After years of anticipation, delays, and speculation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally showing signs that its release may be just around the corner. The latest development? The game has been officially rated in Brazil — the third major ratings board to assess it in recent months. For fans of Samus Aran’s intergalactic adventures, this is more than just a bureaucratic step; it’s a strong indicator that the long-awaited sequel is nearing completion.
A Long Road from Announcement to Near-Release
When Nintendo first revealed Metroid Prime 4 at E3 2017, excitement was sky-high. However, the journey since then has been anything but smooth:
- • 2017: Initial announcement, with development handled by Bandai Namco Studios.
- • 2019: Nintendo scraps the original build and restarts development under Retro Studios, the team behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy.
- • 2023: The game re-emerges with its new title, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and a tentative release window of 2025.
This rebooted development cycle meant years of silence, but recent activity suggests the project is now in its final stages.
Ratings Around the World Signal Progress
The Brazilian rating is just the latest in a string of classification updates for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Games typically receive ratings only when they are content-complete, meaning the core development work is done and the title is being prepared for distribution.
Here’s a quick look at the recent ratings timeline:
| Date (2025) | Country/Region | Rating Board | Age Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | South Korea | GRAC | 12+ |
| August | United States | ESRB | Teen (T) |
| September | Brazil | ClassInd | 14+ |
While the Brazilian board granted a slightly higher age rating than Nintendo reportedly requested (14+ instead of 12+), the key takeaway is that the game has now been rated in multiple major markets. This is a strong sign that Nintendo is preparing for a global launch.
Rumors and Speculation on the Release Date
Some industry insiders have hinted that Nintendo’s marketing machine is gearing up, with promotional materials reportedly spotted in select regions. The timing also aligns with speculation that Nintendo could host a September Nintendo Direct, potentially revealing the final release date — or even shadow-dropping the game.
While none of this is confirmed, the pattern is hard to ignore. Multiple ratings, increased marketing whispers, and a history of Nintendo pairing big reveals with short waits all point toward an imminent announcement.
Why This Matters for Fans
For long-time Metroid fans, the wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been one of the most drawn-out in Nintendo history. The recent wave of ratings means:
- The game is likely finished or very close to it.
- Localization and distribution plans are underway.
- A release date announcement could be imminent.
Given Nintendo’s history, it’s entirely possible that fans will be playing the game sooner than expected.
What to Expect from Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
While Nintendo has kept gameplay details under wraps, the Prime series’ legacy suggests a return to:
- • First-person exploration with a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and scanning environments.
- • Atmospheric storytelling that blends isolation with moments of high-intensity action.
- • Upgraded visuals and modernized controls, taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities.
Retro Studios’ track record with the original trilogy gives fans confidence that Beyond will deliver the same immersive, richly detailed worlds that made the series iconic.
The Bottom Line
The Brazilian rating — combined with earlier classifications in South Korea and the U.S. — is the clearest sign yet that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is in the home stretch. While Nintendo has yet to confirm a release date, the evidence points toward a 2025 launch, possibly sooner than many dared hope. Fans can only watch the news, keep their Power Suits polished, and prepare for Samus Aran’s long-awaited return to the stars.
