Amazon Cancels Years-Old Metroid Prime 4 Pre-Orders

Amazon is canceling pre-orders for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and has begun notifying customers by email. Learn more about the game's status and what this means for its anticipated 2025 release.

Amazon Cancels Pre-Orders for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Reservation Charges to Be Refunded

On January 11, 2025, users on Reddit, Resetera, and other online forums began reporting that Amazon was canceling their Metroid Prime 4 pre-orders.

According to screenshots shared by users, Amazon canceled the orders citing "a lack of availability." Despite the disappointment, Amazon confirmed that refunds for reservation charges would be processed within 1-2 business days.

Many longtime Metroid fans expressed disappointment, particularly those who had pre-ordered the game as far back as its initial E3 2017 announcement. It's important to note that the cancellation affects only Amazon's pre-order availability and does not indicate the game has been canceled.

For more details, you can check out our Metroid Prime 4 article.

Metroid Prime 4's Development Timeline

Metroid Prime 4 was first revealed during E3 2017. At the time, Nintendo's director of product marketing clarified that Retro Studios, the developer behind previous Metroid Prime titles, was not involved. Nintendo did not initially disclose which studio was handling development.

Two years after the announcement, Nintendo revealed that development had been restarted under Retro Studios. In a YouTube video on January 25, 2019, senior managing executive officer Shinya Takahashi explained that the project had not met the quality standards expected for a Metroid Prime sequel.

In June 2024, Nintendo showcased a full gameplay trailer during its Nintendo Direct event, confirming a 2025 release window and the official title: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The trailer also introduced the antagonist Sylux, shown leading a group of Space Pirates in an unidentified facility.

More recently, Nintendo reaffirmed the 2025 release date in a news post on January 3, 2025. While Amazon's pre-order cancellation may concern some fans, this official confirmation indicates the game remains on track for release this year.

As the official announcement of the Switch 2 draws closer, it remains to be seen whether Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch on the original Switch or its successor.