It's been basically like 100 years since we've heard that Metroid Prime 4's development started, and this week, Nintendo fans will finally get the chance to experience Samus' latest 3D adventure-- can you believe it's been almost 20 years since Metroid Prime 3? I sure can't!

If you would like to hop into the space journey with Samus ASAP, you can use our release time guide for Metroid Prime 4 below.

Looking for a walkthrough for Metroid Prime Remastere d? Check out our full guide here!

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Global Release Times for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4 Unlock Times

First-party Nintendo game release times on the Switch eShop differ a bit from those of other major titles on different platforms. You see, if you live in North America, the release time for Metroid Prime 4 should be around 12 AM Eastern Time (New York City) on December 4. So, those on the West Coast, like Los Angeles, can start playing at around 9 PM Pacific Time the night before (December 3).

However, in other parts of the world, like London and Tokyo, Metroid Prime 4 will launch on the eShop at midnight local time. To get a better grasp on how it all works, you can check out our handy-dandy release time table:

Location / Time Zone

Release Time

Los Angeles (PDT)

9 PM (December 3)

Denver (MST)

10 PM (December 3)

Chicago (CST)

11 PM (December 3)

New York (EDT)

12 AM (December 4)

London (BST)

12 am (December 4)

Berlin (CEST)

12 am (December 4

Tokyo (JST)

12 am (December 4)

Sydney (AEST)

12 am (December 4)

Auckland (NZST)

12 am (December 4)

Can You Play Metroid Prime 4 Early?

Comes at a Cost

Some Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Fans Can Try The Game Early

There is a way to play Metroid Prime 4 early, but it involves a couple of extra steps (and you might need to pay a little more than the game's original $69.99 asking price).

Since Metroid Prime 4 comes out at midnight local time in places like New Zealand and Australia, Switch owners can theoretically create a new eShop account with either of those regions attached and then purchase digital eShop cards online from said region to then purchase Metroid Prime 4 on the eShop early (if you live in the States).

If you were to live in Los Angeles, for example, you'll be able to play Metroid Prime 4 as early as 3 am on Wednesday, December 3, giving you an 18-hour head start on the game.

You might have to cough up extra money to pay for the eShop cards, but it might be worth it if you're a diehard Samus fan who might want to try and complete the story before most people in the world even get their hands on it.

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5 /10

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
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Action
First-Person
Adventure
Metroidvania
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Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo
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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
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Released
December 4, 2025
ESRB
Teen / Animated Blood, Violence
Developer(s)
Retro Studios
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
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Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Press Image 1
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Action, First-Person, Adventure, Metroidvania

FAQ

Q: What time does Metroid Prime 4 come out?

Metroid Prime 4 will release on the Switch eShop at 9 PM PT on Wednesday, December 3 / 12 AM ET on Thursday, December 5. If you're in a different country, like England or China, it'll release at midnight local time.