Metroid Prime 4 Ad in London Falsely Claims Game is ‘Out Now’
A physical advertisement for the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been spotted in the London Underground, erroneously claiming the game is “out now.” The poster, located at the busy Oxford Circus tube station, quickly gained traction online, sparking both confusion and significant ridicule among gamers.
The ad shows artwork for the game, confirming the full title Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and mentioning a “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.” However, the prominent “Out Now” text is factually incorrect. Metroid Prime 4 has been in development for years and currently only has a general 2025 release window confirmed by Nintendo, with no specific date announced. It certainly has not been surprise-released or “shadow dropped” on any platform, including the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The appearance of the poster led to online speculation and mockery, particularly on Reddit, where users humorously reacted to the supposed “all-time shadow drop” of one of Nintendo’s most awaited titles.
Nintendo Confirms Ad Mistake: “Incorrect”
In response to reports of the misleading advertisement, Nintendo has confirmed that the information displayed is wrong. A spokesperson told VGC that the “Out Now” message is indeed “incorrect.”
“We can confirm that the ‘Out Now’ message on this advert is incorrect,” Nintendo stated. “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition are not yet available, and are scheduled for release in 2025.”
Likely a Template Error
Journalists from VGC visited the Oxford Circus station and verified the presence of the poster with the incorrect “Out Now” claim. Their investigation, however, revealed a crucial clue: a similar poster for “Mario Kart World” (likely related to the Mario Kart series) displayed alongside the Metroid Prime 4 ad also featured the identical “Out Now” message, despite that game also not being released.
This observation strongly suggests that the erroneous listing is the result of a genuine mistake. The most probable theory is that the advertisement agency or designer used a template intended for games that are already released and failed to update the release information correctly for unreleased titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Mario Kart World before publication. Comments from individuals claiming advertising experience online supported this idea, suggesting a simple error in ad placement or template usage.
The ads appear to be part of a larger promotional campaign within the London Underground showcasing titles expected for the Nintendo Switch 2, adding further context to the template mix-up theory.
Significance Despite the Error
While the “Out Now” claim is a clear mistake, the prominent advertising placement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is still notable. It is being advertised alongside other upcoming games strongly associated with the Switch 2, such as “Donkey Kong Bananza” and “Super Mario Party Jamboree TV”.
This high-profile advertising, even with the error, suggests that Nintendo is ramping up promotion for Metroid Prime 4. Given the game is confirmed for 2025, this widespread public exposure could indicate that a formal release date announcement may be closer than fans initially anticipated. It’s highly unlikely that Nintendo would truly “shadow drop” a title of this magnitude and importance, especially one tied to the launch window of its new console, without significant prior marketing build-up. The ad’s existence, therefore, points more towards upcoming news rather than an immediate, secret launch.
What We Know About Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Developed by Retro Studios, the same team behind the original acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for release on both the existing Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 systems in 2025.
Fans have waited a considerable time for this next installment, which was first announced back in 2017, only for development to be restarted under Retro Studios in 2019. While details have been scarce until recently, the game sees players controlling the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran. Reports suggest potential new gameplay elements, such as the development of new psychic powers for Samus, and exploration on a jungle planet called Viewros.
The Switch 2 edition is expected to feature technical enhancements, including support for variable control methods allowing players to switch between standard controls and potentially utilize the new console’s features like Joy-Con 2 mouse capabilities. It is also targeting a high frame rate of up to 120FPS on the new hardware.
In conclusion, while Samus Aran isn’t available for download or purchase just yet, the appearance of her advertising in London, despite the mistake, is a strong signal that Nintendo’s plans for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are moving forward towards its confirmed 2025 launch window.
