After years of waiting and radio silence, Nintendo fans finally have something to celebrate. The metroid prime 4 release date is officially set for December 4, 2025, marking the return of Samus Aran in what might be the biggest Nintendo launch of the year. This isn’t just another sequel—it’s the game that was announced, restarted, and kept fans guessing for what felt like forever.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond brings back the first-person adventure style that made the original trilogy so memorable. Retro Studios, the team behind the beloved earlier entries, took over development to make sure this entry lives up to expectations. The game puts you back in Samus’s iconic armor as she gets pulled into an entirely new adventure on a planet called Viewros. It’s uncharted territory in every sense, and that’s exactly what longtime fans have been craving.
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When Can You Actually Play It?
The metroid prime 4 release date lands on December 4, but the exact moment you can jump in depends on where you live. Nintendo’s eShop releases games at midnight in your local timezone for most regions. If you’re on the East Coast of the United States, you’re looking at midnight Eastern Time. West Coast players get a nice bonus—the game unlocks at 9 PM Pacific Time on December 3. That means you can start exploring Viewros while your friends on the other side of the country are still waiting.
Cities like London, Berlin, Tokyo, Sydney, and Auckland all get their own midnight launches too. It’s a worldwide rollout that respects regional timing, which is great news if you’ve been planning a launch night gaming session with friends.
There’s also a trick some dedicated fans use to play even earlier. By setting up an account on the New Zealand or Australian eShop, you can purchase the game through that region and potentially play up to 18 hours before your home region unlocks. You’ll need to buy digital currency cards for those regions, and the exchange rates might bump up the cost a bit. It’s not officially supported, but it’s become a well-known method for the most impatient players out there.
What Versions Are Available and How Much Will It Cost?
Nintendo is releasing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on two platforms, and the pricing reflects that split. The standard Nintendo Switch version costs $59.99, which is the typical price point for major first-party Nintendo titles. If you’re planning to play on the new Nintendo Switch 2, that version runs $69.99.
Here’s where it gets interesting for early adopters: if you buy the Switch version first and later upgrade to Switch 2, Nintendo offers an Upgrade Pack for just $9.99. That’s a smart move for anyone who wants to play immediately but knows they’ll eventually grab the new hardware.
The file sizes are worth noting if you’re going digital. The Switch version clocks in at 26.3 GB, while the Switch 2 edition jumps to 31.6 GB. Make sure you’ve got enough storage space cleared before the metroid prime 4 release date arrives, especially if you’re downloading at midnight and want to play right away.
Pre-orders are live at all the usual spots—Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and directly through Nintendo’s online store. Some retailers in the UK are throwing in a Samus keyring as a pre-order bonus, but there’s no widespread bonus content that’s consistent across all stores. It’s pretty straightforward compared to some game launches that flood you with different editions and exclusive perks.
Performance Differences Between Consoles
One of the biggest questions players have been asking is how the game performs on different hardware. The original Nintendo Switch runs Metroid Prime 4 at 60 frames per second, which is solid for a first-person adventure game. The resolution will be lower than what you’d see on more powerful systems, but 60 FPS keeps the action smooth and responsive.
The Switch 2 version takes things up several notches. Quality Mode delivers 4K resolution when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, both at 60 FPS. If you want maximum smoothness, Performance Mode pushes the frame rate up to 120 FPS. There’s even a Joy-Con Mouse Mode for players who want more precise aiming options.
The good news is that no gameplay content is locked to the Switch 2 version. Every mission, every area, every ability—it’s all available on the standard Switch. Nintendo made sure that owning the newer hardware gives you visual and performance benefits without making original Switch owners feel like they’re missing out on actual game content.
Amiibo Collectibles and What They Unlock
Nintendo is releasing three new Amiibo figures alongside the game. The Samus and Vi-O-La two-pack costs $39.99, while individual Samus and Sylux figures each run $29.99. These aren’t just shelf decorations—they actually add some functionality to your playthrough.
Each Amiibo can be scanned once per day for various boosts and visual customization options. The Sylux Amiibo includes something special: a post-game movie that expands the story. Before you worry about missing out, that same movie can be unlocked by completing the game at 100 percent. The Amiibo just gives you an alternative path to see it.
It’s a balanced approach. Collectors get rewards for their figures, but players who skip the Amiibo aren’t locked out of important content. Everything meaningful can be earned through gameplay.
What the Story Brings to the Table
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond picks up after the events of Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Samus is defending a Galactic Federation base when something goes wrong and she ends up transported to Viewros. This mysterious planet becomes your playground for the entire game, filled with distinct regions like Fury Green, Sol Valley, Volt Forge, Ice Belt, and Flare Pool.
You’ll be using new tools this time around. The Psychic Glove, Control Beam, and Vi-O-La vehicle all add fresh mechanics to the classic Metroid formula of exploration and upgrades. The rival hunter Sylux returns as a major antagonist, giving the story a personal edge beyond just exploring alien ruins.
The structure stays true to what made the Prime series special. You’re exploring interconnected environments, solving environmental puzzles, finding upgrades that open new paths, and gradually building your arsenal. It’s the same loop that hooked players back on the GameCube, now refined with modern game design.
Final Thoughts Before Launch
The metroid prime 4 release date represents the end of a long wait for one of Nintendo’s most dedicated fan communities. December 4, 2025 finally gives players a chance to step back into Samus’s visor and explore an entirely new chapter in the Metroid universe. Whether you’re jumping in on Switch or waiting for Switch 2, the game promises to deliver that signature blend of atmosphere, exploration, and discovery that defines the Prime series.
Pre-orders are open now, Amiibo are ready for collectors, and the countdown is officially on. After all the delays and uncertainty, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is almost here.
