Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Release Date Finally Revealed: Samus Rides a Motorbike!
After nearly a decade of anticipation, Nintendo has officially announced the release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The game is slated to launch on December 4, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. The announcement, made during a recent Nintendo Direct broadcast, puts an end to months of speculation surrounding the game's development and release.
Development History and Cross-Gen Release
The road to release for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a long and winding one. Originally announced several years ago, the project faced significant challenges, including a complete reboot. Initial development began at Bandai Namco Studios, but Nintendo ultimately reassigned the project to Retro Studios, the developer behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy. This move followed concerns about the game's progress after two years in development. Finally confirmed as a cross-gen title for Switch and Switch 2, the game promises to leverage the capabilities of both platforms.
Motorbike Gameplay and New Features
Adding to the excitement, the announcement included a first look at gameplay featuring Samus Aran riding a motorbike, a new and unexpected addition to the Metroid Prime series. This revelation has sparked significant interest and speculation among fans regarding its integration into the game's exploration and combat mechanics. The Nintendo Direct also revealed details about the Switch 2 version, which will offer technical enhancements, including a Quality Mode and Performance Mode, both with HDR support. Players can expect options for 4K resolution at 60 FPS or full HD at 120 FPS, along with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
Amiibo and Technical Enhancements on Switch 2
In addition to the release date and motorbike gameplay, Nintendo unveiled plans for new amiibo figures associated with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. These figures will likely offer in-game bonuses and collectibles, further enhancing the player experience. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game promises significant technical advantages, including graphical upgrades and smoother performance. Players on the Switch 2 will be able to choose between "Quality Mode" and "Performance Mode", enabling them to prioritize visual fidelity or framerate depending on their preference. Options include 4K resolution at 60 frames per second or full HD at 120 frames per second. Mouse controls with Joy-Con 2 are also available on the new console.