After years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has once again been confirmed for release in late 2025. The latest update from Nintendo reveals that the game will be publicly playable for the first time at Fan Expo Canada, set to take place in Toronto this August. This marks a significant milestone for the long-gestating title, which has endured an unusually complex development history since its original announcement in 2017.
Nintendo shared the news through a press statement announcing its participation in Fan Expo Canada. Among the details was a key revelation: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available for hands-on gameplay, alongside other new and upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles. While the company has remained measured in offering specifics about the game, this marks the first time Metroid Prime 4 has been presented in a playable state to the general public.
According to the official announcement:
“Fan Expo Canada attendees will have access to play the latest and upcoming titles on Nintendo Switch 2! Nintendo of Canada is inviting you to visit the Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, Ontario, to check out the latest—and upcoming—games for the Nintendo Switch 2 system… Fan Expo attendees will be able to play upcoming games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (available later in 2025).”
This confirmation not only puts an end to recent speculation about a possible delay but also indicates that a broader promotional campaign for the game is now underway. Previously, uncertainty surrounded the release window for Metroid Prime 4, especially after the last trailer failed to provide a specific date. However, the game’s recent ratings classification, alongside Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, had already begun to suggest a more imminent launch.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is being developed by Retro Studios and will be available on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game picks up with protagonist Samus Aran exploring the mysterious planet Viewros, this time wielding newly introduced psychic abilities. The title represents both a continuation and evolution of the Metroid Prime formula, and aims to strike a balance between legacy mechanics and new gameplay systems.
The game’s production history has been unusually turbulent. Initially revealed under the working title Metroid Prime 4 during E3 2017, the project was first developed by Bandai Namco Studios. However, dissatisfaction with the progress led Nintendo to restart development in 2019 under Retro Studios, with longtime series producer Kensuke Tanabe still involved. The updated title and first trailer for Beyond were finally released in June 2024, reigniting fan enthusiasm.
Nintendo’s Fan Expo presence will also include demos for several other titles, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and third-party games such as Street Fighter 6 Years 1–2 Fighters Edition, Hades II, Borderlands 4, and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. Attendees can also earn exclusive merchandise, including mini posters and digital content via their My Nintendo accounts.
