Metroid Prime 4 release date speculation just got a lot more interesting. A Russian gaming retailer called Videoigr recently listed the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with a specific launch date of September 18, 2025. While this has sent shockwaves through the Nintendo community, there are several red flags that make this leak questionable at best.
The Russian Store Listing That Started It All
The listing appeared on Videoigr’s website showing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond available for pre-order with both an expected arrival date and release date set for September 18, 2025. The store is taking pre-orders for what they claim is the Switch 2 version of the game, complete with enhanced visuals and mouse control support.
But here’s where things get suspicious. The listing includes a disclaimer in Russian that essentially translates to: “The price, pre-order conditions, release date, configuration, and appearance are preliminary and might be altered upon the product’s arrival at the warehouse.” This sounds more like “pay us now and we’ll figure out how to get it to you later” rather than confident insider knowledge.
Why This Metroid Prime 4 Release Date Leak Doesn’t Add Up
Nintendo ceased all operations in Russia back in 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The company shut down the Russian eShop in 2023 and stopped shipping products to the region. This means Russian retailers have zero official access to Nintendo’s release schedules or product information.
Think about it logically – if Nintendo wanted to surprise launch one of their most anticipated games, would they really share that information with a retailer in a country where they don’t officially operate? The answer is pretty obvious.
The Perfect Storm of Timing and Rumors
What makes this listing particularly interesting is the timing. Industry insiders have been buzzing about a potential Nintendo Direct scheduled for September 12, 2025. If the September 18 date were real, it would mean Nintendo could announce and release Metroid Prime 4 within the same week – a classic Nintendo surprise move.
Recent reports also suggest that several testers working on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond have wrapped up their assignments, indicating the game might be closer to completion than many thought. Nintendo has been demoing the game at various events for months, and some hands-on impressions have already surfaced.
What We Actually Know About Metroid Prime 4
Let’s stick to the facts. Nintendo officially confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch sometime in 2025. The game started development way back in 2017 as simply “Metroid Prime 4,” but development was restarted in 2019 with a new team. In 2024, Nintendo revealed the “Beyond” subtitle and confirmed the 2025 release window.
The game will feature enhanced visuals, mouse control support for Joy-Con users, and will be available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Nintendo has been showcasing the game’s new features, including the ability to switch between traditional controls and mouse-based gameplay.
Should You Believe Russian Retailer Listings?
Gaming history is littered with retailer listings that turned out to be completely wrong. These stores often create placeholder listings based on educated guesses, industry rumors, or simply to capture search traffic and pre-order money. Without official Nintendo backing, Russian retailers are essentially making educated guesses about the Metroid Prime 4 release date.
The fact that this particular store is willing to take money for a product they may not be able to legally obtain or distribute should raise immediate red flags for potential customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Metroid Prime 4: Beyond actually release?
Nintendo has only confirmed a 2025 release window. No specific date has been officially announced, despite various retailer listings and rumors suggesting otherwise.
Is the September 18, 2025 release date real?
Almost certainly not. The date comes from a Russian retailer that has no official access to Nintendo’s release schedules, making it unreliable speculation at best.
Will Metroid Prime 4 be available on Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 console.
Why did Nintendo stop operations in Russia?
Nintendo suspended all sales and operations in Russia in March 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The company also closed the Russian eShop in 2023.
How long has Metroid Prime 4 been in development?
The game was first announced in 2017, making it over 8 years in development. However, development was restarted in 2019 with a new team, so active development has been closer to 6 years.
What new features will Metroid Prime 4: Beyond include?
The game will feature enhanced visuals, improved frame rates, mouse control support using Joy-Cons, and both quality and performance modes for different hardware configurations.
Could Nintendo really surprise launch the game?
While Nintendo has done surprise launches before, Metroid Prime 4 is too significant a release to launch without proper marketing. The franchise needs visibility after years of dormancy.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of getting Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in just a few weeks sounds exciting, this particular leak lacks credibility. Russian retailers simply don’t have access to Nintendo’s internal release schedules, making this more wishful thinking than insider information.
Your best bet is to wait for official word from Nintendo, likely during their rumored September Direct event. Until then, treat any specific release dates with healthy skepticism – especially when they come from regions where Nintendo doesn’t officially operate.