Nintendo seems to be throwing all of its weight behind the upcoming Switch 2 console in 2025, with much of the console’s lineup of titles being kept under wraps likely until the April 2 Direct. Of the games confirmed for 2025, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is arguably the most anticipated after undergoing a long development that included a complete reboot. However, the trajectory Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has taken bears a striking resemblance to Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which could result in a similar post-launch reception.
The legacy of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond dates back to the first year of the Nintendo Switch’s life, when it was originally announced to be in development in 2017. After years of radio silence, Nintendo announced that Metroid Prime 4 had restarted development in 2019, pushing the development back even further until the game was officially unveiled in 2024 with a release date slated for 2025. Much like how Breath of the Wild began as “Zelda for Wii U” before becoming iconic on the Switch, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be a cross-gen title that defines the launch of the Switch 2.
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Villain Means One Game Needs a Remake Before Launch
While some fans want to see a Metroid Prime 2 or 3 remaster before Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases, there is one entry that needs a remake more.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond May Walk the Same Path as Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Could Redefine the Genre
While the wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been long for fans, the extended development time could mean that the game is far more ambitious than initially expected. The reveal trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond didn’t show much in terms of gameplay, but what was shown confirms a return to form for the Prime series with Samus facing off against the mysterious Sylux. After the impressive visual overhaul Metroid Prime Remastered received, the art direction showcased for Metroid Prime 4 seems to be pushing the Switch’s hardware to its limits.
Breath of the Wild‘s first reveal trailer under that title showed off a similar amount of gameplay and world design, but the full scope of the game wouldn’t truly be known until its release. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be gearing up to redefine the Metroidvania genre in a similar way, potentially taking the series open world or at least more open-ended than past Metroid Prime games. With how secretive Nintendo has been about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, it’s likely that there is far more to the game than what has been shown so far.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Could Be a Cross-Gen Hit
After years of waiting for the fabled “Zelda for Wii U,” it’s ironic that, while Breath of the Wild did release on the console, it is far better known as the headlining launch title for the Switch. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could repeat that same feat and launch on both the Switch and the Switch 2, with the latter being an enhanced version that takes advantage of the new console’s more powerful hardware. This way, fans who bought a Switch with the hope of playing Metroid Prime 4 on it are still able to, but the game can still be a strong selling point for those considering purchasing the new console.
The Switch 2’s rumored hardware could put it leagues ahead of its predecessor in terms of performance, potentially making Metroid Prime 4: Beyond the perfect game to show off the console’s next-gen capabilities. Just like how Breath of the Wild made a bold statement about the Switch’s hardware capabilities compared to the Wii U’s in 2017, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could highlight just how improved the Switch 2 is as a potential cross-gen game, becoming the must-have title for players looking to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware.
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