Metroid Prime 4 Ends 18-Year Wait for Sequel
After 18 years, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally closes the gap between mainline entries, capping a winding journey of spin-offs, remasters and reinvention that proves Samus Aran and the Prime series are still among Nintendo’s most powerful icons.
Metroid Prime revival finally concludes an 18-year wait between mainline entries, marking one of gaming's most dramatic comeback stories.
The journey from 2007's Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to 2025's Metroid Prime 4: Beyond spans multiple consoles, controversial spin-offs, and a triumphant return to form that proves some classics never truly fade.
Following the trilogy's completion on Nintendo Wii, fans received Metroid Prime: Trilogy in 2009 – a masterful compilation that adapted the first two games' first-person perspective to motion controls. This critically acclaimed collection, regularly ranked among the Wii's best releases, set dangerously high expectations for what came next. Consequently, Metroid: Other M's 2010 arrival proved particularly jarring. Developed by Tecmo Koei's Team Ninja alongside Nintendo, the heavily story-focused title divided fans with its narrative approach that undercut Samus Aran's mystique while introducing the controversial CO Adam character.
The subsequent six-year hiatus reflected the franchise's uncertain direction. When Metroid returned in 2016, it was through Metroid Prime: Federation Force on Nintendo 3DS – a four-player cooperative shooter that shifted focus from Samus to Galactic Federation Marines. The game earned mixed reviews and landed with consumers like a damp squib, frustrating fans desperate for a proper Prime sequel. Fortunately, the tide began turning with 2017's Metroid: Samus Returns. This Nintendo 3DS remake of the Game Boy's Metroid II: Return of Samus, developed by MercurySteam under series veterans Yoshio Sakamoto and Takehiko Hosokawa, delivered a polished 2.5D experience that honoured the classic formula while introducing modern mechanics like counterstrikes.
Samus Returns' critical success paved the way for MercurySteam's next collaboration with Sakamoto: 2021's Metroid Dread. Originally conceived for Nintendo DS, this throwback masterpiece incorporated stealth elements that contrasted beautifully with combat-heavy sections, earning multiple awards and becoming the series' best-selling entry to date. Meanwhile, 2023's Metroid Prime Remastered brought the original GameCube classic to Nintendo Switch with updated visuals and dual-stick controls, renewing interest in the long-delayed fourth instalment.
The 18-year development saga of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond saw Bandai Namco initially helm development before Nintendo restarted the process with Retro Studios. Early November demos revealed solid gameplay foundations and intriguing new elements like psychic powers, though some journalists questioned the NPC Myles MacKenzie. Set for December release on Switch and Switch 2, Beyond represents not just a new chapter but the culmination of nearly two decades of fan patience and Nintendo's careful franchise stewardship.
