Everything You Need to Know About Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Release
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is coming to Nintendo and Nintendo Switch 2 on the 4th of December, 8 years after it was first announced.
After what feels like a lifetime of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally ready to take Samus fans on a new adventure. The game was first announced in 2017, but development hit a major reset just two years later, which only built up the hype even more.
Nearly two decades after Metroid Prime 3, players are eager to see if this next chapter lives up to expectations. Whether you’re a longtime Metroid fan or a newcomer curious about the series, Metroid Prime 4 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Nintendo releases since the Switch 2 launched. Here’s what you need to know before diving in.
Metroid Prime 4 launches on December 4. If you’re planning to download it digitally from the Nintendo eShop, you can expect it to follow Nintendo’s usual schedule: unlocking at midnight local time in most regions. For the U.S., the game goes live at midnight Eastern Time, which means West Coast players could start playing as early as 9 p.m. Pacific.
Metroid Prime 4 is the first mainline game in the series to launch on the Switch and Switch 2 (not counting the Remastered Trilogy). The good news is, both versions are largely the same. The Switch 2 version does get some upgrades, improved visuals, smoother performance, and a new mouse mode for aiming and movement, but the core gameplay and story are identical across both consoles.
Emmanuel Umahi
If you want to jump in immediately on launch day, preloading is your friend. The game is available for preload on both Switch models once you’ve preordered via the eShop. The Switch version weighs in at 28.9 GB, while the Switch 2 edition is slightly larger at 31.6 GB. Preloading ahead of time means you won’t be stuck waiting for downloads while everyone else is already exploring Viewros, the mysterious new world Samus visits.
For collectors or those who prefer cartridges, Metroid Prime 4 has a physical edition for both Switch and Switch 2. Unlike some newer Switch 2 releases, the game comes on a standard cartridge, meaning everything is included right out of the box, no additional downloads required. If you’re aiming to play on launch day, it might be a bit late to snag the physical edition online, but it’s still a solid option for those who like to hold the game in their hands.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lands on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on December 4. After years of waiting, Samus’s next adventure is finally here, and it promises to be worth it.
Emmanuel Umahi
