The wait for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond began all the way back in 2007 with the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption on the Wii. Though the trilogy wrapped up with that entry, fans clung to the small cliffhanger at the end, where Samus’s ship was followed by another. This rival ship was tied to Sylex, a bounty hunter first seen in Metroid Prime Hunters. Despite his limited character development, his presence left fans speculating about a future continuation.
The years following were rocky for the series. Metroid: Other M launched in 2010, directed by Yoshio Sakamoto rather than Retro Studios, and divided the fanbase. Many saw this period as the “dark days” of Metroid, as the series received little attention while other Nintendo franchises thrived. By 2015, rumors suggested Retro Studios might return to the franchise after Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, raising hopes once again.
Federation Force, Disappointment, and E3 2017
Instead of a mainline entry, Nintendo unveiled Metroid Prime: Federation Force for 3DS in 2015. This four-player co-op shooter landed poorly with fans, receiving lukewarm reviews and poor sales. Still, a post-credit scene hinted at Sylex again, keeping hope alive.
Everything changed at E3 2017. During Nintendo’s presentation, fans saw the iconic Screw Attack symbol and the reveal of Metroid Prime 4. The producer Kensuke Tanabe confirmed his involvement, fueling expectations of a direct continuation of the Prime series. However, the development studio remained a mystery, raising questions about the project’s direction.
Development Restarts and Years of Silence
In January 2019, Nintendo announced that development had been restarted under Retro Studios after the original version failed to meet expectations. Though frustrating, fans appreciated the rare transparency. The restart meant more waiting, and for the next six and a half years, Nintendo stayed silent. The most fans received were minor signals like Retro hiring new developers from high-profile studios.
During this silence, other Metroid titles helped fill the void. Metroid: Samus Returns launched in 2017, Metroid Dread released in 2021, and Metroid Prime Remastered surprised fans with a shadow drop in 2023. While these games provided relief, they also heightened anticipation for the true return of Prime.
Trailers, Gameplay, and the Official Release Date
At long last, June 2024 brought the first real look at Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. The trailer showcased Samus battling Space Pirates and confirmed Sylex’s return as a rival. The imagery suggested themes of time travel, hinted at by a black hole symbol in the logo.
Nintendo continued teasing the game in 2025 with Direct presentations, revealing gameplay on both Switch and Switch 2 hardware. The footage showed new planets like Vuerost, new species like the Lur, and even new psychic abilities for Samus. Technical details included 4K 60fps quality mode and 1080p 120fps performance mode on Switch 2.
Finally, the long-awaited release date was announced: December 4, 2025. After 18 years since Metroid Prime 3 and more than eight years since its announcement, the game is nearly here.
What This Wait Meant for Metroid Fans
For many, the anticipation has spanned entire phases of their lives. Players who were in their early twenties when Metroid Prime 4 was announced are now in their thirties. While other Metroid titles provided distractions, the community’s focus has always circled back to the next Prime entry.
The release of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond marks the end of one of the longest waits in modern gaming.
