
An advert for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond claims it has already been released, fuelling hope for a surprise announcement.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch line-up might be lacking in first party titles, but the roadmap for the rest of the year could still make up for it.
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch next month, while Kirby Air Riders, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are all slated for 2025. However, the latter, which is a cross-gen release with the original Switch, still doesn’t have a release date.
For anyone anticipating Samus Aran’s next gallivant through space, a new poster on the London Underground might just give you a jump scare.
At the Oxford Circus station, an advert for Metroid Prime 4 is emblazoned with an ‘out now’ sticker – despite the fact it most definitely isn’t.
This has prompted wild speculation of an imminent shadow drop, and while we all like to dream, this is much more likely to just be an unfortunate mistake than a secret hint.
The advert is part of a string of Switch 2 adverts across the tube station, alongside Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. The latter has the correct release date of July 17, while Mario Kart World has the same ‘out now’ sticker in the exact same position as on Metroid Prime 4’s poster, suggesting it could be a copy and paste error.
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Even if a shadow drop is unlikely, the poster does imply the game will be released over the summer (and that those not mentioned, such as Hyrule Warriors, are later in the year). The only other game advertised is Super Mario Party Jamboree TV, which is set to be released on July 27, so there’s a chance Metroid could land in August.
Metroid Prime 4 is set to launch on the original Switch as well as the Switch 2, but this advert doesn’t make any mention of that fact. The upgraded Switch 2 edition will have mouse controls, HDR support, 4K resolution when docked, and run up to 120fps.
It’s unclear when Nintendo could announce the game’s release date, but considering it recently just unveiled a Splatoon spin-off out of the blue, via its Nintendo Today! app, it could happen at any moment.
Earlier this week, Nintendo dedicated an entire Direct presentation to Donkey Kong Bananza, where it revealed a young Pauline, new costumes, and a mode inspired by Mario Paint.

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