Nintendo has officially brought years of speculation to an end. After long stretches of silence and a development reboot, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally locked in for a December 4, 2025 launch.
With preloads now live on the Nintendo eShop and a new overview trailer showing real, uninterrupted gameplay, fans finally have a clear picture of what to expect — and what they’ll need to run it.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Release Date and Platforms
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on the same day.
For the first time, Nintendo is classifying one of the Prime titles as a pillar of a new pair of cross-gen releases, having a Prime title as a flagship entry on both devices simultaneously.
The game’s store listings and the latest seven-minute overview trailer confirm:
- Launch date: December 4, 2025
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Upgrade path: Separate versions available, with Switch 2 offering enhanced performance
This approach minimizes the urgency to upgrade from Switch and simultaneously allows day-one buyers of the new hardware a more robust title.
Preload Now Available
If you preordered the digital version, you can start the download immediately. Preloading will allow you to begin playing the game when it goes live at midnight on launch day, rather than having to wait for the game to install.
In order to start preloading, head to the Nintendo eShop, finish your preorder, and check that you have sufficient free space on your console. If downloading the game automatically does not occur, you can go to your home screen and select the game icon, which will download it manually.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond File Size and Storage Requirements
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will go down as one of the biggest releases for the Nintendo Switch. If you bought the digital version of the game, you will have to have the following digital storage capacity:
- 4 GB of free storage on Nintendo Switch
- 29 GB or more on Nintendo Switch 2
In fact, Nintendo does recommend that players check how much storage they have and manage their data before preloading the vertical.
A lot of players are going to have to delete some older files and probably are going to need to get a microSD card if they plan on downloading both the Switch and Switch 2 versions on separate consoles.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond System Requirements for Nintendo Switch
Unlike PC titles, Switch games don’t publish traditional “minimum requirements,” but Metroid Prime 4’s file size and performance notes give us a clear picture of what’s needed.
Nintendo Switch Requirements (Digital):
- At least 4 GB of available storage
- A compatible microSD card if internal storage is full
- System software updated to the latest version
- Stable internet connection for preload and updates
The base Switch version is designed to run within the hardware limits of the original system, maintaining the traditional Metroid Prime feel without the newer performance modes.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond System Requirements for Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 offers noticeable improvements, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes advantage of them. While exact hardware specs aren’t published, Nintendo has outlined how the game uses the upgraded system.
Nintendo Switch 2 Requirements (Digital):
- At least 29 GB of available storage
- Latest system firmware
- A microSD card recommended for players who install multiple large titles
Enhanced Features on Switch 2:
- Higher resolution support
- Performance modes targeting 4K/60 FPS or 1080p/120 FPS
- Improved lighting and visual clarity
- Upgraded Joy-Con 2 aiming support
While the game remains fully playable on the original Switch, the Switch 2 version aims for smoother combat, faster loading, and sharper presentation—key improvements for a first-person exploration title.
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