Amazon Cancels Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Pre-Orders, Refunds Issued
Reports surfaced on January 11, 2025, indicating Amazon is canceling pre-orders for the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Affected customers are receiving email notifications citing "lack of availability" as the reason for the cancellation. Amazon assures customers that pre-order reservation charges will be fully refunded within one to two business days.
This news has understandably disappointed some fans, particularly those who pre-ordered since the game's initial announcement at E3 2017. However, the cancellation doesn't signal the game's cancellation; it simply means pre-orders are temporarily unavailable 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, the project initially excluded Retro Studios, developers of previous Metroid Prime titles. The developing studio remained undisclosed for a time. Two years later, Nintendo revealed a development restart under Retro Studios, citing that the initial progress "did not meet the standards" expected for a Metroid Prime sequel.
A gameplay trailer showcased at a June 2024 Nintendo Direct finally revealed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's title and antagonist, Sylux, leading Space Pirates. The trailer also confirmed a 2025 release window. Nintendo reiterated this release date in an early January 2025 news post, suggesting the Amazon cancellation is an isolated issue.
The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 adds a layer of uncertainty regarding which console will launch the game. Only time will tell.
