Published on: August 21, 2025
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives ESRB 'T for Teen' Rating Ahead of 2025 Launch
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, one of Nintendo’s most highly anticipated titles for the Nintendo Switch, has officially received its ESRB rating.
The upcoming first-person action-adventure, developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, was granted a 'T' for Teen designation as revealed on its Nintendo eShop listing.
According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the reasons cited for this rating include animated blood, violence, and the presence of in-game purchases.
The ESRB, the industry’s standard body for content ratings, outlined that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond contains elements such as animated blood and violence, which aligns with the franchise's established tone.
The inclusion of 'in-game purchases' in the game’s rating typically refers to optional online features—such as the ability to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online subscription or downloadable content (DLC) directly within the game interface.
This standard practice offers players access to additional gameplay features or content expansions, a hallmark of modern Nintendo releases available through the eShop.
The disclosure of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s rating marks a significant milestone in the game’s development, signaling continued progress toward its scheduled 2025 release window.
While Nintendo originally announced Metroid Prime 4 at E3 2017, the project underwent a major development shift in January 2019 when Retro Studios, the acclaimed developer behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy, took the helm.
Since then, official updates have been sparse, leading to concern and speculation within the gaming community about potential delays.
Nintendo has not yet revealed the exact release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but the assignment of an ESRB rating often indicates that marketing preparations are advancing and the game is approaching its final stages of development.
Previous Metroid Prime titles have been met with critical acclaim and significant commercial success, adding to the excitement and high expectations for this next installment.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is expected to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, further expanding the console’s robust lineup of first-party franchises.
As fans await more details—possibly at an upcoming Nintendo Direct—this latest update provides reassurance that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond remains firmly on track for its planned 2025 release.
Stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop for the latest announcements regarding Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, including potential news on a confirmed release date or additional gameplay details.
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