Two of Nintendo’s most highly anticipated titles for the Switch 2 have just received new rating classifications, suggesting that announcements for both could be imminent. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment have now been rated in Korea and Brazil respectively, adding to growing speculation that a major Nintendo Direct may be scheduled for the end of July.
According to the Korean Game Rating and Administration Committee, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was reviewed on July 25, 2025, following its submission earlier in the month. The game has been officially classified as suitable for players aged 12 and older. The decision describes it as a first-person adventure game, taking place on the planet Byuros after a fateful encounter between Samus Aran and Sylux within a Galactic Federation research facility. The content rating notes only mild violence, specifically alien lifeforms being attacked by Samus’s suit-integrated weaponry. There are no mentions of other mature content such as drug use, sexual references, or gambling elements.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s rating board has classified Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment with a similar 12+ rating. Although fewer details have been made available publicly regarding its storyline or gameplay mechanics, the timing of both ratings is notable given the long silence around these titles. Neither game has a confirmed release date yet, but both have been confirmed as 2025 releases.
The ratings have sparked renewed discussion around the long-rumored Nintendo Direct. Industry insider NateTheHate previously stated that a presentation was likely coming in July. That claim has since been echoed by other reliable voices in the gaming industry. Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of GamesIndustry.biz, commented on social media, saying, “Sounds like next week’s Nintendo Direct is going to be a chunky one.”
Beyond Metroid and Hyrule Warriors, rumors continue to swirl regarding other potential announcements. Speculation includes new downloadable content for Mario Kart World that may tie into Donkey Kong Bananza. This theory gained traction after fans discovered that two voice actors credited in both titles had no known roles in Mario Kart World.
While Nintendo has yet to make any official announcements, the recent ratings leave little doubt that major reveals are coming soon. If the rumored Nintendo Direct does materialize in the coming days, it may finally offer a closer look at Metroid Prime 4 and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and possibly confirm their release dates.
