Nintendo’s recent cancellation of pre-orders for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the Nintendo Switch has ignited a flurry of speculation among fans, with many theorizing about the reasons behind this unexpected move. With a limited number of announced upcoming releases for the current Switch, including Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the cancellation has fueled rumors about the game’s potential future on the rumored Switch 2 console.
The cancellation emails for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond went out recently, surprising those who had pre-ordered the game. These pre-orders, initially placed over seven years ago following the game’s 2017 announcement, were abruptly cancelled despite the game’s anticipated release later this year. This decision has left fans wondering if the long-awaited title might be destined for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Metroid Prime 4
One prevailing theory suggests that Metroid Prime 4 may be transitioning to become a Switch 2 exclusive. While rumors of a native Switch 2 release have circulated, it seems unlikely that Nintendo would completely abandon the existing Switch version.
Another possibility revolves around the game’s price. Previous pre-orders were locked in at $59.99. Given the $69.99 price point of recent titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it’s possible Nintendo cancelled the pre-orders to adjust the pricing strategy for Metroid Prime 4.
A more plausible explanation, however, might lie in Nintendo’s evolving relationship with retailers. Over the past year, Nintendo has seemingly reduced its presence on platforms like Amazon, potentially ceasing to offer physical copies of its games through the retail giant. The Metroid Prime 4 pre-order cancellations could simply be a consequence of this shift in distribution strategy.
Perhaps the cancelled pre-orders are related to Amazon’s policies, and not related to the game itself. Some have noted that Nintendo seems to be moving away from working with Amazon for physical game sales. This transition, observed over the past year, could explain the cancellations, suggesting a shift in retail partnerships rather than a change in the game’s release plans.
Regardless of the underlying reasons, more clarity regarding Metroid Prime 4 is expected soon. Nintendo typically hosts a Direct presentation in February, and if tradition holds, fans might get a glimpse of Metroid Prime 4 gameplay and learn more about its release plans during the 2025 event.
