Amazon has begun canceling pre-orders for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, notifying customers via email. This development has raised questions about the game's release scheduled for 2025. Let's delve into what this means for the future of this highly anticipated title.
Amazon Cancelling Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Pre-Orders
On January 11, 2025, reports surfaced on platforms like Reddit and Resetera indicating that Amazon was canceling pre-orders for Metroid Prime 4. Screenshots shared by affected users showed that Amazon cited "a lack of availability" as the reason for the cancellations. Despite this setback, Amazon promised to refund the reservation charge within 1-2 business days, offering some relief to disappointed fans.
The news has left many Metroid fans disheartened, especially those who had pre-ordered the game back when it was first announced at E3 2017. However, it's important to note that the cancellation of pre-orders does not signal the cancellation of the game itself; it simply means it's no longer available for pre-order through Amazon at this time.
For more detailed insights into Metroid Prime 4, be sure to check out our dedicated article.
Metroid Prime 4’s Development History
Metroid Prime 4 was initially unveiled during E3 2017. At the time, Nintendo's director of product marketing announced that the development would not involve Retro Studios, the team behind previous Metroid titles. The identity of the new developer remained undisclosed.
Fast forward two years, and in a significant turn of events, Nintendo announced via a YouTube video on January 25, 2019, that development had restarted under Retro Studios. Senior managing executive officer Shinya Takahashi explained that the project's progress had not met the standards expected for a sequel to the Metroid Prime series.
In June 2024, Nintendo showcased a full gameplay trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at the end of its Nintendo Direct, confirming a 2025 release. The trailer also introduced the game’s antagonist, Sylux, leading a group of Space Pirates in an unnamed facility.
Recently, on January 3, 2025, Nintendo reaffirmed the 2025 release window for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in a news post. Despite Amazon's pre-order cancellations causing concern among fans, this update reassures that the game is still on track for a 2025 launch.
As we await the official announcement of the Switch 2, it remains to be seen whether Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be released on the original Switch or its successor.
