History of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in Timeline

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, is an upcoming action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch and its successor. The game, scheduled for release in 2025, features the protagonist Samus Aran exploring the planet Viewros and utilizing new psychic powers.

2006: Introduction of Sylux

In 2006, the bounty hunter Sylux was introduced in Metroid Prime Hunters.

2007: Sylux's gunship appearance

In 2007, Sylux's gunship appeared in a special ending for Metroid Prime 3: Corruption after 100% completion.

2015: Sylux as potential character

In 2015, producer Kensuke Tanabe mentioned that the next Metroid Prime game could involve the bounty hunter Sylux.

2016: Sylux infiltration

In 2016, Sylux appeared in the special ending of Metroid Prime: Federation Force, infiltrating a Galactic Federation research station.

2017: Metroid Prime 4 Announcement at E3

During the Nintendo Direct presentation at E3 2017, Nintendo announced Metroid Prime 4, confirming Kensuke Tanabe's involvement but not Retro Studios. It was reported that Bandai Namco Studios was developing it.

2017: Initial Announcement

In 2017, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was announced under the working title Metroid Prime 4 at E3.

2018: Development Status Update

In 2018, Reggie Fils-Aimé stated that Metroid Prime 4 was "well into development" and "proceeding well."

January 2019: Development Restart Announcement

In January 2019, Shinya Takahashi announced that development of Metroid Prime 4 had restarted under Retro Studios with Tanabe due to the previous studio's work not meeting Nintendo's standards.

January 2019: Development Restart

In January 2019, development of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond restarted under Retro Studios, with Kensuke Tanabe returning as producer.

October 2020: Job Advertisement by Retro Studios

In October 2020, Retro Studios posted a job advertisement seeking storyboard artists, suggesting a more cinematic focus for the game.

June 2024: Title Reveal and Trailer Release

In June 2024, Nintendo announced the title Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and released the first trailer.

June 18, 2024: Trailer and Title Release

On June 18, 2024, Nintendo released the first trailer and the title Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, showcasing gameplay elements and announcing a scheduled release in 2025. It was also nominated for Most Anticipated Game at the Game Awards 2024.

March 27, 2025: Second Trailer Release

On March 27, 2025, Nintendo released a second trailer in a Direct presentation, introducing the forest planet Viewros setting, new enemies, the Lamorn race, and Samus's psychic powers.