Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Timeline Placement Confirmed by Nintendo—Set Between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion

Nintendo has officially shared new insights on the chronological placement of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the highly anticipated latest installment in the storied Metroid series.

Developed by the acclaimed Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was spotlighted in a recent interview with Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, clarifying where the upcoming title fits within Samus Aran’s ongoing space-faring saga. Since its inception, the Metroid franchise has captivated players with its interwoven timeline, blending 2D and 3D adventures into a rich, interconnected universe.

The original Metroid Prime trilogy set a new standard for atmospheric first-person action, and, after an 18-year hiatus since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, fans are eager for the next chapter.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is slated to launch on both the Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant moment for both the series and Nintendo’s hardware platforms. Speaking with Famitsu, members of Nintendo’s development team confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is chronologically set after Super Metroid (Super Nintendo) and before Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance) within the Metroid timeline.

According to the translated summary provided by Nintendo Everything, the developers emphasized that even though Beyond carries on the Prime legacy, it carves out its own unique narrative space. The development team made it clear that the new title unfolds in “another dimension,” dissociating its events from the mainline 2D entries.

This approach allows Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to stand as both a continuation of the Prime subseries and a welcoming entry point for newcomers.

Players new to the series can dive straight into Beyond without needing deep knowledge of prior installments, thanks to its distinct setting and storyline. Nintendo Life’s early coverage noted that newcomers will feel right at home, as the game’s self-contained adventure bridges the gap between past and present without relying heavily on previous lore.

This design philosophy underlines Nintendo and Retro Studios’ commitment to expanding the reach of Metroid’s storytelling, ensuring accessibility for all Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners. As Metroid Prime 4: Beyond prepares to make its debut following years of eager anticipation, Nintendo continues to provide updates on its development and story context.

Should further details emerge about the game’s exact place within the Metroid timeline, official sources and outlets will provide additional clarification.

For now, fans can look forward to an original adventure set between two of the franchise’s most beloved titles, promising both nostalgia and innovation on Nintendo’s current and upcoming hardware.