The Metroid Prime 4 rating news keeps getting better for fans who have been waiting nearly eight years for Samus Aran’s return. Brazil just officially rated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with a 14+ classification, marking another significant milestone toward the game’s anticipated 2025 launch.
What the Brazilian Rating Means for Metroid Prime 4
According to reports from gaming journalist Necro Felipe at Universo Nintendo, the Brazilian rating agency published the age classification for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in their Official Gazette. Interestingly, while Nintendo submitted the game hoping for a 12+ rating, Brazilian authorities assigned it a 14+ classification due to violence content.
This development is particularly encouraging because games typically receive official ratings only when they’re content-complete. The fact that multiple countries are now rating the title suggests development has reached its final stages.
Building Momentum: Multiple Countries Rate the Game
Brazil joins a growing list of countries that have officially rated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in recent months:
- United States – ESRB Teen rating (equivalent to 13+)
- South Korea – Rated in July 2025
- United Kingdom – Provisional PEGI 12 rating
- Brazil – 14+ rating (most recent)
The consistent Teen/14+ ratings across different regions align with the violent content you’d expect from a Metroid game, where players battle alien creatures and space pirates as the armored bounty hunter Samus.
Nintendo Direct Rumors and Release Window Speculation
The timing of this Metroid Prime 4 rating couldn’t be more perfect. Gaming insiders are buzzing about a potential Nintendo Direct presentation this September, and the Brazilian rating adds fuel to speculation that we might finally get an official release date.
Nintendo has consistently maintained that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch sometime in 2025, but with September already here, fans are getting anxious. The company’s former marketing executives have noted it’s unusual for a major Nintendo title to lack a specific release date this close to its announced year.
Possible Release Windows
Based on Nintendo’s typical release schedule, several windows remain available for 2025:
- October – Could coincide with other major releases
- November – Strategic holiday positioning
- December – Nintendo rarely releases past early December
What We Know About Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
This long-awaited sequel promises to blend classic Metroid Prime gameplay with new innovations. Players will explore an alien jungle planet called Viewros, where Samus gains mysterious psychic abilities that play a central role in both combat and puzzle-solving.
The game features familiar elements like the Scan Visor, Morph Ball mechanics, and first-person shooting, while introducing new psychic powers that let players manipulate objects and reveal hidden paths. The main antagonist Sylux returns from previous entries, creating a personal rivalry that drives the story forward.
The Long Road to Release
Metroid Prime 4’s development journey has been anything but smooth. First announced at E3 2017, just three months after the Nintendo Switch launched, the project hit major roadblocks when Nintendo scrapped the original version in 2019.
The company brought back Retro Studios, the developer behind the beloved original Metroid Prime trilogy, to start fresh. This decision added years to development but likely ensured the final product meets the high standards fans expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Metroid Prime 4: Beyond be released?
Nintendo has confirmed a 2025 release window, but no specific date has been announced. The recent rating activity suggests an announcement could come soon, possibly during a rumored September Nintendo Direct.
What rating did Metroid Prime 4 receive in different countries?
The game received Teen rating in the US, PEGI 12 in the UK, and 14+ in Brazil. These ratings cite violence as the primary content concern, typical for Metroid games.
Will Metroid Prime 4 be available on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will release on both the original Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, with enhanced features for the newer console.
Who is developing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
Retro Studios is developing the game after Nintendo restarted development in 2019. Retro previously created the original Metroid Prime trilogy.
What new features does Metroid Prime 4 include?
The game introduces psychic abilities that Samus gains while exploring the alien planet Viewros. These powers help solve puzzles and provide new combat options alongside traditional weapons.
Why did Metroid Prime 4 take so long to develop?
Nintendo restarted development in 2019 after determining the original version wasn’t meeting quality standards. This decision delayed the game but ensured it would meet fan expectations.
Conclusion
The Metroid Prime 4 rating news from Brazil represents another positive step toward the game’s eventual release. With multiple countries now providing official age classifications, it’s clear that development has reached completion and Nintendo is preparing for launch.
While we still wait for that crucial release date announcement, the mounting evidence suggests Metroid fans won’t have to wait much longer. After nearly eight years of development challenges and restarts, Samus Aran’s next adventure appears ready to finally reach players before 2025 ends.