Summary
- Metroid Prime 4 has faced development challenges, possibly leading to a total retcon of the series' lore.
- Previous entries like Metroid: Other M saw ignored plot threads, making a retcon possible for Metroid Prime 4.
- Retro Studios may retcon Metroid Prime 4's lore after nearly 18 years since the last game, catering to new players.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of the most anticipated games of 2025, especially with its release date being so close to the launch of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. After nearly two decades since the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Metroid Prime 4 is finally almost here, bringing Samus back into the fray in one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises and series of all time.
While Nintendo and Retro Studios have remained silent about the full extent of Metroid Prime 4's story, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the highly anticipated sequel could retcon all the lore that has come before it for an opportunity to begin anew. After all, Metroid has never been afraid to adjust its timeline, rework characters, or just drop unresolved plot threads altogether, and considering the history of Metroid Prime 4's development, a retcon wouldn't be at all surprising.
Why Metroid Prime 4’s Art Direction Matters More Than Its Graphics
Metroid Prime 4 proves again that great art direction beats flashy visuals, using light, sound, and space to pull players deep into its alien world.
Metroid Prime 4 May Retcon the Series' Lore
Metroid Prime 4 Was in Development Limbo for Some Time and Was Then Rebooted
One of the main reasons why Metroid Prime 4 might decide to go ahead and retcon the lore established by previous entries is that it has now been nearly 18 years since the release of its predecessor, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Since then, it's likely that either series veterans have moved on or forgotten the series' story and a new wave of players has plans to hop on the Metroid Prime bandwagon with the release of the fourth entry. As such, Metroid Prime 4 might wish to wipe the slate completely clean by simply ignoring the lore of the Metroid Prime games that came before it.
Metroid Prime launched in 2002, Metroid Prime 2 in 2004, and Metroid Prime 3 in 2007.
Much of this delay is due to Metroid Prime 4 going through development troubles and then even being rebooted at some point, both of which could contribute to a total retcon. When Metroid Prime 4 was first announced by Nintendo at E3 2017, it was disclosed that Retro Studios, the developer behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy, was not involved in the development of Metroid Prime 4 and had been replaced by Bandai Namco Studios. In 2019, however, Metroid Prime 4's development was rebooted, with Retro Studios returning to the helm.
The Metroid Franchise Is Notorious for Phasing Out Certain Plot Threads
While the fact that Metroid Prime 4 has been developed by Retro Studios might see it preserving the series' lore, the Metroid timeline has never been as tightly defined as franchises like The Legend of Zelda or Halo. Previous games outside of Metroid Prime have introduced plot threads that were either completely ignored or recontextualized, depending on which titles Nintendo deems are more important to the overarching narrative. For example, Metroid: Other M's lore was mostly minimized after the release of Metroid: Samus Returns and then Metroid Dread.
One of the main reasons why Metroid Prime 4 might decide to go ahead and retcon the lore established by previous entries is that it has now been nearly 18 years since the release of its predecessor, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
More than that, however, Retro might just choose to retcon the series' lore due to the amount of time that has passed since the launch of Metroid Prime 3. Starting with a fresh narrative slate would give newcomers a chance to get into the series without feeling overwhelmed or left out by everything that has happened up to this point. At the very least, Retro Studios might have chosen to be selective with what it retcons, perhaps leaving the more complex plot threads in the past to make room for the new. In short, players shouldn't be surprised if Metroid Prime 4 decides to be a reboot of sorts for the series and start things over again for a new generation of Metroid fans.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- December 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Animated Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Retro Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
