Some Metroid Prime 4 Early Copies Are Out in the Wild

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I can’t believe it, but it looks like copies of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for the Nintendo Switch 2 are already out in the wild! Someone on Reddit, Shadow-Gang, posted a picture of a physical copy they somehow got their hands on. Everyone’s joking that Nintendo’s gonna be paying them a visit soon, but it’s pretty crazy to think the game is out there before the official December 4th launch!

As a huge Nintendo fan, it’s not totally surprising to see early copies of games pop up before release, but it’s definitely worrying when it happens with a big title like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. We’ve already seen it with Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Donkey Kong Bananza on the Switch, and it led to people trying to dig up info and Nintendo having to warn us about spoilers. Now it looks like Metroid Prime 4 is heading down the same path, which means we might see the same thing happen. Because this game has been in development for so long, it feels even riskier – I really hope Nintendo can keep things under wraps!

Metroid Prime 4’s Long Road to Release Complicates Things

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of the most eagerly awaited games ever, and certainly the most anticipated Metroid title in years. After Metroid Prime 3: Corruption came out in 2007, fans didn’t hear anything new about the series for ten years. Then, Nintendo revealed Metroid Prime 4 with a short teaser at their E3 presentation. The game’s development hasn’t been easy, facing a studio switch and even a complete restart along the way.

  • June 2017: Metroid Prime 4 announced
  • February 2018: Confirmation of development by Bandai Namco Studios
  • January 2019: Announcement that development has been restarted under Retro Studios
  • June 18, 2024: Game is revealed with its new title, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
  • September 12, 2025: Nintendo announces the game’s official release date of December 4, 2025

It’s concerning that copies of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are appearing online before the official release. The game has been highly anticipated for years, and any leaked gameplay or opinions could affect how people perceive it before Nintendo is ready. This is especially noteworthy because the trailers and previews have already sparked debate about whether Metroid Prime 4 will stay true to the core of the Metroid Prime series or try something completely different.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Fans Have Some Concerns

Open Zones and the Vi-0-La Motorcycle

Some fans are worried about the open-world areas shown in trailers for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A Reddit post highlighting a large, open desert sparked a lot of discussion, with many expressing concern. However, many others are hopeful that these open areas will simply connect the game’s more classic Metroid Prime levels.

The new motorcycle Samus uses in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has become a point of discussion among fans. Though the bike wasn’t playable in early game demos, many have shared their worries online, like Reddit user GrassForCats. The biggest concern seems to be that the motorcycle might speed up the gameplay, changing the slower, more deliberate pace that Metroid Prime games are known for.

Companion Character

Some players have expressed concerns about a new character in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Early previews described the character, a Galactic Federation engineer named Myles Mackenzie, as irritating. There’s worry he might disrupt the series’ famous feeling of loneliness, but it’s still unclear if that will happen.

Despite these worries, Retro Studios has consistently delivered high-quality games. They’re famous for the original Metroid Prime series, and their Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze games were also critically acclaimed. Because of this strong history, it’s reasonable to be hopeful about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Switch 2 Exclusive Features

As mentioned in a recent Reddit post, the version of Metroid Prime 4 currently circulating appears to be the one designed for the Switch 2. This version boasts several improvements, including a higher resolution, better textures, HDR support, and the ability to run at up to 120 frames per second. The new Joy-Con controllers also offer a mouse-like aiming option, which those who’ve tried it say is a big help in quick combat situations.

Now that early versions of Metroid Prime 4 are appearing, the period leading up to its release is crucial. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a long-awaited game, and the next few days will decide how much information about it gets out before it officially launches.

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2025-11-29 01:04