At last, after waiting for a couple of years, it feels as if something very exciting is about to happen. Recent updates around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond have got Nintendo fans excited again. A few new hints from Nintendo, one regarding Kirby and another about an upcoming art book, have brought people thinking about how long it might be before Samus Aran makes her long-awaited return.
I’ve been following this story for what seems like forever, with the following being the first time it genuinely seems as though a reveal might actually happen.
Possible Nintendo Direct for Metroid Prime 4
It started with the announcement that Nintendo would hold the 2nd Kirby Air Riders Direct, a one-hour-long presentation on October 23. Thus far, it has appeared unrelated, but longtime Nintendo fans tend to know there’s a pattern there. Big Directs like this happen about a month before the game release, and that timing fits perfectly.
Then it opens the door for another Direct soon, focused entirely on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Perhaps even right before Halloween. Kirby’s show leaves Nintendo’s calendar surprisingly open, just like every other major release-from Mario Kart to Splatoon 3.
If that pattern holds, we can soon look forward to a full presentation showing gameplay, worlds, and boss battles. I remember the first time that I saw the Metroid Prime 3 footage-it just sent chills down my spine. If Beyond can capture that same atmosphere but with modern visuals, it is going to be something special.
The Art Book That Spurred New Theories
Then came the surprise drop on Nintendo’s official site: a 35-page preview of the upcoming Metroid Prime art book. Fans noticed that it was released just before the rumored marketing push for Prime 4, which strikes me as a little too convenient to be random.
In the preview is a striking new representation of Meta Ridley-part organic horror and part mechanical monster. Many believe this could be a hint pointing toward either his return in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or an evolved version of him. The art also describes how much the visuals could be improved on new Switch 2 hardware.
Other areas reveal Samus’s gunship, her Zero Suit, and even enemies like the Dark Pirate Commando-all reimagined with modern graphics. One producer note really stood out to me: “No changes to the gameplay, only a full rebuild to take advantage of new hardware.” That sounds to me like they’re keeping what made Metroid Prime great but actually rebuilding it entirely from the ground up for a new generation.
The Perfect Time for a Reveal
Almost too perfectly planned out. After Kirby’s event on October 23, Nintendo is quiet until early November. That is exactly when the fans believe Metroid Prime 4 will begin its pre-launch phase.
Past Directs would indicate that this phase would open with some nostalgia for the original Prime trilogy around October 28. The art book then drops, followed by new amiibo figures on November 6. Everything lines up like clockwork.
Additionally, maybe there’ll be a release of the remastered Metroid Prime 2 and 3 on the Switch eShop, or perhaps even a Switch 2 upgrade for Metroid Prime Remastered. This would be a really smart move to bring old and new fans back into the franchise before Beyond arrives.
Also, the window makes sense for the new amiibo. These usually drop just before a major game reveal, and Nintendo has done that with Tears of the Kingdom.
A Month of Metroid?
There are rumors that Nintendo may not stop at just one huge reveal. Instead, it might be a series of updates-teaser trailer, developer notes, gameplay clips, and finally, one massive cinematic trailer before launch. It’s a methodology that could sort of keep the fans’ constant mouths watering for weeks.
If true, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could take up gaming news space for an entire month. More than a decade has passed since fans savored Metroid Prime 3, and this has made them crave Samus’s big comeback.
By all accounts, Nintendo has set up everything perfectly: the Kirby event, the art book, and those timed teasers. I mean, it feels too real.
As Halloween draws nearer, only time can tell if we will finally get to see the return of Samus. All signs point to yes for timing, clues, everything. After years without her making any noise, it feels as though she’s getting ready to make a lot of it now. You may also be interested in: Fallout Day 2025 Looks to What’s Next
