There is no doubt that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is currently the most anticipated title for the Nintendo Switch. Since its initial announcement during E3 2017, First 4 remained a popular talking point throughout the Switch's lifespan, as fans eagerly awaited the game's release. With that in mind, it will certainly be a relief for fans who will finally be able to get their hands on First 4 when it hits Switch in 2025.
However, in the following years First 4first revelation, the Metroid The franchise as a whole has undergone some major changes. From new releases to development difficulties and delays, the series suddenly has a new look at it, and with that comes a wealth of new expectations. First 4 is no longer just another game in a series of anticipated releases, but a key moment in determining the future of the series as a wholemaking its launch more important than ever.
Metroid has seen a huge renaissance on the Switch
The Switch includes some of Metroid's most successful games
Despite being responsible for some of Nintendo's best games, the Metroid the series was not always wildly successful. The franchise's poor sales, which pale in comparison to other The Legend of Zelda and Super Mariomeant that Metroid has often been forgotten. In truth, ahead of the series' return on Switch, the Metroid series was at a low point in its historythanks largely to many long hiatuses interspersed with some disappointing entries, including Metroid: Another M and the infamous Metroid Prime: Federation Force.
Fortunately, Nintendo has made an effort to revitalize the beloved series on the Switch. Players were treated to some major releases, including the excellent Fear of Metroidthe first original 2D entry in the series in 19 years, as well as a remaster of Metroid Primeone of the most popular and acclaimed titles in the franchise. These titles ended up being the impetus that Metroid desperately neededresulting in some of the best-selling games in its history and renewing interest in the series after its decade-long struggle.
More important than the success of these titles is the clear message that Nintendo sends to its Metroid fans. The company is demonstrating a renewed commitment to Metroidwith its new releases, inclusion of classic titles on Nintendo Switch Online and upcoming First 4while also promising that the series could continue to offer new and original experiences 38 years later. As reassuring as this may be for fans of the series, it places even higher expectations on First 4 fulfill this promise and maintain the momentum that Metroid accumulated over the Switch's lifespan.
Metroid Prime 4 is the Switch's most anticipated title
The game had a long development period
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond It already holds high expectations as one of the Switch's most anticipated games, and it's not hard to see how it achieved that title. For many, First 4 it achieved this status only from its initial announcement. As the original first main line Metroid Prime I've been playing since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in 2007, the excitement and anticipation of First 4The announcement would naturally result in high expectations for the title to continue and improve on the original trilogy of games, before players even got a glimpse of the gameplay.
Of course at the time First 4After the announcement, no one could have predicted the long and arduous journey the game would take. Less than two years later First 4 was announced, development of the title was restarted from scratchas the project was returned to Retro Studios, who had already worked on the first three Metroid Prime games. Since then, Metroid fans had to suffer long periods of radio silence, yearning for any hint of information until Nintendo finally revealed gameplay for First 4 during its Direct in June 2024.
First 4Years of development and anticipation changed the way the title was perceived. It is no longer First 4 just another game in a beloved series, but has become this legend that has been a defining part of the Switch's entire life. First 4The launch of is now a massive event, the culmination of one of Nintendo's most successful eras in gaming, putting insurmountable pressure on this single game to be the big reward the Switch deserves.
Metroid Prime 4 should be able to maintain the series' success
There is a lot of pressure for the next title to be successful
These are the reasons why Metroid Prime 4: Beyond It's so important now, more than ever. Not only should First 4 live up to the same expectations as any new entry in a long-running series, but must be able to maintain the momentum of success Metroid has seen in recent years, while also living up to its nearly unattainable status as the Switch's swan song. There are many important roles and expectations that First 4 is currently juggling, and there's no telling if this title will be able to pull it off.
That doesn't mean Metroid Prime 4 has no chance of achieving this. Given the Metroid the series' incredible reputation and Retro Studios' consistent quality of work, First 4 will likely continue the critical acclaim the franchise is accustomed to. Despite this, there is no doubt the amount of pressure on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond being able to offer an exciting and revolutionary experience that matches the level of importance that the title now has.