally given an official release date during the September Nintendo Direct, set for December 4, 2025.
Platforms
The game is planned for release on the Nintendo Switch, but a special Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also in the works. Although both versions will be available, the Switch 2 variant is expected to feature improved visuals, higher frame rates, and enhanced control options.
Trailers and Reveals
Initially revealed during E3 2017, Metroid Prime 4 was shown very minimally, with Nintendo only unveiling a logo—confirming the game was in development but offering precious little else. The trailer featured some space-themed sound effects, but that was about it.
It wasn’t until the June 2024 Nintendo Direct that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond resurfaced, now with a subtitle and a glimpse of gameplay. In the trailer, Samus is seen fighting space pirates, rolling into her morph ball form, and confronting a mysterious enemy alongside Metroids. While much remains mysterious, it was reassuring to see the game in action.
Later, at the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, just days before the Switch 2 reveal, the game appeared again. This trailer provided fresh visuals and hinting at its story, revealing the main planet, Viewros—a lush, jungle-like world filled with dangerous creatures. The trailer concludes with Samus encountering a glowing figure who calls her the “chosen one,” leaving players eager to discover how all of this fits into the broader Metroid universe.
Thanks to a Nintendo Treehouse Live session, we learned that the game opens on the planet Tanamaar, where Samus is tasked with retrieving an artifact before she’s drawn into the conflict on Viewros. The story appears to involve the villain Sylux leading space pirates and possibly controlling Metroids, with the stakes rising as the plot unfolds.
Gameplay
While only glimpses of gameplay have been shown—mostly in brief trailers—what we’ve seen remains faithful to classic Metroid Prime gameplay: a blend of first-person shooting, exploration, scanning, and puzzle-solving. Samus’ iconic morph ball makes a return, enabling her to squeeze through tight spaces.
The second trailer introduced new abilities, such as psychic powers. Samus can now telekinetically move objects, slow down time, and even steer her blasts through multiple enemies—suggesting these will be central mechanics in the game. The trailer also teased a new suit, hinting at potential new powers, although specific details remain a mystery.
After testing the game hands-on, confidence in the mechanics has grown. The familiar shooting, rolling, and scanning are all present, but the standout feature is the innovative control system. Using a single Joy-Con laid flat on a surface allows for precise aiming akin to mouse control—an intuitive setup that reduces reliance on menus. The control scheme adapts seamlessly, with players able to switch between aiming modes by simply picking up or setting down the Joy-Con.
If you’re playing the Switch 2 Edition, you can expect enhanced performance—offering 4K visuals when docked or 1080p at 60fps handheld, and a boosted mode running at 1080p docked or 720p handheld at 120fps.
Preordering and Editions
Now that the release date is confirmed, you can visit the official Nintendo store to preorder both the standard Switch and Switch 2 editions of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The Switch 2 version will cost around $70, compared to $60 for the original Switch game, with an additional $10 upgrade pack that offers extra features or enhancements. While there are no special or fancy editions, players can secure their copy now and prepare for the adventure.
This game’s long journey to completion has finally reached its destination, promising an exciting chapter in the Metroid saga.
