Key Takeaways
1. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, developed by Retro Studios since 2019, is set to release in 2025, with a trailer revealed in June 2024.
2. Insider Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly suggests the game will be a major focus at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event in April, but cautions that plans may change.
3. The new game is expected to push technological boundaries, similar to past Metroid titles that maximized Nintendo’s hardware capabilities.
4. Speculations about the Switch 2 include a larger screen and improved hardware, which could enhance the gaming experience for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
5. Nintendo may be holding back other game releases until the Switch 2 arrives, with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond potentially being featured alongside titles like Pokémon Legends Z-A and a new Mario Kart.
Since the announcement in 2017, gamers have been eagerly awaiting the release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. When Retro Studios took charge of development in 2019, not many details came to light. Finally, in June 2024, Nintendo revealed a trailer and confirmed that the new Metroid Prime would be released the following year. An insider associated with Retro Studios now believes that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be a key focus during the Nintendo Switch 2 direct event in April.
Confirmation and Caution
Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly shared the news about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on X but noted that Nintendo’s plans might still change. The original game, released in 2002, took a bold step by changing from 2D side-scrolling to a first-person perspective. While earlier Metroid games were primarily side-scrollers, the Prime series often pushed Nintendo’s hardware to its limits. Kiwi Talkz suggests that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will again achieve a significant technological advancement at the upcoming Switch 2 Direct.
Speculation on Hardware
In January, Nintendo’s reveal video supported rumors about the Switch 2, showcasing a bigger screen and magnetic joy-cons. However, the specifics regarding the handheld’s internal components remain uncertain. An upgraded processor and support for DLSS frame generation would greatly enhance the experience in a demanding game like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Another lingering question is if the new Metroid Prime was designed for Nintendo’s next console. Given the lengthy development time, it might not have always been destined to launch with the Switch 2. Thanks to backward compatibility, games from the current generation will work on the new system. Nevertheless, it would be unexpected if the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct didn’t highlight some impressive upgrades.
Future Releases
With a sparse release schedule, it seems Nintendo has been holding off on releasing several new titles until the Switch 2 arrives. News about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could headline the next month’s event alongside Pokémon Legends Z-A and a new Mario Kart title. It’s worth noting that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched with the Switch but was also available on the Wii U at the same time. Similarly, it’s likely that many of these upcoming games will be playable on both systems.
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