Why You Should Be Excited For Metroid Prime 4

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Fans were thrilled when Metroid Prime 4 was first announced in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, as the last main game in the series had come out way back in 2007. However, development faced some setbacks, causing delays. Now, after a long wait, it looks like the game will finally be released on December 4, 2025.

The game, officially titled *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, is nearing completion, though a December release is a bit unusual, so another delay is possible. If you’re unfamiliar with Samus Aran’s story, particularly the *Metroid Prime* series, here’s why this game is so highly anticipated and important.

The Return Of A Legend

It’s A Big Deal

In 2001, *Halo: Combat Evolved* redefined console shooting games on the original Xbox. A year later, *Metroid Prime* arrived on the GameCube and was just as impactful, despite having fewer players overall. It was a groundbreaking title as the first 3D game and first-person shooter in the *Metroid* series. Many thought it would be impossible to successfully transform the 2D *Metroidvania* style into a 3D shooter, but Retro Studios pulled it off brilliantly, and the game remains highly regarded today.

The release of a new *Metroid Prime* game is always exciting, and *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is particularly noteworthy. It’s the first game in the series built specifically for modern controllers, which could make it the most fluid and responsive first-person *Metroid Prime* experience yet. Considering the previous game, *Metroid Prime 3: Corruption*, was on the Wii, fans have been waiting a long time for this!

The Bike And An Open-World

Vroom Vroom!

After being announced again in 2024, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* seems to be continuing the series as a first-person adventure, which most fans are happy with. But the newest trailer surprised everyone by showing Samus riding a motorcycle-like vehicle, called Vi-O-La, through a huge desert landscape. This area appears vast, perhaps a little desolate, but larger than any environment Samus has explored before, in any of the games.

The game appears to feature a lot of bike-based combat. This trailer, unlike others shown at the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, didn’t include a detailed explanation, leaving many questions unanswered. We still don’t know if the game will be fully open-world, or how the bike mechanics will work. Hopefully, Nintendo will dedicate a Direct presentation specifically to *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* to clarify these details, similar to what they did with *Kirby Air Riders*.

The Amiibo

Nintendo Is Putting Effort Into Marketing

It’s unusual these days, but Nintendo is releasing three Amiibo figures for *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*. Two of these figures will actually be available before the game itself launches. One is a standard Samus Amiibo, and the other shows her riding the new vehicle featured in the game.

When the game releases, a new Amiibo figure of the villain, Sylux, will also be available. While the Amiibo don’t add much to gameplay, they look fantastic. Not all Nintendo fans collect Amiibo, but those who do will have some exciting new items to look forward to in November and December.

The Switch 2 Is In Dire Need Of Shooters

A Genre Nintendo Isn’t Known For

Switch 2 owners will be excited to get a first-person shooter, especially considering the strong shooter lineup on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2025, which includes games like *Atomfall*, *Doom: The Dark Ages*, and *Borderlands 4*. Nintendo consoles haven’t historically been known for their selection of shooting games, so this new addition is a welcome change.

Currently, the Switch 2’s biggest first-person shooter (FPS) games include *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Apex Legends*, and *High on Life*. More FPS titles are on the way, like *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* and potentially *Borderlands 4*. *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is likely to be the most smoothly running FPS on the Switch 2. If you want a strong selection of games to play right when the system launches, this is a must-buy.

How Will Retro Studios Reinvent Metroidvanias?

The Queen Is Back

The *Super Metroid* game perfected the formula that would define the series. This, combined with *Castlevania: Symphony of the Night*, created the genre now known as Metroidvania. After both of those flagship series went on hiatus, independent game developers stepped up to keep the style alive. Games like *Hollow Knight*, *Axiom Verge*, and *Shadow Complex* helped fill the void in 2D gaming.

While 2D Metroidvania games have thrived since *Metroid Prime*, very few 3D games have reached the same level of success. That’s why there’s a lot of anticipation to see how Retro Studios will innovate with the genre and what influences they’ll incorporate. *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* has the potential to become a new standard for all Metroidvania games, which would be a fitting legacy.

The Psychic Abilities

A New Take For The Franchise

A key feature of the *Metroid* series, and the Metroidvania genre as a whole, is earning new abilities that help you fight and explore. It’s become common for Samus to lose some of her powers between games, then regain them – or learn new ones – as she progresses. The latest game introduces psychic powers, letting Samus guide bullets, activate switches, and move objects with her mind. When she uses these powers, time even slows down, adding a new tactical element.

Restarting the *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* story is a smart move – it will make the game feel new and attract players who haven’t experienced it before. It’s been a long time since a major game focused on psychic abilities, and with the addition of the bike, these powers, a brand-new world, and Samus’ updated suit, Nintendo and Retro Studios seem to be aiming to make this a perfect starting point for new fans.

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2025-09-14 14:05