Metroid Prime 4, Announced Back in 2017, Has Pre-Orders Cancelled by Amazon

Amazon has cancelled pre-orders for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, notifying customers via email. This article explores the implications and the game's ongoing development.

Amazon Cancels Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Pre-orders

Full Refunds Provided

On January 11th, 2025, numerous reports surfaced across online forums like Reddit and ResetEra, detailing Amazon's cancellation of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond pre-orders. Screenshots show Amazon citing "lack of availability" as the reason for cancellation, assuring customers of a full refund within one to two business days.

While disappointing for some fans who pre-ordered since the game's 2017 announcement, the cancellation doesn't signal the game's demise. It simply means the title is temporarily unavailable for pre-order through Amazon. For more details on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, check out our dedicated article!

A Look Back at Metroid Prime 4's Development

Initially announced at E3 2017, Metroid Prime 4’s development initially excluded Retro Studios, the developer behind previous Metroid Prime titles. The initial developer remained undisclosed.

Two years later, Nintendo announced a development restart under Retro Studios. In a January 2019 YouTube video, Shinya Takahashi explained that the progress at that time "had not reached the standards we seek in a sequel to the Metroid Prime series."

A full gameplay trailer debuted during a June 2024 Nintendo Direct, revealing the game's official title, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and setting a 2025 release date. The trailer showcased the antagonist, Sylux, leading Space Pirates.

Nintendo reaffirmed the 2025 release window in an early January 2025 news post. Despite Amazon's pre-order cancellations, the game remains on track for release this year.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the platform for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's release remains to be seen. Only time will tell if it will launch on the original Switch or its successor.