Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives Multiple International Ratings Ahead of Anticipated Nintendo Switch Launch

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives Multiple International Ratings Ahead of Anticipated Nintendo Switch Launch After years of anticipation marked by a development restart and several delays, Retro Studios’ highly-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is moving one step closer to release.

The next major installment in the acclaimed Metroid Prime series has recently been rated for launch in multiple territories, increasing hopes among fans for a confirmed release timeline on the Nintendo Switch platform. On September 10, 2025, it was reported that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond had received a classification for ages 14 and up in Brazil, according to the Brazilian Classificação Indicativa system.

This followed a similar rating that surfaced last month from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the United States, where the game advanced from "Rating Pending" status to a ‘T’ for Teen designation.

Both developments suggest substantial progress in the game’s journey towards global release. According to the current product information listed on Nintendo’s official US website, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Teen rating was attributed to "animated blood and violence." Such content markers are consistent with previous entries in the franchise; both Metroid Prime Remastered and Metroid Prime 2 and 3 received identical classifications within the region.

The ESRB describes the 'Teen' rating as suitable for ages 13 and older, indicating the presence of violence, suggestive themes, limited blood, and occasional strong language.

Interactive elements have also factored into this recommendation.

While the specific rating summary for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not yet available on the ESRB’s website, further details are expected in the coming months as the game’s launch draws nearer. This uptick in rating activity follows a July 2025 report from South Korea, where the title was also rated by the Game Rating and Administration Committee.

The steady accumulation of official classifications in major markets typically indicates that a game is nearing the final stages of its development and regulatory approval—a sentiment echoed in comments from Metroid community news source Shinesparkers, which noted the alignment with series tradition. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is currently slated for a 2025 release and will leverage the latest hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, including enhanced resolution, improved frame rate, and support for Joy-Con 2 features.

The upcoming title further expands Nintendo’s already robust release calendar, joining high-profile launches such as the latest Pokémon installment in October and Kirby Air Riders in November. As fans await more definitive news from Nintendo Direct presentations and official channels, the steady issuance of international age ratings signals renewed momentum for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and renewed confidence in Retro Studios’ ability to deliver a worthy successor to the Metroid Prime legacy.

Nintendo Switch Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Retro Studios Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch US Xbox Series X|S Brazil Beyond ESRB Game Rating and Administration Committee