Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's "Out Now" ad causes confusion, but the game is not yet available.

Nintendo fans have been anticipating the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for what seems like an eternity. We're talking almost a decade here. This massive cataclysm may occur sooner than any of us thought. Or perhaps a massive advertising gaffe has gotten everyone talking.

If you're anything like me, you undoubtedly did a double take when you heard about a new advertisement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. A Nintendo fan in London discovered this advertisement. It clearly states, "OUT NOW." Of course, this game has been discussed for a long time. It was re-confirmed in February to be released later this year. However, there is currently no set release date. And it's almost probably not available on Nintendo's digital shop right now. So, what is happening?

Naturally, this seemingly harmless advertisement, which appeared at the Oxford Circus station on the London Underground, sparked a frenzy among enthusiasts. They're all attempting to find out if this highly anticipated title will be released as a surprise. Remember how the Oblivion remaster unexpectedly emerged earlier this year? That is what people are thinking about. However, the reality is certainly simpler and perhaps funnier.

The London advertisement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond informs everyone that the game is now available.

Understanding the widespread confusion and speculation among fans online.

For some who may believe this is just a pretty fine Photoshop job, the person who first posted the advertising included other images. They are all from distinct perspectives. These photographs strongly show that this is a legitimate advertisement. It's a big statement to put "OUT NOW" on a billboard for a game that is still in production.

It is unclear how this occurred. We also don't know if Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is actually intended to be a surprise release. Some gamers have a different perspective. They believe that the "OUT NOW" in the ad should have been replaced with a "COMING SOON" or "INSERT RELEASE DATE" cover. When the game is finally released, that cover will be deleted. Given how effective large outdoor advertisements are, this appears to be a plausible explanation.

However, players have noted that the Metroid franchise is no stranger to unexpected releases. Metroid Prime Remastered was revealed by Nintendo in 2023. Then they promptly informed supporters that it would be accessible later that day. In other words, never say never when it comes to the Metroid franchise. Nintendo has a history of pulling these types of shocks. However, given that the game has been in production for nearly ten years and has undergone a complete restart, a true surprise release becomes less plausible. It would be a big issue if they did. The news would spread like wildfire.

A deep dive into the history and development of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

From its initial announcement to the major development restart and new details.

Metroid Prime 4 was first announced during Nintendo's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation on June 13, 2017. Only a short animation was displayed. It displayed outer space with a "4" symbol appearing. A statement stated, "Metroid Prime 4 is now in development for Nintendo Switch." This got fans tremendously thrilled. But then everything went quiet for a while. Too quiet.

In 2019, Nintendo made a major announcement. According to them, the game had been restarted from scratch. Development was transferred from an undisclosed team to Retro Studios. Retro Studios is the studio behind the original Metroid Prime games. This news was quite disappointing for fans. It indicated that the wait would be significantly longer. But it also provided hope. It meant the game was in the hands of the squad that knew the series the best. For a long, nothing else was revealed or spoken about the game.

Then, just this year, Nintendo announced that Beyond will be available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2. This is excellent news for players who may not wish to upgrade their console right soon. The game will transport Samus Aran to a planet called Viewros. She will explore enormous landscapes and face new adversaries. She will also use unknown telepathic abilities. These details sound pretty promising in terms of the type of adventure that players might expect. It suggests a new perspective on the classic formula while retaining the essential aspects that fans enjoy.

While the Switch 2 was a huge success at launch, some reports imply that third-party game sales on the device have fallen short of expectations. Despite high demand for Nintendo's own games, such as Mario Kart World, some publishers claim their titles have not performed as well. So, a big game like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond may be extremely beneficial to the Switch 2's game lineup. It would undoubtedly get more people talking about the next console. A solid performance from a first-party title always helps with hardware sales.

What Does the "Out Now" Ad Really Mean for Metroid Prime 4's Release?

Consider the Most Likely Scenarios For This Odd Marketing Move.

So, back to the "OUT NOW" advertisement. What is the most plausible answer here? Given that VGC, a video gaming news website, went to the London station and confirmed the ad's authenticity, but also observed a similar Mario Kart World banner with the identical "Out Now" slogan, the explanation seemed obvious. It's highly possible that whoever created these advertising merely cloned a template from the Metroid Prime 4 ad and failed to remove the "Out Now" section. This is a common advertising error, particularly when working with several campaigns or worldwide rollouts. It sounds like an oversight.

This doesn't guarantee the game will be released tomorrow. It does not imply a surprise debut in the coming days. While Metroid Prime Remastered had a shadow drop, a primary game in the series, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, would most likely have a longer build-up. Nintendo typically announces release dates for their most important games in a more larger fashion. They want to generate a lot of hype. This advertisement, however, still has a point. The game is receiving prominent advertising among other Switch 2 games that are set to be released soon. This means that, even if it is not "OUT NOW," a release date announcement may be coming shortly. Some have hypothesized that it could occur in August or September. We can only speculate right now.

It is critical to remember the long journey this game has taken. Nearly ten years of development, with a complete reset. Fans have shown incredible patience. The fact that it is receiving big advertising indicates that Nintendo is willing to put Samus back into the spotlight. Whether it is a marketing gaffe or a hint, the game is obviously on Nintendo's mind this year. And that alone excites supporters who have waited so long. I hope to have an official date shortly.