While we still, unfortunately, do not have a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, we do have some hints that a release date announcement could be imminent. First, there's a playable demo this weekend at a convention in Canada that affirms a 2025 release. Also, the game has been rated in South Korea, and most recently, by the ESRB – usually telltale signs that a date has been locked down.
Speaking of the ESRB, the game will be Rated T for Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence, and … In-Game Purchases. Wait, what? Despite In-Game Purchases referring to the dreaded Microtransactions, that almost certainly won't be the case with Prime 4.
While the phrase "In-Game Purchases" is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine, there's almost certainly nothing to be wary of. Ahead of its release, Donkey Kong Bananza's ESRB rating also featured similar language.
To this point, Bananza has not had any post-launch microtransactions implemented, and there aren't any Bananas for sale. Similarly, Super Mario Bros. Wonder also had a similar disclaimer, though ultimately had no such micros.
So what do these "In-Game Purchases" actually mean? It's likely a necessary disclaimer due to Nintendo Switch Online...
