Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives ESRB Rating, Signaling Imminent Nintendo Switch Launch

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Published on: August 21, 2025

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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives ESRB Rating, Signaling Imminent Nintendo Switch Launch After years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally edging closer to release as it receives an official rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

The next entry in Nintendo’s celebrated Metroid Prime series has been assigned a 'T for Teen' rating, attributed to its animated blood and violence content—a franchise hallmark that fans have come to expect.

This significant milestone suggests that the long-awaited launch on the Nintendo Switch is drawing near. A Crucial Step Toward Launch Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been in development for several years, with its announcement dating back to E3 2017.

The project underwent a major reboot in early 2019 when Nintendo handed development duties over to Retro Studios, the acclaimed team behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy.

Since then, updates have been sparse, keeping fans eager for substantial news.

The recent ESRB rating now marks one of the clearest indicators yet that the game’s arrival is on the horizon. About the ESRB Rating The ESRB’s decision to rate Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as suitable for Teens is directly related to its inclusion of animated blood and frequent violence.

These elements align with the atmospheric action-adventure gameplay that defines the Metroid Prime franchise.

While the precise release date remains under wraps, receiving a rating from the ESRB is typically one of the final stages before a major video game’s launch. Franchise History and Development Success The Metroid Prime series has long been revered for its innovative first-person perspective, environmental storytelling, and immersive exploration.

Since Metroid Prime's debut on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002, the franchise has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated international following.

Retro Studios’ work on previous entries has been celebrated for technical achievement and genre-defining design, making the developer’s continued involvement highly anticipated by fans and the broader gaming industry. Looking Ahead on Nintendo Switch As excitement mounts, the gaming community now eagerly awaits an official release date from Nintendo.

With the ESRB rating secured, further announcements are expected to follow soon, potentially including additional gameplay reveals or a detailed breakdown in an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation.

Until then, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond stands poised to become one of the most significant releases for the Nintendo Switch, continuing the legacy of one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop for the latest information as the countdown to launch continues.

Nintendo Switch Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch ESRB Beyond Retro Studios

Metroid Prime 4 has now been rated by ESRB