Nintendo is gearing up for its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event scheduled for April 2, 2025. This new presentation is expected to showcase a host of titles that will mark the beginning of a new era for the gaming giant's console lineup. However, insiders predict that one notable game, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, won’t feature in this upcoming Direct.
According to well-known leaker extas1s, the beloved Metroid franchise will not make an appearance during the April 2 event. In a statement shared via translation, extas1s remarked, “They are telling me that Metroid Prime 4 won’t have a presence in this Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2.” Despite these revelations, he clarified that he has not received any confirmation regarding whether the game has been delayed beyond 2025 or when more information might be available.
While Metroid Prime 4 appears to be sidelined for now, it seems that Nintendo still has plenty of exciting plans in place. Reports suggest the company may hold a separate Nintendo Direct presentation for current-gen Switch titles later this week, further indicating that Nintendo is keen to keep the momentum going before its Switch 2 launch.
NateTheHate, another prominent leaker, hinted that this rumored Direct might occur on March 27, 2025, as an additional showcase for Switch games. Although the current-gen console is nearing its sunset, there are still numerous titles on the horizon that fans are eager to hear about.
Acknowledging the excitement surrounding the upcoming Switch 2, there are concerns that a Direct just a few days prior might overshadow highlights that could come with brand-new features and gameplay revelations from the new console.
Insider Gaming has learned that Nintendo's strategy for Switch 2 will involve rolling out launch window games through three phases, starting with first-party titles and followed by third-party offerings shortly thereafter. This staggered approach aims to ensure that initial uptake for the device is as strong as possible.
Despite the apparent focus on Switch 2, rumors of another Nintendo Direct to precede it have been met with mixed feelings. Players eagerly await updates on games like Metroid Prime 4, which has seen very little information shared since its gameplay reveal in June 2024. Many speculate that this new entry into the iconic series is being prepared for a cross-generation release and may appear during the Switch 2 Direct instead.
The anticipation for news about Metroid Prime 4 persists, as the game stands out as one of the last major titles expected on the original Switch, making the potential for a reveal significant. Fans hope to see a refreshed gameplay presentation after a long period of silence.
Adding to this, the rumored upcoming presentations have instilled a sense of intrigue amid uncertainty about how they would fit within Nintendo's marketing strategy. While smaller showcases sometimes accompany major Directs, the type of content being presented remains in question. One intriguing possibility is a presentation focused on indie projects or partnerships—a format that Nintendo has used previously to highlight various titles.
Nonetheless, the proximity of another Direct to the heavily promoted Switch 2 event raises questions about its overall impact. Will a presentation this week reinforce interest in titles soon to be forgotten in the shadow of the new console? Or will it dilute the excitement surrounding Nintendo Switch 2? The challenge lies in ensuring that upcoming releases on the original console do not get lost while shifting focus to the next generation.
Historically, Nintendo has launched surprise presentations to build anticipation and excitement, but given the present circumstances, it could make such initiatives feel redundant or misguided. As excitement builds for the impending unveiling of the Switch 2, many gamers wonder if any other titles showcased will fail to gain the traction they deserve at this pivotal moment.
As the buzz continues to build around the Nintendo Switch 2, questions linger about how it may affect the existing titles still in the pipeline for the current-generation console. Gamers are left in suspense, awaiting updates on beloved franchises, including Metroid Prime 4. While the gaming community's hopes remain high for such a showcase, the reality that much attention will be diverted towards the new console cannot be understated.
One thing is certain: as anticipation reaches a fever pitch, fans will have to wait and see whether Nintendo's dual presentation strategy will succeed in keeping excitement alive across both platforms. The question many will ask as April approaches is whether they will find sufficient reason to invest in both titles for the Switch and the new Switch 2.
