After years of speculation and development hurdles, Nintendo finally pulled back the curtain on Metroid Prime 4 during their recent Nintendo Direct presentation. Titled “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,” the first-person shooter sequel promises to bring veteran bounty hunter Samus Aran back in a glorious return to form.

The announcement wasn’t just a confirmation of the game’s existence, but a full-fledged reveal complete with a stunning trailer. The footage showcased Samus exploring a desolate alien world teeming with hostile creatures and familiar foes, including the nefarious Space Pirates.

Fans were treated to glimpses of classic gameplay mechanics making a comeback. The trailer featured Samus wielding her trusty Arm Cannon, unleashing powerful missiles, and seamlessly transforming into the iconic Morph Ball to navigate tight spaces.

However, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” also hints at new gameplay elements. The trailer teased glimpses of what appears to be enhanced visor scanning mechanics and environmental manipulation abilities, suggesting the game will push the boundaries of the Metroid Prime formula.

While a specific release date wasn’t announced, Nintendo confirmed a 2025 release window for “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” on the Nintendo Switch. This long-awaited sequel has the potential to be a landmark entry in the Metroid Prime series, offering a return to familiar territory with a dash of innovation. The wait may be a bit longer, but Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally on the horizon.