Beyond Early, But There's a Catch

Some Metroid Prime 4: Beyond fans can try the game early

Some fans of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can get a special chance to try the game early, although there is a big catch attached to its availability. With the long-awaited launch of Metroid franchise's latest entry less than two weeks away, Nintendo has been giving fans tons of teasers about the game. Nintendo has already shown off an early look at some of the early bosses featured within Metroid Prime 4along with the new weapons and powers Samus can wield. Now a select group of fans will have a chance to play the game early.

Nintendo has built up Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with a lot to live up to for the long-awaited return of one of the developer's classic franchises. Metroid Prime 4 was mired in development hell for years after its 2017 reveal, changed hands to Retro Studios, and even saw a complete reboot in 2019. Nintendo has also billed the new Metroid as an example of the Switch 2's potential, with Metroid Prime 4 is said to run at 120 FPS and showcases the console's graphical capabilities. Some fans will now be able to play an early demo of the game before its release.

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Some Metroid Prime 4 fans can try the game early

Nintendo has reportedly started rolling out demos Metroid Prime 4: Beyond before launch, although the scope of the demo's availability is limited. The demo is available for fans to play at Switch 2 kiosks at select retailers, and the demo is currently confirmed to be available at select Walmart locations. The demo has a time limit of 20 minutes and contains a small part of Metroid Prime 4s prologue, set within a Federation base, is said to be the same demo offered for the game at Gamescom. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled for release on December 4th.

The launch of the demo for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is far from the first time Nintendo has offered fans an early chance to try out its games. Nintendo similarly rolled out an early demo of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment at specific retail locations, allowing fans to sample Zelda spin-off before its official release. The developer will also occasionally release demos of its first-party games through the Switch and Switch 2's eShop, which recently included a free demo of Donkey Kong Banana.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks set to serve as a triumphant return for a franchise that has been largely dormant for years. The last brand new Metroid the game was launched four years ago with Metroid Dread as a return to the franchise's side-scrolling roots, while Metroid Prime would get a remaster in 2023. Recent rumors have also suggested that Retro Studios may have more Metroid remasters in progress, with Metroid Prime 2 and Metroid Prime 3 potentially coming to Switch. Metroid fans should have a lot to be excited about with the latest game's launch less than two weeks away.